Patio Inspiration

Summer is just around the corner, and I have been trying to think of ways to spruce up our little patio. I'm feeling really inspired by this patio I saw in last month's Sunset magazine. And the best part? Everything was done for under $600 by stylist Jennifer Barguiarena. Instead of a metal door for the table like Jennifer used, I'm trying to find an antique door and put a piece of glass on the top. Or this Ikea table with some mismatched chairs.

Materials:
4 ceramic pots (30 inches) on sale from Jackalope Pottery – $334
4 bamboo poles and plastic pipe from a hardware store – $31
Canvas drop cloth and tent hardware from the Home Depot – $30
Sheet metal top from a supply company – $33
Folding chairs from eBay – $64
Old door (table top) – $0
Pipe table legs from a hardware store – $76

A dropcloth with a grommet at each corner forms the top; it’s attached with S-hooks to lag screw eyes at the top of each pole. Each pole is inserted into a 2-ft.-long plumbing pipe (2 inches in diameter), secured in the pot with gravel.
Total: $568

Artificially “age” pieces: An old table with nicks and patina has character; it sets the stage for a relaxed space. “I wanted to create the beautifully aged look of an old zinc bar on the cheap,” says Barguiarena, who nailed sheet metal onto an old door and aged the metal with salt and vinegar.

Shop in hardware stores: A painter’s drop cloth makes strong, durable tent fabric. And plumbing pipes plus a part called a bell reducer make convincing table legs.

Keep it flexible: All but the pots are lightweight and can be moved easily, clearing the deck for another look or a different kind of party.

All photos via Sunset Magazine