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Before & After: This Weed-Infested Patio Got a $1,000 Makeover and Is Now a Relaxing Retreat

published about 1 hour ago

Credit: Elaine Wittert

Whether you have a small, cool patio or a huge backyard with a pool, you should be making the most of your space. (Summer is in full swing, after all!) Of course, like renter Elaine Wittert, you may need to do some work before your patio can become viable.

“It was a completely wild, overgrown space that was filled with weeds,” Elaine says of her outdoor space. “I even began to feel embarrassed about what my friends and neighbors thought when they saw it.”

But Elaine knew that there was potential there, and with a little TLC, she could turn the weedy area into a usable hangout.

Credit: Elaine Wittert

First, Elaine hired a landscaper to clear out all the grass and overgrown weeds. Once she could see how much space she had, Elaine measured the area and started researching patio furniture options. She decided on the Äpplarö collection at IKEA , which she used to create a seating area that features a wood dinin g table nestled between a bench with a backrest and two reclining chairs (just $460 for all of it).

Credit: Elaine Wittert

For a bit of color, Elaine purchased bright blue seat cushions and matching umbrella from Home Depot, then picked a coordinating area rug and whimsical sea creature-patterned pillow covers . In total, she was able to spend less than $1,000 on the whole space.

Credit: Elaine Wittert

After living here for more than 20 years, Elaine feels like she finally has a beautiful sanctuary where she can work, relax, and entertain. Elaine and her husband share meals outside, and her friends come over every Friday night for happy hour drinks. “Even my neighbors approve,” Elaine says. “This patio project has completely changed the way I feel about my apartment.”

Inspired? Submit your own project here.

This post originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: Before and After: $1,000 Later, This Weed-Infested Patio Is Now a Relaxing Outdoor Retreat

Savannah West

Home Assistant Editor

Savannah is a master binge-watcher and home cook. When she's not testing new recipes or re-watching Gossip Girl, you can find her on Facetime with her grandma. Savannah is a news producer turned lifestyle blogger and professional homebody. She has a bachelors in journalism from Clark Atlanta University, a certification in Digital Storytelling and is earning her Master's degree from Harvard University. Savannah believes every day is a good day and there's nothing good food can't fix.

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Source : food