Bare Backyard Becomes a Stylish Outdoor Oasis for Gathering With Friends

Social media influencer and designer Patti Wagner helps two roommates create the perfect patio for wine nights in their hip Minneapolis neighborhood.

August 06, 2021

By: Kelly Smith Trimble

Show: Rentfluencer

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Photo By: Canary Grey

Charming Paver Patio Framed by Cafe Lights

The large, flat backyard behind Brit and Haley’s rental home was ideal for creating a gathering space, but it needed Patti’s vision to get it there. A simple paver and gravel patio anchors the space, framed by charming string lights mounted from posts. An outdoor sofa and upcycled benches provide plenty of seating around a central fire pit.

Watch the Video: Brit and Haley's Patio

Before: Awkward Arrangement

Before the makeover, Brit and Haley had placed the furniture in the spot outside, but the ground was uneven, the lights weren’t over the furniture and the arrangement lacked the appeal needed to truly be a gathering place.

The New Gathering Place

Now, Brit and Haley plan on spending much of their time in this outdoor room, until Minneapolis winters set in. Their dog, Gracie, loves hanging out on the patio too.

L-Shaped, Dark Gray Outdoor Sofa With Plush Pillows

The L-shaped, dark gray outdoor sofa is ideal for multiple reasons: It provides plenty of seating, and it also frames a corner of the patio, anchoring the area. Brit likes pink and Haley likes neutrals, so Patti split the difference with ivory throw pillows featuring subtle texture and pink tones.

Shop: 12 Outdoor Sectionals for Every Style and Budget

Before: Dingy Benches and Fire Pit

Brit and Haley had the sofa, benches and fire pit before Patti came in to transform the area. They just needed to be brightened up with paint and accessories.

White Paint Does the Trick

Painted white, the benches feel much more inviting. Patti also showed the roommates how to give pots a textured paint treatment by adding a bit of baking powder to the paint before applying.

Posts and Planters Frame the Space

Patti added legs to the existing window boxes to craft raised planters. The planters contribute more color and life to the area while also giving structure to the patio area. The cafe lights are hung from posts set in concrete in whiskey barrel planters.

Pavers and Pea Gravel Make the Patio

Patti and team made the patio area, with landlord permission, out of natural-look pavers and pea gravel. Before laying the stones, they installed a weed barrier to keep the area low-maintenance. A paver path also leads to the house from the patio.

First Wine Night of Many

After the reno day, Brit, Haley and Patti break in the new patio area with a wine night to celebrate.

Watch the Video: Brit and Haley's Patio

Bare Backyard Becomes a Stylish Outdoor Oasis for Gathering With Friends

Related To:

Shop This Look

Charming Paver Patio Framed by Cafe Lights

Before: Awkward Arrangement

The New Gathering Place

L-Shaped, Dark Gray Outdoor Sofa With Plush Pillows

Before: Dingy Benches and Fire Pit

White Paint Does the Trick

Posts and Planters Frame the Space

Pavers and Pea Gravel Make the Patio

First Wine Night of Many

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