Handmade Home: Creating My Dream Patio
Today decor8 columnist Anna-Malin is back to visit us from Sweden sharing her recently redecorated patio. I love seeing how people treat a patio space – some fancy tables and chairs with a big umbrella, others add a water feature or fire pit and still others incorporate hammocks or even build a koi pond. It’s amazing to see the difference from patio-to-patio as you browse magazines and books for outdoor spaces, isn’t it? I think you’ll love Anna-Malin’s patio because it’s more of a second living room and lounge space for relaxing, reading and entertaining during the warmer months and can take her straight into the Autumn. I’ll let her take it from here…
Hello everyone it’s Anna-Malin! For my June column I wanted to share my newly decorated outdoor patio because I am very proud of it and feel that it could be an inspiration to many of you who are unsure as to how to decorate your outdoor space. Last summer my husband and I built a wooden frame in the backyard to create a room in our garden area (below). Since we have full sun in our yard all day long we needed a place with some shade for relief! On top of the wooden frame we put branches and twigs to create a rustic, natural ceiling. On the concrete wall to soften it a bit visually, we added a shelf and some wood for vines.
This year I bought new furniture — a sofa, a big round table and a chair — all in bamboo. I wanted the feeling to be calm and relaxed
so I added a lot of pillows in a mix of patterns, shapes and colors and I store them when I’m not using the patio to protect from fading and water damage since they are not waterproof. I also bring in the sheep skin when I’m not using my patio. A sheer panel (below – you can’t see it in the photo above) not only looks pretty swaying in the breeze but filters the light as well.
By mixing the bamboo furniture with my old white rattan armchairs and a really old bench from the flea market, I achieved the feeling that I was looking for – rustic, modern, clean and very “me”. I like to have a space that feels very personal, even outdoors. The string of lights were added to the fence to give a warm glow at night and lanterns create a romantic ethnic bohemian vibe in the evening along with some good tunes from my iPod.
With beautiful weather finally here, this my favorite place right now, especially in the evenings with lots of candles, a cup of tea and a good book. I hope my outdoor space inspired you – do you have a place in your backyard to create something similar? Do you already have a patio that you’ve recently redecorated? You can link it in your comment if you would like to show and tell!
I’ll be back in July with another Handmade Home story from you, until then, goodbye! Anna-Malin Lindgren.
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June 14th, 2011 at 4:52pm
Seriously this is on.the.money! So good, Anna-Malin. I love the bulb lighting chain and the graphic mix of black and white stripes. The billowing drape sets the scene beautifully, too.
June 14th, 2011 at 4:53pm
This is a truly stunning patio! It’s a place to go and just relax at the end of the day, or the middle of it, if you’re lucky! :-)
Beautiful pictures. Love the mix of different elements.
xo
Luciane.
June 14th, 2011 at 4:56pm
If it was mine, I would never go out from there.Very good!
June 14th, 2011 at 4:57pm
What an amazing space, I think that I would be content to sit there all day, everyday.
June 14th, 2011 at 5:06pm
Oh, this is amazing! Love the clean and relaxing look of this patio!
June 14th, 2011 at 5:17pm
Ohhhh my! I love this so much. We have a screen porch with some similarities to this, but i’ve been dreaming about creating a pergola made from branches for the far side of the yard. My husband would like the stronger structure of this version, and i like that it’s still rustic-looking. Love the shear curtains as well!
June 14th, 2011 at 5:35pm
Gorgeous! I adore this space!
June 14th, 2011 at 5:42pm
I absolutely love this. This is exactly the kind of space that I would like to have in my yard. I’m envisioning an outdoor room with mosaic pavers on the floor and a beautiful arbor with grapes growing over it. Unfortunately, I can’t show you a picture yet but you’ve definitely inspired me.
June 14th, 2011 at 5:57pm
Dreamy! I love the simplicity of it. The decor turns it into a retreat! My husband and I have been planning to build a similar structure in our backyard — now I’ve got the perfect inspiration! Hope it looks as great as this one!
June 14th, 2011 at 6:00pm
Such a beautiful patio!
