Asian-Inspired Patio

An Asian-inspired patio brings the good life outdoors.

Design on a Dime : Episode DOD-1904 -- More Projects »
Pat and Lorna Kochakji are looking for an outdoor retreat that will also be a fun space for their young son Liam. The homeowners would like a coherent style to replace their mismatched items. The Design on a Dime team turns the covered patio into an Asian-inspired outdoor living room for less than $1,000.


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Before: All Function, No Style
Previous:
The Dilemma
While the homeowners have an idea of what they'd like their patio to look like, they are unable to create it with the furnishings they have. Their choice of style would be tropical island that also ties into the natural setting of their backyard. And while they're at it, the patio is also in need of lighting; all those rice paper lanterns are merely decorative.

For all available product information, click on the After photo of the room.




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After: Asian Aesthetic
The Solution
With low seating and an olive green and teal color scheme, designer Lee Snijders coordinates the furnishings to create a streamlined, high-end Asian style. Custom-built benches and tables assure that all the pieces are balanced. Scale is very important in this space; Snijders doesn't want the big pieces to take over or the small pieces to be dwarfed. The lighting situation is also resolved with a more modern, oblong version of the paper lantern.

The Cost

Pillows – $120

  • pillows and cushions – T.J. Maxx

Zen coffee table – $89

Benches – $150

Light fixture – $48

  • hanging lamp (40074353) – Ikea

Planters – $50
  • cement – The Home Depot

Fountain – $55

Jute rug – $63

  • jute rug – Lowe's

Dining table – $70

Ottoman seating – $120

  • ottomans – Ikea

Place settings – $28

Screen – $150

  • wall planks – Lowe's

Additional plants – $31

Accessories – $25

  • candle holders (054010912) – Target

Total – $999




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Concrete Planters
One of design coordinator Charles Burbridge's pet peeves is using plastic planters. He remedies the faux pas by creating his own cement planters for the patio. He tints the concrete to a custom color and keeps the planter in scale with the other furnishings. A simple wood form, some tape-wrapped cardboard and non-stick cooking spray do the trick. It's heavy though, so Burbridge mounts the planter on heavy duty wheels so it can be easily moved around the patio.




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Minimalist Screen
Previous: Concrete Planters
The old white wood lattice just didn't have that upscale Asian vibe. So Snijders replaces it with a screen made from stucco lathe and some redwood framing. He spray paints both materials to match the color scheme on the patio. A few Boston ferns and candle sconces create eye-level visual interest. When the ferns fill out, they'll also add more privacy for the space.




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Water Feature
Previous: Minimalist Screen
For a tranquil trickle in the outdoor living space, Burbridge creates an Asian-inspired fountain. He uses the colored cement and a piece of PVC tubing for the fountain form. He presses bamboo into the concrete mold to achieve the relief pattern on the fountain. Paired with the grassy water plant, it's a little piece of Zen for the patio.




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Green Coffee Table
Previous: Water Feature
This table is all about texture. Design coordinator Summer Baltzer combines carved wooden wall plaques with grass for a unique effect. The grass is actually planted into the plastic-lined table. The homeowners' little boy will enjoy watering the grass to keep the table looking fresh throughout the summer. Not a bad place to rest bare feet, either.




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Gather Around
Previous: Green Coffee Table
Aqua cushions and ottomans made from natural fibers coordinate with the sisal rug and table settings. The low table mirrors the low seating on the other side of the patio. Now there's plenty of seating for summer entertaining and barbeque parties.


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