Even though we’re officially in the month of August, that doesn’t mean the outdoor gatherings are ending anytime soon. In fact, most of us will find any excuse to host a get-together or dine outside when the weather continues to permit, especially into the fall season if you can get away with it!
Recently, I’ve been inspired to help redesign the back patio of my parent’s house. We NEVER use it because it has given us zero motivation to make something of it. Given the rest of our outdoor spaces appear substantially well-manicured, it’s time this awkward area of the home gets with the program.
BEFORE
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To redesign our sad little patio, only one place that came to mind when determining where I’d get everything needed to make this space the most desirable spot outside the house – Sickles Market.
Wait til’ you see what kind of magic happened here…
As you can see, the back patio was screaming for attention & a redesign. We hardly use this space because 1) it gets too hot during the summer, and 2) why would we in this condition..? All the more reason I was inspired to give it a full face lift, turning it into a backyard oasis; an outdoor room inspired by the beach of home with a modern twist of NYC in the details.
DESIGN PROCESS
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When developing the design concept, I wanted to focus on bringing the indoors outside keeping in mind that this space will represent both a suburban, beach town patio as well as an outdoor space you might find in the city.
Like any design process, first step is going to the drawing board. By sketching out the patio and xeroxing several copies, I was able to physically map out the layout developing in my head, while adjusting my design the more I drew it out.
By breaking the patio up into “areas” I was able to focus on exactly what I wanted to bring to each space to make them stand out independently, as well as ensure they appeared as extensions of one another by design.
Right from the get go, I suggested the idea of hanging lights to create a roof to help enclose the void of too much open air above the patio. We had industrial lights in the basement that can be hung up through the beginning of winter, making this concept 100% worthwhile.
After we got these lights up, it was AMAZING how much they changed the look of the patio alone. I’m so happy we decided to go for it; it makes a world of a difference!
SETTING UP
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Several days before we planned to stage the patio, I visited the Garden Center at Sickles Market to determine what kinds of plants I would like to incorporate into the design. One thing I knew for certain is that I wanted them large & tropical, and placed in coordinating pots that meshed well with the overall concept.
After determining how many plants I would need, where they would go, and what kind of planters they would be displayed in, I awaited for them to arrive the day before our shoot through Sickles Market at-home delivery.
Not only was this scheduled delivery ON TIME AT THE HOUR, but the Sickles delivery guys, who came to help lift and place each plant and piece of furniture in the desired areas I predetermined, couldn’t have been kinder and more professional. Their assistance and positive attitudes made such a difference during what is normally considered a rather stressful situation – lifting large plants in breakable pots is no walk in the park.
Adding two outdoor rugs – one large & one small – at perpendicular angles made another huge difference when turning this patio into an outdoor room. They served as imaginary walls that separated each decorated space of the patio, as if they were dedicated, independent rooms. Alike the hanging lights that act as a ceiling, these two rugs assisted in providing somewhat of a makeshift grounded floor.
Having a color scheme & theme in mind made selecting decorative pieces much easier to go about. The Gift & Kitchen Essentials Department at Sickles Market had a huge assortment of table runners, placemats, & napkins that matched the aesthetic I was after so perfectly. I ended up going back & forth between several items because I wanted to incorporate them all!
One of my favorite finds was this black & white checked table runner that happens to be made of paper – which is also perfect for wrapping gifts. I love the modern NYC twist these black and white colors have on this otherwise standard “summery” print. I’m also obsessed with these oversized banana leaf placemats & how they looked on top of the runner.
THE TABLE SCAPE
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Bringing together two entirely different concepts didn’t prove to be as much of a challenge as I originally anticipated. Having a strong color scheme established in the beginning definitely assisted in the design result of the table scape.
To incorporate a subtle beach vibe, we placed a floor length, burlap table cloth over the wood table. Not only did it match the beige color found in the outdoor rug (all by coincidence) but it also served as the perfect blank canvas to style the rest of the table on.
I love playing around with prints, which can be easily mixed together as long as they match in color. I found these gingham placemats, round wicker table settings, and plastic sand dollar plates in the Gifts and Kitchen Essentials Department; all three styles helped to balance each other out by serving as alternating canvases for one another.