June 14th, 2011 at 6:01pm
You have such a lovely place <3 It looks so cosy and summery. I can imagine how beautiful that place is with candels when it's getting darker. Enjoy your time there:)
June 14th, 2011 at 6:02pm
I love this patio space! I’m just in the process of setting up our patio for the summer and was glad to see the sheer panel since I’m considering a similar treatment. The accessories really cozy up the space – I’d love to spend a lazy afternoon out there.
June 14th, 2011 at 6:22pm
Just lovely! Thanks so much for sharing – I’m planning a little front deck and this is great inspiration! Two years ago we converted our carport into a little lounge with comfy furniture and a fire table – it’s my favorite place to hang out but there’s no sun, so time to create a spot in the front of the house :)
June 14th, 2011 at 6:44pm
Wow, I love it! I love the bamboo couch and I can imagine sitting there a warm summer night enjoying a mojito :-)
June 14th, 2011 at 6:56pm
I am in love with that top photo of the patio… And i happen to have a thing for lanterns. Ah, summer!
June 14th, 2011 at 7:04pm
I have to agree with all of the comments, this patio is beautiful! The black and white with small splashes of color looks absolutely fantastic. So serene, I would never want to leave either.
June 14th, 2011 at 7:12pm
Reminds me that I need to get moving on mine! Been dying to host a backyard fete outside but June Gloom’s been rearing it’s ugly head in SoCal…here’s to the promise of a better week! Gorgeous inspiration!
xo-Julie
Peace. Love. LOL!
June 14th, 2011 at 7:26pm
Perfection!
:)
June 14th, 2011 at 8:32pm
This is such a wonderful space!
June 14th, 2011 at 9:00pm
Wow it’s gorgeous! I would love to spend a long weekend sipping tea and reading a good book in a light summery breeze on that patio…
June 14th, 2011 at 9:33pm
Gorgeous!!! Would love to sit out here listening to music with friends! x x x x
June 14th, 2011 at 10:05pm
Oh Anna! You created the most perfect outdoor living space, love, love, love it!
June 14th, 2011 at 10:25pm
wow! I thought I was watching some magazine pictures! great photos and design! so calm and relax.. perfect!
June 14th, 2011 at 10:50pm
Love the space Anna Malin created. I think I have seen it on her blog before maybe.. or some of it ;) Love the fact we also choosed the same page in the same book to lay open for the picture … I always have my book open at that same page ;)
June 14th, 2011 at 11:54pm
Simply lovely. Thank you for sharing!
June 15th, 2011 at 1:39am
So beautiful and airy! I love it!!!
AllGlamThings
June 15th, 2011 at 2:01am
Lovely, just lovely! Does your furniture stay outdoors? I would love to redo my patio but it’s huge and I have nowhere to store furniture or even coverings. Any ideas?
June 15th, 2011 at 2:12am
totally divine!
June 15th, 2011 at 3:44am
I could start the morning with a cup of coffee and sit all day until it was time for wine!
Such a beautiful and relaxing space!
June 15th, 2011 at 4:02am
I have an undercover outdoor area, that I have done nothing with. Each year I tell myself that I will for summer, but it continues to very dull with nothing but an outdoor table and chairs. I use the excuse that I rent, but that is a ridiculous reason for not making a nice space – I do inside, so why not outside too? Thanks for making me think about it again. :)
mj.
x
June 15th, 2011 at 4:52am
Lovely patio Anna. I feel I want to be invited by you and we can enjoy a glass of wine during twilight or just a cup of tea to enjoy a morning sun would be perfect too :).
I wish I have privilege to have patio then absolutely I will steal your idea to decorate mine :). I wish you enjoy the good day at your patio.
June 15th, 2011 at 5:47am
Beautiful set up. I especially like the glass lantern, that is right up my alley. Did you find it at a flea market or was it in a shop?
Cheers~Ivy
June 15th, 2011 at 6:35am
Great spot! Looks very comfy! I wonder where I could get the strings of lights, here in the states. Lighting can really make a difference!
June 15th, 2011 at 7:54am
I just realized how many times I have scrolled up and down ooogling at this lovely space-at least 10! I wish I could just climb thru the computer screen right into it and chillax! I need to do some fluffing so this was ever so inspiring as I have lots of ideas flowing now, thank you for your lovely column.
