Let’s begin by sharing a pretty picture first, before the ugly ones burn your eyeballs. Sound good?
I thought you would agree.
This week, I worked on a little makeover for our back deck.
To say it was in sore need of some lovin’ would be an understatement.
Things were lookin’ super ugly.
Case in point. Here is Ugly Stepsister #1.
She’s old, ripped, ragged and needs a fast pass to the nearest dumpster.
How did things get so bad?
Well, I usually spend 6 weeks of the summer in Nova Scotia, so I can REALLY ignore this ugly mess.
Except this year…I am home and I have to look at it every day!
No. Thank you.
Please view Ugly Stepsister #2.
Old, peeled, weather beaten, and rotten in some spots.
Our deck is somewhat large, so every spring, either Ron or I vow to paint this big sucker…but summer goes by and neither one of us has gotten into action.
I think that we are both so intimidated by this painting project that we end up just avoiding it.
Well. Avoid no more.
I have come to the realization that we should hire this job out.
For 8 summers, we have been saying, “I’m painting the deck this year!”
Just. Doesn’t. Happen.
Right now, I am in the process of hiring painters to come tackle this job for us.
To be honest, if this deck is going to get so little attention, we may as well hire professionals to do a darn straight job to begin with.
To start the makeover, I embarked on a little shopping trip this week.
I like shopping for outdoor items this time of year because {happy voice} clearance sales.
Yup. Things are at a greatly reduced price right now.
I managed to find these new brown chair cushions for just $16.94 each at Superstore.
I though they were perfect…a nice neutral brown.
The square pillows were $3.94 each and I loved the blue and green pattern.
For less that $85, I got rid of Ugly Stepsister #1 completely.
Things look so much better already!
While at Superstore, I also picked up 6 round rattan placemats for $2.50 each.
I have looked at them at other stores many times, but the price was much higher than $2.50.
And see those cute little turqouise petal bowls?
They were 44 cents marked down from $4.00 each.
I said, “SHUT UP!” and threw 6 in my cart to make the table pretty.
So for less than $100, I gave the deck a little makeover to make it into a space that we want to spend time in.
This afternoon, I used it as my blogging office.
And with this little project done, I am so excited to move on to the next step.
Hopefully, soon, I will be able to share with you the demise of Ugly Stepsister #2.
Share the Love!
Absolutely stunning! I love the aqua! And your hurricane centerpiece with the shells is too cute!
Looks wonderful! Can't wait to see how you finish it up!
Sometimes it's just those little changes that can make a big difference, Angie! You got some great deals; hopefully, they will extend to the painting of the deck! : )
its lovely, cozy and inviting 🙂 Great deals.
Looks awesome! We love blogging outside as well. Different environment is awesome!
Very pretty and I love the colours. Great deals too.
Great makeover! Can't wait to see Stepsister #2 all done!
You got some great deals! I'm heading to superstore – lol. Your deck looks great and can't wait to see what other changes you have made 🙂
love love love those bowls!! I need new cushions on my outside chairs, still debating making them, as I havent found any cheap ones here……
Everything looks fabulous! Great job!
wow! stunning ! you are really talented!!
Lior 🙂
What a great makeover! It will really help you get some enjoyment from your time outdoors. And…I'm off to the Superstore to get me some dishes! 🙂
Love your new "office." It IS the perfect place now. Gotta love the Superstore! I think I have to head over and look for some of those petal bowls!
Gorgeous make-over and I love your blog 🙂 newest follower. Can't wait to see what's next
Angie, it certainly looks fabulous. Love the touch of aqua!
oh well done – well done on the deck transformation and well done on enticing me to go to Loblaws to look at their outdoor stuff. You got yourself some great bargoons.
The new stepsisters are AWESOME!!! Love the turquoise bowl!! I own apple green ones just like it!! I got them as a gift 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!!
Beautiful!!! Enjoy your updated space. Megan
I would love to have a deck…but I think I would not take care of it as much as it needs to.
Very beautiful! I love the colors of the pillows and place settings. I'm not a fan of painting decks myself, glad your hiring it out! Enjoy your deck the rest of the summer!
Great little makeover! And I'm so jealous of your rattan placemat find.
Love all the bright colored accents! What a difference! I'm sure you will enjoy every minute spent out there now! Hopped over from Wow Us Wednesday and I'm happy to be your newest follower. Would love to have you stop by for a visit. Blessings ~ Judy @ http://www.vintagestreetdesigns.com
Hi Angie: I love the teal and chartreuse accents you used on your deck makeover–very pretty!
These are adorable!! Hope you can link them up at my trendy tuesday party going on right now!! http://www.sweetlittlegals.com/2012/07/trendy-tuesday-10.html
I love your deck. I am hosting a Giveaway to win a 50 dollar gift card to the store HomeGoods. It would be great if you stopped by and entered. Thanks Anu
This is beautiful, I love all the details you put into it. Enjoy relaxing, working, entertaining!
(found you via Jen TT&J)
Your porch is looking beautiful Angie! What a great place to blog! Don't you always love the seasonal sales at Superstore? I just picked up a cute ice cream bar set. Wish we had those little bowls out here! Thanks so much for coming out to the party at Clean and Scentsible. I'll be featuring this today. Enjoy your Sunday!
Jenn 🙂
wow – amazing what some colorful accessories can do! and isn't working wirelessly awesome – what a great place to blog!
This is stunning! I would hang out out there all day. I popped over from I Heart Organizing–thanks for sharing!
~Abby =)
I think it was only the chair that looked ugly. The rest are looking fairly good, particularly once the said charis were replaced with those wonderful set of chairs and table. Good job on the makeover, Angie! David @ DAL Builders