In this post: If you’re looking for patio ideas to update your outdoor decor, you’ll love this transformation using new patio accessories.⇒
I don’t really think I’m fickle.
Rather, I just think I like to fine tune when it comes to decor.
Almost every room in our home I had decorated when we first moved in four years ago, and I’ve spent the last year making changes. By and large, they’re not sweeping changes, but they nonetheless have made a great impact. For the most part I’ve kept the furniture the same and retooled a lot of the accessories. This had helped keep costs in line, yet allowed me to refine the character of each space.
So, when the weather began to warm, it was time to take a fresh look at our outdoor decor.
It’s not that I didn’t love the blue and white patio accessories (which you can see HERE). They gave the patio a wonderful cohesive look which exuded its share of elegance. But it’s just not where my head is at right now.
The blue and white chinoiserie had a tailored and crisp look. More classic and maybe a bit English formal.
My home instead is becoming more relaxed in that washed and neutral linen kind of way. I wanted it to read more casual and French, although a newer townhouse deck is never going to look like a gravel patio in the French countryside.
Still, I wanted a softer color palette, with lots of plants and the chippiest of planters. (Check out my mood board of patio ideas, along with the evolution that got us to this point, in THIS POST.)
The other thing that drove me nuts was the flat and boring window that dominates the wall connecting the patio to the house. My ever-so-simple solution was to add hanging basket planters to the side molding of the large window. The brackets have a charming farmhouse patina and the trailing plants soften the view.
We have a french bistro table and chairs that was perfect to stay in place. It’s where I love to sit with my morning coffee and all it needed was a distressed clay pot planter.
The easiest update is always to change out the throw pillows that dot the sofa. I went very soft and tranquil, keeping in mind the palette of the flowers that I planned to plant in the varied pots. A rugged knubby weave throw is perfect for summer and captures the character I was going for.
I had thought about changing the side tables, along with the patio coffee table, but when everything else was in place, it wasn’t necessary at all. The teak coffee table has not weathered well, but I may simple refinish it later in the summer. For now I solve that when guests come, simply using a pretty linen table runner.
I chose a tonal palette for the plants, ranging from pale pink to soft purple and blue. I didn’t want anything to jump out in a harsh way, opting for serene and cool in color.
Of all the new patio ideas, without a doubt the most significant change was the selection of a neutral outdoor rug. Its tendril-like motif feels more feminine to me that what we had before, and it anchors the gentle style of the new decor.
While I think it looks quite different, in reality all I changed was the pillows, the rug and the planters. It’s amazing what a transformation you can achieve with only new patio accessories.
I so enjoy going out on the patio now and delighting in our new outdoor decor.
Patio Ideas Resource List
To get the look, click on the items below for direct links to the products. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options.
(This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.)
IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
- Updating The Patio With Summer Color
- Outdoor Fall Decorating Ideas: Serving Hors d’Oeuvres on the Patio
- How One Piece Can Pull Your Patio Decor Together
- Adding Summer Style With Outdoor Accessories
- Preparing The Patio For Summer Entertaining
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What is the source of your sectional sofa? Is it comfortable?
It was from Ballard Designs and was called the Sutton Sectional Sofa. It is comfortable, but is no longer available, which is why I linked a couple of similar options.
I love your new rug. I am changing my décor also to a neutral pallet. I have a few pops of color but for the most part sticking with the neutral and natural look.
Thank you! I love the neutral too, because I can change the color direction every year with either the plants I choose or adding a pillow or two… 🙂
Your patio is beautiful. I’m sure it is a great place to have tea in the morning before starting your day.
How comfortable and beautiful! I think having some upscale furniture mixed with the rustic old world pieces is very chic! You have done a wonderful job!
I loved the blue and white, also love the chances you made looks very relaxing.
Thanks for sharing, always look forward to your blog….
Beautiful setting! I have a deck just like yours & have gone from navy blue to neutral colors also. The hanging basket softens the scape. Where do you store all the pillows & cushions when it rains?
Thanks, Sharon! The cushions are Sunbrella, so we keep them outside all summer. Sometimes hubby will bring the pillows in if it will be a big rain, and in that case, they usually just sit on the kitchen floor behind the table… lol! For the winter, though, we bring all the cushions in and store them in a closet in the basement.
The African Violets on the table seem to be ailing. I hope they are not in full sun, the leaves are scorched- they prefer bright filtered light and like to dry out between waterings. I love the changes to the patio but its funny how so many bloggers have transitioned to a blue and white color palette this year and you are embracing neutrals. I love how relaxing and unassuming neutrals make a home. Keep up the great inspiration- and please take care of those violets! LOL!