June 15th, 2011 at 8:11am
I’m bookmarking this for when I redo my patio. *sigh. Yet another instance when I wish I could copy+paste in real life.
I especially love the balance of solids and textures of the natural wood ceiling, fence and wicker.
June 15th, 2011 at 8:26am
what a lovely patio!
below is a photolink to my little sliver of paradise.
i began the project three summers ago when i bought this little house.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dawnhouser/5627534966/in/photostream
(scroll below the photo for ‘before’ photos and more ‘now photos’)
it was a brave move after a sad divorce and shoveling rock by the wheelbarrow and planting my future garden truly healed my soul. it is funny how you can’t feel how hard your heart hurts when your the rest of your body is in pain, too. :)
superlovely patio work! i want that string of lights.
June 15th, 2011 at 8:42am
What a gorgeous outdoor space! A great example of how to create a whole new room in the garden. I love the mix of textures used – bamboo, twigs, sheepskin, wood, the metal and glass of the lantern – they all work together so well to create a space that really connects with nature. Very inspiring!
June 15th, 2011 at 9:08am
lots of inspiration…love especially the cane sofa and big lightbulb fairy lights
June 15th, 2011 at 9:10am
I love all! (I must remember about the nice effect of a sheer panel swaying in the breeze!)
June 15th, 2011 at 9:39am
The full effect of this space is exquisite. Love the black and white graphics and the creative way you softened the back wall. This is bohemian done right. What a gloriously peaceful space.
June 15th, 2011 at 9:43am
Very luxurious and relaxing! I love the bare globes too.
June 15th, 2011 at 10:22am
Unfortunately, i don’t have a garden or any place to create a patio. But this one is really beautiful, seems like a dream come true.
June 15th, 2011 at 10:22am
BEAUTIFUL! I want all of it please…so inspiring.
June 15th, 2011 at 11:19am
This is so lovely !!! I would really like to have such a patio, too!!
June 15th, 2011 at 12:00pm
This looks just incredibly pretty. Very well done. Enjoy your cosy space!
June 15th, 2011 at 1:31pm
Wow, this is stunning! Totally inspired to create something like this in my garden :)
June 15th, 2011 at 4:09pm
It looks lovely. Dreamy indeed, with a wonderful mix of different elements. :)Ada
June 15th, 2011 at 5:09pm
It looks delightful. Thanks for the pictures. I am working with a client now on creating a sunroom and outside patio at the river and you have given me inspiration!
June 15th, 2011 at 5:24pm
This is totally my dream patio. It’s almost unfair. I have no backyard even to have a patio of any sort. I am dreaming…
June 15th, 2011 at 6:59pm
*swoon*
June 15th, 2011 at 7:03pm
Really inspired! I love it :)
June 15th, 2011 at 7:52pm
I love your patio…makes me want to curl up with a great book\magazine!
Lisa
June 15th, 2011 at 8:34pm
I’ll come join you and enjoy your patio! :) I love to how you explained why you did what you did. It definitely gets the wheels turning over here.
June 15th, 2011 at 10:28pm
Anna –
So lovely. I keep “pulling the plug” on my patio decoration because of RAIN. Seriously. What do you do with all of the lovely decorations when it rains? Run outside & bring them all in? What if you’re out when the downpour begins? Do you have a outside storage box?
Help!
-E
June 15th, 2011 at 11:08pm
Absolutely gorgeous and so very calm & relaxed. I adore that couch and table…just perfect. Where did you get them, Anna-Malin? I also love the inspired cover over the wood frame. Perfection….
xo
Melis
June 15th, 2011 at 11:42pm
I love this patio! Looks very relaxing! We are wanting to spruce up ours as well.
June 16th, 2011 at 12:10am
Hi!
What a wonderful pictures, keep up the good work!!
//Daniel
June 16th, 2011 at 12:29am
The place looks really nice!!! That’s some really good taste!!!
I wish I had a stylish place like this too.