Adding solid black napkins with wicker rings & black and white outdoor pillows to each of the chairs helped to balance the gingham placemats. The table is completed with a sunflower arrangement that boldly stands alone while still appearing seasonally appropriate for late summer & into early fall.
This trial-and-error alternation of beach-to-city proved to be a great way to style this table, allowing it to stand as a strong representative of the two design concepts I was striving to bring together.
THE SEATING CORNER
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This area of the patio happened to prove itself as a cozy seating corner, tucked away and surrounded by large leafy plants. I found this cute wicker chair in the Lifestyle section of the Garden Center and by adding a soft blue throw, the style contributes a beachy vibe that clicks well with the slated pots of tropical plants staggered in (3) different heights.
We brought the indoors outside with the incorporation of a rustic display shelf, which held various succulents and locally-inspired home decor found in the Gifts & Kitchen Essentials Department that best represent my NJ hometown & surrounding local neighborhoods.
This cozy corner acted as the perfect space to tuck away with a small group. With separation assisted by the smaller outdoor area rug, we all were able to catch up with one another in a more secluded space despite the open arrangement of the patio.
THE BAR & FOOD SCENE
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No outdoor soirée is complete without delicious food & tasty beverages, duh!
During the summer and into the fall season, our family loves to entertain friends outdoors & take advantage of the weather while it lasts. Given our patio doesn’t have a dedicated ‘bar area,’ I got creative when making my own versions to display both the catered food trays & assortment of beverages.
The most delicious cheese plate courtesy of Sickles Market Catering Department.
We definitely tasted the rainbow thanks to this Assorted Fruit Plate courtesy of Sickles Market Catering Department.
Did I mention this unbelievable Filet Mignon with Horseradish Plate, again courtesy of Sickles Market Catering Department?
One word for all three catered plates: YUM!
Given our patio has this outdoor sink, I figured it would serve as a unique way to chill and display the beverages!
AFTER CELEBRATIONS!
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I invited some of my closest friends & their families over to enjoy the revamp of our back patio. The evening was such a hit! Everyone loved the design and appreciated the excuse to extend the weekend a little bit longer on a Sunday night.
The redesign of our outdoor patio into a modern beach living space was all possible thanks to Sickles Market! There’s no other place in my hometown that serves as a one stop shop for all things lifestyle, while providing you with a intimate shopping experience that aims to satisfy all of your expectations.
With the ability to serve your every need, Sickles Market is the place you go to curate all the good things in life. I love how I was able to get everything I needed to redesign our patio at just one place; beautiful plants and outdoor furniture from the Garden Center, decorative items for the table & shelf from the Gift and Kitchen Essentials Department, and delicious food trays for our guests from the Catering Department.
Sickles Market has earned not only my trust, but the loyalty of local customers since 1908. There’s a reason they return for more and with one visit, you’ll understand why!
NOW IT’S TIME FOR A GIVEAWAY!
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Sickles Market is giving one lucky winner the chance to win a $250 gift card to use for that outdoor project you’re inspired to get started on, or an upcoming event that requests the most delicious assortment of food, or any treat-yourself occasion you definitely deserve, just because!
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GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Prize: $250 Sickles Market Gift Card (does not expire)
Open to Enter: Today through August 31, 2018
*We advise you only enter this giveaway if you’re a local resident of the Monmouth County area.
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RULES OF ENTRY
Enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter portal below.
There is (1) required action of you in order to enter the giveaway – follow @sicklesmarket on Instagram
*You MUST follow @sicklesmarket through the platform below, as it asks you to include your Instagram handle for verification of completed entry.
You may also perform the optional actions for additional entries to increase your chances of winning!
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BEST OF LUCK!
Special thanks to Sickles Market for sponsoring this post!
Had such a fun time celebrating in the space. I would love to do something similar (with your input!) if I won the gift card.
What are the patio dimensions?
Copycats want to know.
Love this space!! I would love to add more flowers and decor to my backyard with the gift card!
So cool! Sickles Market is amazing and the their staff is the BEST!! To Be Bright looks sweet!
Love it! The rugs are a great idea! The plants were a great addition as well. Very well done!