When you live in a small space, you have to maximize every square inch. That often includes making the most of any outside space you have available, as Madison Bess of The Blushing Bungalow can attest. Her Florida bungalow is only 696 square feet in size, so the little patio out back is a much-needed space for working, eating, or just getting some fresh air. “While living in such a small space, we’ve learned to utilize the inside and out,” Madison says. “Before we fixed up this space we actually still spent a lot of time out here, but it was… blah. Nothing special, but I knew it had a lot of potential to be great.”
The old owners had left a plain concrete slab, plus their old patio furniture. Madison wanted to give the area a new look without spending too much, so she made it her first project of 2020.
Madison used paint and a stencil to refinish the concrete slab, giving it the look of a peppy outdoor rug. She was able to reuse the old chairs that were left by previous owners, simply painting the black frames white to give them a lighter, brighter look. Along with fresh cushions, they look brand-new. Madison got the chiminea secondhand, too, so all it needed was a fresh coat of high-heat paint. The black rattan side table was a free find Madison painted black.
The rest of the wood furniture was new, but the total cost for this charming patio redo was just $500—a steal for the entirely new look. “This has to be one of my favorite makeovers I have done in my bungalow since moving in,” Madison says. “Being able to have a beautiful space and appreciate it is what it’s all about. Carter, my husband, loves the little fire pit. It really does set the mood.”
Her best advice for anyone looking to redo their outdoor space? “Go for it!” Madison says. “Especially with paint. I actually painted the white chairs green first thinking that was what was going to look the best and it didn’t. But, I am so glad I went with it. Those experiences help me to trust myself.”
This content was originally published here.