June 16th, 2011 at 1:00am
See you soon at the ABC in Amsterdam http://vosgesparis.blogspot.com/2011/06/selby-at-my-place.html
June 16th, 2011 at 4:24am
your outdoor space reminds me of my own. Like Anna, I spent as much time i can outside ( Canada has a long winter like Sweden) I would like to show you pictures of my own backyard. Have a great summer.
Nancy
June 16th, 2011 at 5:25am
Anna’s patio is truly a dream!! It’s one of the best I’ve seen and I just love, love those black and white pillows and the wicker furniture. :)
June 16th, 2011 at 7:07am
What a lovely patio – it looks soooo chillaxing:) Great job to Anna Malin!
On another note, i just wanted to say you got a great blog Holly, i just found you yesterday and kept going way way back to your old entries,hehe. I find your blog very inspiring and with great photos, totally makes my day all bright and shiny! I’m glad i found you, will defo come back for more:)
Cinz
June 16th, 2011 at 7:09am
oh dear lord this is heaven! I am sort of falling in love more and more as I scroll down the pictures. I love all the little details that you’ve incorporated! At some angle it looks english, at some point it looks bohemian, and at some point it looks moroccan! I love that!! I hope you dont mind me sharing your patio on my blog, because it is just so amazing and i am so going to throw parties with this patio as my inspiration :)
June 16th, 2011 at 11:02am
Wow, this is gorgeous. It looks like a little slice of garden heaven! My outside space is all wooden decking so I can absolutely use this as inspiration to transform it for the summer!
Thanks for sharing,
Chloe xx
June 16th, 2011 at 1:14pm
Yes Please! I want a relaxing patio like that so I can sit back and do absolutly nothing! :)
June 16th, 2011 at 3:06pm
Love it!! Looks like a perfect place to relax.
Have a lovely day!
Darija
June 16th, 2011 at 3:49pm
This is so so lovely. It looks like a great place to hang out! Thank you for sharing, I’ll definitely be coming back for inspiration.
We want to do something similar, but my struggle is that we have a very large yard and I feel like there is no anchor point. I don’t want it to just look like a box in the middle of my yard, especially because the view from the back deck overlooks the entire yard rather than being level with it. I just think it might look funny, although I’m hoping to resolve this issue after planting some ornamental trees. :)
June 16th, 2011 at 5:26pm
Beautiful! I love the fabric blowing in the wind!
June 16th, 2011 at 7:46pm
I love all the fabulous spaces everyone has! I just finished re-doing our front porch and I am so excited with how it turned out
http://eakahouse.blogspot.com/2011/06/stylin.html
Now I just need to get to the back yard. Definitely drawing some inspiration from here!
June 16th, 2011 at 10:20pm
We are wanting to redo our patio, so I am taking in everything from this post. Looks so relaxing…this is great inspiration!
June 16th, 2011 at 11:45pm
Gorgeous patio! I love your choice in pillows. And those wicker chairs too! That’s my favorite look for an outdoor space.
June 17th, 2011 at 3:24am
Hi there Holly,
i left u a msg earlier but not sure if it got thru. Anyhow, i just wanted to say you got a great blog going on here!!! It’s very inspiring and it brings a smile to my face. You got me looking into design related stuff again and that is just what i need right now in my life, something that triggers my passion or road to self discovery:) I just kept flicking thru your past posts yday,lol!!! Great photos and a lot of great finds of other creative arty people:) I’ll be back for sure!
Cinz
June 17th, 2011 at 7:47am
Very cool patio! Makes me want to redo my tiny balcony! :)
June 17th, 2011 at 1:25pm
Oh Ann-Malin what a gorgeous job you did on your patio! It is stunning and totally brag worthy. I would be inviting guests over non-stop if I had that patio. Love it.
Meagan
Row House Nest
June 17th, 2011 at 2:03pm
fabulous space!
June 17th, 2011 at 3:32pm
Such a delightful space! Easy and relaxing makes for the best patio/outdoor room.
June 17th, 2011 at 3:47pm
It’s really wonderful, a very little paradise, i have with your blog a lot of ideas to my home, thanks you very much and sorry for my bad english, french people aren’t the best english speakers :-)
June 17th, 2011 at 3:54pm
This is divine! Aren’t the outdoors just your favorite room in the house?
