3 Affordable Ways to Spruce Up Your Outdoor Living Space

Does your deck or patio need a facelift (or maybe just a shot of botox)? Dressing up your outdoor living space doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are a few budget-friendly ideas for adding some style to your space: 1. Update your patio set with a new umbrella, cushions, and pillows. You can completely revamp the look of your deck or patio just by changing out the fabrics. We suggest going with solids for your cushions and accenting with pillows in varying patterns and prints. Have fun with the fabrics and don’t be afraid of color. Orange, teal, and lime green are just a few colors that look great outdoors. For affordable cushions and pillows, try Target, TJ Maxx HomeGoods, and Kirklands. For a new umbrella, you can’t beat this steal we

found at Academy Sports & Outdoors. Their Mosaic 9’ Round Market Umbrella is only $34.99—and it comes in 11 different colors! If your table and chair frames are in bad shape, you may be able to spray paint them for a fresh new look. But if the time has come to replace the set, try to hold out until later in the season, when you’ll get the best deal. 2. Add some life with flowers and plants. Planting flowers and foliage is an age-old decorating tool that is both beautiful and affordable. First, find some stylish and unique planters in varying shapes and sizes. Then choose flowers that you enjoy. You’ll be the one watering and fertilizing them all summer, so go with the flowers that you like best. Group the flowers by various sizes and pack your containers full of annuals. You can also plant different flowers in the same container. Try creating a color theme that compliments your house and outdoor furniture. For example, for a sizzling color palette of red, orange, and yellow, try Marigolds, Lantana, and Geraniums. For a more cool color palette of purples and blues, you may try Petunias, Angelonia, and Hydrangea. Throw in some low maintenance plants like succulents, which are disease and pest-resistant and require little water. Accent your space with a few hanging baskets (don’t forget a liner)—Bougainvillea and Mandevilla are perfect for the summertime. You may need to shop around for the best deals on your flowers. Lowes, Home Depot, and even Kroger often have great specials on different flowers each week, you just have to catch them at the right time. But also stop by your local nursery, where you can usually find low prices and a large selection. 3. Create ambience with outdoor lighting. Lighting can make your outdoor space so much more warm and inviting. Solar lighting is a great solution for outdoors- it’s eco-friendly and you don’t

have to worry about any additional energy costs. These solar LED light packs from Home Depot include 6 lanterns, rods, ground stakes and shepherd’s hooks for $69.97. You can also take your lighting to the next level by concealing low-voltage, mini-lights under steps, railings, or benches. If you’re having an outdoor party, hang some globe string lights overhead, like these by Room Essentials, available at Target for only $12.99. These are the lights that you often see at restaurants or outdoor dinner parties on TV. And don’t forget when dining al fresco, put a few candles on the table. They not only add warmth to your outdoor décor but can also keep away those pesky bugs. Try a few of these decorating tips, then sit back and enjoy a refreshing cocktail (see our recipe below) on your revamped deck or patio.