Dedicated to simple decor ideas - especially in white! - inspiration for living simply,
reusing what you have, and scouring for vintage or thrifted finds. Some of my own DIY projects described here too.


Wednesday, July 15, 2009

My tiny, but now color cohesive, finished patio

Here is my latest finished project: my patio, just a little slice of outside for us and the kids - as evidenced by the sandbox in the right hand corner (really quite a life saver for me as it can occupy them for a while : ) ).

While I was trying to make the chandelier work, or place it on Craigslist, as it only fits outside, I also wanted to create colour cohesion throughout my small space, following the interior to allow the eye to travel outdoors. To achieve this, paint was needed! Items that were black had to lighten, so I painted the Ikea Noresund table grey. I used Tremclad grey primer. My thought was if grey wasn't it, then I could go with white on top. But, it turns out, I like the dull grey.

My inspiration for a grey table came from one of Judith Wilson's fantastic books, The Natural Home:

Particularly this metal table from Wilson's book:

Et voila, here is my table, along with breakfast and coffee. The dish is Ikea, and the cup is from my new favourite line of Sophie Conran Portmerion pottery. I love the texture the pottery. It feels like its just thrown off the wheel.




The plant stand after 15 years is beginning to rust and needed a face lift. Here it is before. But I did not use metal paint - especailly spray paint - that was an unenjoyable toxic experience. So, I just mixed some blue and white latex for a chipped, beachy feel. I won't mind if it chips some more. Who knows, maybe next summer I'll paint it another colour? At any rate, I think I've achieved some colour flow, and that crazy chandelier works a bit better than before.

14 comments:

  1. Wanted to welcome you to my blog and thank you for the little note that you left there. Your patio looks great! I always love a touch of blue used in any outdoor space. Come visit again , as I would love your thoughts on todays post.

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  2. Happy Saturday Sharefest! (sorry I'm late) :-)

    I love your patio, it's very warm and inviting!

    ~ Sandy

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  3. I just joined sits too and found your blog! I love your blog and just had to join your followers! take a look at my blog http://www.inspireddesignsbyfaith.blogspot.com/ I will soon have a spot where you can advertisement for FREE on my blog so be sure to check back soon!

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  4. Welcome to SITS! It's great to have you in the SITStahood!

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  5. I like the crazy chandelier! You've created a lovely place to sit and relax..

    Stopping by from SITS to say "welcome." I know that you will enjoy being a part of this vibrant community of bloggers!
    carma :-)

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  6. What a fun spot you've created for yourself. I love it. Popping over from SITS to welcome you aboard & hope your day is great.

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  7. What a perfect little morning coffee spot!

    I came by to welcome you to SITS! We're happy to have you with us!

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  8. It is absolutely darling. I would like to live in this tiny space. How 'bout it? ;o)

    Stopping by to say welcome to the SITS community!

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  9. The patio looks beautiful.

    Welcome to SITS!

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  10. It's just adorable!

    I'm dropping by from SITS Welcomistas to welcome you to the family!

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  11. Oo-la-la! I love it! I am totally into the "shabby chic" look, however, the fiance isn't too keen on it. You know, he thinks it's "too girly". I figured if I tried something like this on our porch, he would be okay with it. Love what you've done here. It's fantastic!

    Stopping by from SITS and wanted to welcome you to the SITStahood! So great to have you on board!

    Love,
    Taryn

    http://www.lovetaryn.blogspot.com

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  12. Welcome to SITS! We are excited to have you!

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  13. Wow you really did a fab job. Great pictures too!
    Stopping by to give you a warm welcome to the SITStahood. We are so glad you could join us and look forward to seeing you around!

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  14. So pretty! The pink is just the right accent color, you did a grea job. Just stopping by from The Secret is in the Sauce, we're so glad you joined! I'm with the Welcome Wagon" and know that you'll love our fun, crazy group! Welcome, welcome!

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