June 17th, 2011 at 6:04pm
Beautifully put together! I adore my little deck, but it is nothing compared to yours! Although, I too have a big Morrocan-style lantern for those cozy evenings :)
June 17th, 2011 at 6:36pm
This is simply stylish and I want to sit right there with the summer breeze and enjoy the outdoor air – I love it.
I only have a small balcony and share a communal garden and this is what it looks like : )
http://sisterbatik.blogspot.com/2011/05/summer-with-wild-roses-and-fox-gloves.html
June 18th, 2011 at 12:32am
Stunning! I would spend all of my time out there. Nothing would get done in the house or away from home.
June 18th, 2011 at 12:56am
Lovely photos and a wonderful space. Not much chance of using our patio this summer as we are still struggling to get over 14 degrees (with rain). Hopefully we will get an Indian summer and I shall turn my mind to creating a fun space too.
June 18th, 2011 at 7:35am
Love the patio! You have definitely inspired me, thank you!
June 19th, 2011 at 4:23am
Just lovely! I’d love to sit out there with my latest read and relax!
June 19th, 2011 at 5:44am
What a great space! I love using curtains in outdoor spaces. It’s just lovely!
June 19th, 2011 at 8:25am
she is such an amazing, tallented, stylish woman.
everthing she does she does to perfection.
(-:
June 19th, 2011 at 4:00pm
wauw, what a fantastic space!! The atmosphere is really cosy and relaxed. I like the bamboo furniture. Looks like what I had when I lived in Cameroon. Instead there I had it in the house, which I really liked.
June 20th, 2011 at 4:32am
What a gorgeous patio! I love it!!!
June 20th, 2011 at 4:43am
How beautiful! I love how modern and clean it is. Although my style is different, I Love this! You inspired me to take some pics of my favorite spot- my front porch.
http://thedeshashow.blogspot.com/2011/06/front-porch-love-with-special-guest.html
thanks for sharing!
June 20th, 2011 at 5:31am
Wow, a simply beautiful outdoor space.
June 20th, 2011 at 11:29am
I love this combination, it achieves the rustic style with soft romantic, great indoor/ outdoor feel and what great cushions!
I have been looking for some of these lloyd loom style chairs myself, for a bed and breakfast room I am styling- they look great with big comfy cushions on.
:)
June 20th, 2011 at 8:14pm
I do love how clean your style is for your patio. I think a patio should be relaxing and a special place for you to get away from the world and I think you created the perfect oasis of style :)
June 21st, 2011 at 1:41am
Oh I love it.. so relaxing..
June 21st, 2011 at 11:20am
I am in LOVE with your frame and branches! Is it possible to get a tutorial on how you pulled it all off?
June 21st, 2011 at 9:36pm
Just looking at these whimsical images of a fabulous summer day makes me wonder where our gorgeous, often too hot weather disappeared to – we here in the southern hemisphere are in the thick of a wet and cold winter. Enjoy your summer weather and wonderful patios.
June 24th, 2011 at 3:57am
It looks so cozy! I want to copy everything and plunk it in my own back yard.
June 26th, 2011 at 5:18am
this certainly has inspired me – i’ve just boght a sprawling 60′s pad, and man did they love their patios back then. lots of great ideas here, thanks!
August 20th, 2011 at 5:37am
Love this! This is a patio I would enjoy coming home to.
I love comfy outdoor spaces.
January 21st, 2012 at 7:24pm
This might now be one of my dream patios! I love how she created an outdoor room that appears as comfortable as one might be indoors. Beautiful use of fabrics and accessories. A wonderful place to linger for sure.
May 2nd, 2012 at 6:54pm
this is such a beautiful little patio! perfect fit for summer time…cozy, light and bright. Beautiful work! where did you purchase the bamboo couch, i want to find something similar in Toronto, canada.
November 1st, 2012 at 9:00pm
That’s just perfect.
April 7th, 2013 at 11:09am
Bamboo patio furniture are proven to be one of the best to relax with, nice choice, it is really a nice idea to make them a part of your dream patio.