Beautiful Backyard Patio Refresh for Summer

May 20, 2022

Patio refresh and additional seating with a new outdoor sectional and pretty outdoor decor.


We had our spacious backyard patio installed a few years ago, and in the warmer months it is definitely our favorite place to be. (For me, when it's warmer but not too warm.) 😂

I LOVE to entertain and having this area has been absolutely wonderful -- we've hosted quite a few large parties over the years. 

We have our seating around the fire pit, but otherwise the only place to sit on the patio was at our outdoor dining table. Often we'll bring our indoor dining chairs out for additional seating, so we've been considering adding an outdoor sofa for some time. 

I've been working with Big Lots to share some of their awesome home and organizational finds, and this was the perfect time to showcase some of their pretty outdoor decor! 

We budgeted for this purchase over the winter months, but ended up finding a small outdoor sectional that was way less than we expected! We decided on this all weather wicker set that comes with a storage coffee table: 
light gray outdoor sofa

It comes with six pieces and all of the cushions and pillows (the two blue pillows were ones we've had for years). 

We liked that it's modular, so we can change the configuration how we'd like. Now we have it set up as a long sofa, but it can be moved around to create a sectional set up as well.

I LOVE the coffee table -- it's great storage and for putting our feet up for a little outside cat nap: 
outdoor small sofa sectional

Not only does this give us additional comfy seating, but it allows us a spot to lay back and relax on beautiful days. 

But because it was fully exposed to the sun, it was getting a little TOO hot in the afternoons. So we did some rearranging and moved our large umbrella over to that spot: 
large umbrella over outdoor sofa

I had to adjust our DIY cafe patio lights by hanging them a bit higher, but that needed to be done anyway. Over time they stretch just a bit and need to be tightened up. 

That left our dining table exposed, so I was on the hunt for a new umbrella over there. Those "hanging" umbrellas are a big investment, and I wanted to do something a little different anyway. 

I was thrilled when I found this adorable scalloped umbrella at Big Lots
scalloped umbrella over dining table

Ack, I LOVE it!! It's huge too...nine feet so it gives us plenty of shade over the table.

I was so excited about how it was looking, I picked up some outdoor candles, serving ware and dishes to do a little photoshoot -- it's been forever since I've done a tablescape! 

These gorgeous floral melamine plates and bowls go perfectly with the blue tones we have out there:
outdoor blue white melamine plates

Aren't they so lovely? These round braided placemats are just like ours, and I used two of these inexpensive vinyl table runners across the table instead of lengthwise. They are SO easy to clean! Just wipe or wash in the sink. 

I was tickled when I stepped back and saw how pretty it was...I wanted to call some friends for a last minute garden party. If I had garden parties that is:
blue white outdoor table decor


I can't get over that umbrella -- it's just perfect. And...it tilts!:
scalloped umbrella over cement table

I feel like I'm talking about a dress...and it has pockets! ;) 

The Big Lots spring decor finds I shared a couple months ago looked lovely in the middle of the table: 
pretty summer tables cape ideas

The beautiful pitcher is one of my favorite Big Lots finds ever: 
simple outdoor summer table

Those hobnail cups were calling my name...I can't resist a good hobnail. They also have shorter cups in that design as well. 

The pretty embroidered outdoor lumbar pillows fit perfectly on the end chairs, but also look great on the sofa!: 
blue and white chairs cement table

And those woven basket candles are battery operated -- I love the larger size! 

I also picked up some serving items that we'll be putting to use all summer. The large galvanized bucket is only $13 right now!: 
DIY potting bench party serving

And that metal two tiered tray will be perfect for get togethers both inside and out! The large serving dishes are melamine and match the dishes on the table. 

I shared how I restored our weathered cedar potting bench earlier this week -- you can see here how great it is for entertaining too: 
DIY cedar bench for entertaining

This DIY bench used to be where the new sofa is, but having it under the eaves of the house will protect it a bit more. We like having it right next to our grill now too!

Every time we sit out here, one of us says how lucky we are to have this space. It is truly our little escape from the world...we absolutely love it: 
outdoor sofa with large umbrella

Now we can enjoy all of our seating areas at night and in the middle of the day!
cement patio decorating ideas

We saved a TON by going with the most basic poured concrete for this patio over doing stamped or aggregate cement. 

I'm SO glad we saved there -- it gave us the opportunity to add the pretty decor and furniture, which is what I love more anyway!  :)

It seems like it takes forever to get everything out of storage and set up each spring, but it's SO worth it!: 
DIY cafe lights over patio

I hope our patio gives you some inspiration for your outdoor spaces! I still have a ton of ideas for our backyard...but we're taking our time and enjoying the small transformations year to year. 

This post is sponsored by Big Lots, but all opinions are my own. I only work with companies and I know, love and would genuinely recommend to you.


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Comments

  1. Wow! It all looks so pretty! I didn't know Big Lots had such nice outdoor furniture but will have to check them out. We bought our basement sofa from them a few years ago and have been really pleased with it l.

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  2. What a beautiful oasis. I would love to have this in my backyard. I like your plain concrete!

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  3. Where did you get the dining chairs at your outdoor table?

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    Replies
    1. They are from Target but are hard to find now. Big Lots has very similar ones that I linked under one of the photos above!

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  4. I love every single thing about your outdoor space! It is a DREAM. Our patio is small, our deck is TEENY and now I wish so much we had just done a large patio with a trellis above. I will be getting some of those chairs and the lumbar pillows too. My colors outside are blue and white with orange flowers so these are all perfect. PLUS, I have a Big Lots 15 mins. away!! Thanks for this post!!!

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  5. Did you reference the source for the large moveable umbrella near your seating area?

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    Replies
    1. We got that at Lowe's years back, but they still have them.

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