Name: Julie
Location: Tampa, FL
Type of space: Patio
Tell us about your outdoor project and how you enjoy it: Florida living is synonymous with outdoor living. When we bought our 1960's waterfront ranch, we knew we would be spending a lot of time enjoying the beautiful salt water canal and mangrove island at the end of our yard. Thanks to our new patio, we have been lucky enough to spot manatees, egrets, flamingos, ducks and mangrove crabs. What we love about our patio is that it has a cozy loveseat for us to share, yet lots of extra seating for friends and neighbors, too...
How did you create it?
Rather than overhaul the space (we had no money or skills to do that anyway), we tried to work with what was already there: an aging concrete slab. We painted the slab a bright cheery color, installed a gazebo and gave it all the comforts of an outdoor room, like a rug, furniture, decor, and fan. We even added a green feature — solar lights that automatically turn on at dusk.
Recommended store, site, product or resource?
We really love our gazebo from Target and our misting fan from Bed, Bath & Beyond. They help keep our patio cool and shady so that we can enjoy our patio even on the hottest Florida days.
That looks more like an expensive holiday retreat! WOW! I'd definitely count myself lucky to be one of your friends invited over.
view adiaphane's profile
My first thought was, looks like a great place for alligators, even before noticing Julie's in Florida.
view BonivaGScott's profile
Thanks for the comments. No gator sighting yet, but we'll keep an eye out ;) Seriously, this outdoor project is easier than it looks. If we can do it, almost anyone can. There's a step-by-step tutorial on our blog:
(www.pachamamahouse.com). Hope that helps!
view J-Pachamama's profile
Whoops. wrong link. Should be www.pachamamahouse.net! Sorry!
view J-Pachamama's profile