Mid Mod Patio Update

So I recently shared with y’all that Carleton and I took the plunge and bought ourselves a house. We were so excited to immediately buy all new furniture and remodel all the bathrooms, but then the toilets all backed up and we had to fix the plumbing. Then the sprinklers broke. Then the pool heater broke. Then I found roaches in my kitchen. The list of expenses goes on and on, sigh. So for now we decided to focus on our favorite part of our new home: the outdoors. We live in Los Angeles, where it is supposedly “fall,” but it was 110 degrees last week. In Southern California, especially in the valley where we now live, a deck is basically another room in your house almost year-round. We have been hosting weekly pool parties, and we really want to make this space beautiful and functional for entertaining and also just for our family days hanging out at home. So here’s a few “before” pictures. This is the long view of the area I’d like to make into a sitting area. house-before-2-copy There’s an opportunity here for some seating and/or storage. Maybe a nice bar type thing where that bench is? house-before-31-copy This is where the couch and hopefully a dining table will fit. house-before-5-copy And over here is the entrance to my master bedroom. I’d eventually like to get new doors but for now I’m imagining a fire pit seating area. house-before-72-copy And new sod, or something. This grass is a hot mess. house-before-83-copy

And here is my inspiration board. Mid Mod Patio Inspiration I’m working on the gardening, pulling out the dead stuff and adding some local drought-resistant plants, and re-designing the furniture, layout, and outdoor lighting with the help of Lamps Plus. I’m really excited to share with you the after pictures! I’m working on it now, wish me luck! Here are the items I’m thinking about…

Mid-century Modern Patio Update Inspiration

1. I started by purchasing some lust-worthy towels from Pendleton in this black and white pattern immediately upon moving in, as you can see in my post “A Random Assortment of Good Things I Bought One Week After Moving Into My New House.” Los
Ojos Spa Towels, $49 from Pendleton USA.

2. I’ve looked at every possible outdoor sectional on earth, and I like this one because the wood mimics the deck, and it has a natural feel to it. Though I am considering another one, which i will ask for your opinion on below, I think I might like the wood more? What do you think? Nathan Natural All-Weather 4-Piece Patio Conversation Set, $1,439 at Lamps Plus

3. I have had two of these criss-cross wood and metal stools from Lamps Plus for a few years. I don’t need them indoors so I think they will make perfect outdoor end tables, with a coat of sealer on the tops.

4. The pool and deck have holes drilled into them to hold patio umbrellas, and we certainly need shade. I like these for the color and the wood construction (and the price is right). Doreen Natural 9′ Wood Market Umbrella, $79 at Lamps Plus

5. Over by the diving board, I have this fantasy of sitting around a fire pit making s’mores with Scarlet and Carleton. I’m loving so many outdoor fire pits, but this fire pit has a modern look that I think works with the house. Anson Dark Gray Steel Wood-Burning Round Fire Bowl, $499 at Lamps Plus

6. I’d like to block the view of the solar pool heater with something, maybe a fountain? Bonus points for the nice sounds they make. I thought I would plant something there, but it turns out there’s all sorts of pipes and things underground that shouldn’t be disturbed. This one looks natural and like it would make water-music. Glacial Rock Zen Water Fountain with LED Lights, $169 at Lamps Plus

7. As you know, I’m super into gardening, and feel I could literally blanket my yard in potted succulents, so I think a potting bench is a good call. I like the simplicity of this one. Brooktrails Outdoor Simple Potting Bench/Console Table, $119 at Lamps Plus

8. I have one of these sika loungers…I don’t think they are supposed to be used outdoors, but I have had it for five years outside and it’s stood up well (probably because it almost never rains here), and it’s great to have a lounge chair by the pool so I want to keep it. Michelangelo Daybed from Sika Design.

9. I like these two chairs for a little sitting area near the pool or under one of the bedroom windows. I like them because they are weather-resistant vinyl so you can sit on them with a wet bathing suit, and they are a pretty cute little pair. I got these Luna White Outdoor Accent Chairs Set of 2 from Lamps Plus, but they seem to be sold out. There are some similar sets in the Outdoor Seating category

10. I’d love to string some lights over the fire-pit area by my master bedroom. I think with some quality outdoor lights and the help of an electrician, I can make this happen. These look sturdy and attractive. Aspen 24 Clear-Bulb 48′ Indoor-Outdoor String Light, $79.95 from Lamps Plus

11. I also have a sika chair. I’d like to keep this thing as well because it’s ridic comfortable. Monet Chair from Sika Design.

12. I need a big, giant, huge door mat to absorb all the water running of wet children’s bodies as they run into my carpeted house from the pool. This thing is huge and thick and I’ve always been a fan of the greek key. Imperial Greek Key 2’x3’3″ Beige Coir Door Mat, $69 at Lamps Plus

13. This is just pretty, right? I love candles and I’m just feeling this hurricane. Gold Net Basket Pillar Candleholder, $39.95 from Lamps Plus

So that’s what I’m thinking for my yard. The sod is being pulled up today and the transformation will begin. I’d love all of your opinions, but my current hot question is: Which outdoor couch do you like better?

There’s the Nathan Natural All-Weather 4-Piece Patio Conversation Set, that I’m leaning toward, but there’s also the 6-Piece Modular Outdoor Sectional Sofa Set that looks very modern and weather-resistant as well? Or do you see something even better in their outdoor seating category?

Well… I’m looking forward to your thoughts, and to sharing a great before-and-after reveal in the coming weeks!

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2 Comments

Molly

Lamps plus has outdoor furniture?! I love your new home and your inspiration board is drool worthy and now I want an outdoor sectional and that fire pit! If I had to choose, I would go with the wood and metal. It does mimic the deck. Ok, gotta go buy that fire pit before it sells out!

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