Outdoor Living: Porch/Patio Freshen-Up

As the weather warms up, we’ll all start heading outside, and there’s no better spot to soak up some sun and spring air than your own backyard. (Plus, thanks to COVID-19, we should all be spending most of our time “staycationing” at home!) If your patio or porch style is suffering, take advantage of the time at home to give it a quick freshen-up to make it that much more enjoyable. You may be surprised what you can do with just a little time and money.

• Wash winter away. Dust, grime and mildew build up on surfaces, furniture and cushions during the winter months. A thorough cleaning can vastly improve the appearance of your outdoor space, and all you need is a little elbow grease. Wipe down furniture and cushions, and give decks or concrete a power wash. If you don’t own a power sprayer, borrow one or rent one from your local home improvement store. If you don’t want to do either, the spray nozzle on your hose will remove the top layers of grime. To get rid of mildew on cushions, mix a solution of 5 parts water to 1 part bleach in a plastic spray bottle and cover each cushion with a fine mist. Follow with a good rinse. (Test a small area on the back of a cushion first to make sure your solution is not so strong it affects the color. And note: Continual use of even diluted bleach will cause colors to face.)
• Add some appeal. A pretty pattern or solid color underfoot can liven up any space. The same is true outside. Many companies offer a wide selection of inexpensive outdoor rugs, including an array you can find and order online. Made from materials specifically designed to hold up in the elements, they are durable, can be quickly and easily cleaned with only water, and some also resist fading.
• Pretty comfy. Dress up your outdoor furniture with new cushions to keep seats comfortable and stylish. Choose those made from outdoor fabrics that are water and fade resistant. They come in a variety of colors and patterns and can last a year or two or more, depending on whether your space is covered and how much use they get.
• Light it up. Evening is the perfect time to enjoy your outdoor space. Consider adding up-lighting to highlight a pretty bush or tree in the yard near your porch or patio. Or set out candles to add a soft glow. Enclosing a candle in a lantern will keep it from blowing out in a breeze. Choose citronella candles and get the extra benefit of mosquito control.
• Paint perfect. If your outdoor furniture is looking a little tired, give it new life with a quick coat of paint. It’s one of the most inexpensive ways to transform a piece that’s still functional. Make sure you remove any rust (if it’s metal) and completely clean each piece. Then paint it with an outdoor spray paint that’s appropriate for the material. Basic black and white are timeless choices, but a splash of bold color can be fun and really wake things up. Also keep your eyes open at flea markets and yard sales for old wrought iron pieces. No matter how bad its finish looks, if it’s not broken, paint can make it like new.
• Mirror, mirror. If your outdoor space is bordered on any side by a wall, consider hanging a larger mirror or series of smaller ones. It will give the illusion of more space and amplify light. And we love vintage! Look for mirrors with a some age specks in the finish. Even a few small chips on its edges are okay; they add character.