OUTDOOR FALL FIX-UP!

Traditionally, my husband and I take the third week of September off - and this year was no different. Thankfully, we were able to stay with family for a few days, for a much needed get away I might add. I have tons of new photos to share later this week from our time spent up in Georgia. It was so incredibly nice (to be OUT of Florida) and inspired the spirit of Fall - right down to the crisp morning air, sipping coffee, and watching the horses as the sun rose... When we came back, I worked my last two days organizing the showroom at Granite Transformations, I made a list of upcoming projects I'm working on, I got my first client for a townhome re-design down in Doral, and I gave our home a few more fall touches (in addition to the branches). One of the areas getting a fall fix-up was our back patio... 

Since the South Florida rainy season is winding down, it is a great time to get outside and take care of weathered outdoor areas - like the garden, metal furniture, and exterior painting. We had stained our paver patio over two years ago, and it needed refreshing... not to mention we were starting to have an issue with annoying ants - so restaining after we cleaned and sprayed should help. Ironically, the stain is sprayed on with a bug spray applicator, and then back-rolled to even it out. My husband sprayed, using an old poster board backing at the edges. I back rolled, using a paint roller attached to a broom handle. I put too much pressure on the roller and it snapped - so we taped it back on to hold it in place.

Jeff sprayed - I back rolled to even out stain.

Wood stain used as concrete stain along edge.

Prior to re-staining the pavers and repainting & de-rusting all the outdoor metal pieces over the weekend, I re-stained the faded concrete edge by using a jacobean wood stain (I already had from refinishing the thrift buffet in the dining room). I simply applied it with a sponge on a stick along the edge, and dry-sponged over some of the edge pavers, to help give it a richer look for the end result.

Patio last year

Replaced wicker chair with thrift store find

earlier this year (only $30!!)

Grinding, sanding, priming before painting.

The wire brush helped smooth the surface.

Goggles worn for safety.

We had had our roof cleaned back in June. The chemical residue started to cause some serious rust on the metal furnishings (and even killed a few plants & ruined my fave black tee - ggrrr) Since everything was already removed off the patio Saturday afternoon, I thought it would be a good time to repair & repaint the pieces to refresh their look. My husbands Gator game was on, so I had fun grinding off rust, sanding a smooth finish, applying a heavy-duty primer, repainting repaired pieces and even refreshing some older pieces. While I moved everything back into place, the hubs grilled us a mean and delicious beer chicken on the grill (yum!)

Cushions: Pier 1 on clearance

Back pillow: from sofa

Orange pillow (used inside for fall last year): Home Depot clearance

Lower right shot is neighbor's patio - which was the same style

we had when we moved here in 2006.

The pops of orange also give a pop of color relating to inside.



I added some outdoor & indoor cushions for added color POP and comfort. For more color, I would have liked to have added fall mums, but no one down here seems to realize it's September and time for fall blooms. So I did the next best thing, and picked up some faux fall flowers yesterday at Michael's (actually got to us double coupons on sale items and got additional discount off entire purchase!!). I cut the stems and shaped the arrangement into a nosegay, taped up the end, and stuck it into some small back containers I had in the garage. Our patio faces north, so the sun won't fade them - plus they'll be able to be reused.

Grapevine pumpkin: Thanksgiving tablescape 2007

Rattan lanterns: used on dining room chandelier 2009

Amber glass tealights inside sq. candle holders: BigLots $1.50

Fall faux flowers: Craft store sale: 2010

I miss fall up north.... with its change of leaves and weather. But adding these simple touches to our patio helped give us a Faux Fall For Florida. I hope you had a great week last week and weekend - working on your DIY projects, home improvements, or fall cleaning to make donations or get ready for a fall garage sale!

I'll be linking up this project to:

Between Naps On The Porch - Metamorphosis Monday

The DIY Showoff - Project Parade

Under the Table and Dreaming - Showcase Sunday

It's So Very Creative - Blog Hop

Domestically Speaking - Countdown To Fall Party!

Tools Are For Women Too! - Kinda Crazy Link Party

Stop by and see all the other wonderful weekend projects - or post your own!!