Modern Beach Resort

A husband asks for help in transforming a barren side patio into a beautiful outdoor room.

More from Outer Spaces
Filed under: Patios

There will be no need for unsuspecting homeowner Donalisa Pelter to pack her bags for the beach after this surprise. Her husband, Andrew, has asked for help to transform their barren side patio into a beautiful outdoor room so host Susie Coelho and the Outer Spaces crew join designer Randy Weinstein to bring a modern beach resort to the Pelters' backyard.

The homeowners would like a backyard where they can get some relaxation instead of having to always make reservations at their favorite beach resort. Currently, the A/C unit is an eyesore and the outdoor shower is too exposed for their taste.

The patio is basically wasted space; it's fairly bare and the family rarely uses it. Also, since the weather gets so hot, the homeowners would love some shade.

The dining table is ready for guests and for the cabana, a futon mattress is covered in plastic to make it water-resistant and there's storage underneath for toys. A fabric canopy secured with aircraft cable provides much-needed shade for comfortable relaxation, and bamboo shades on the sides add privacy.

The horizontal redwood boards of the outdoor shower panel are stained brown and emphasize the linear nature of this side patio (coated deck screws won't rust and stain the wood) plus provide the much-needed privacy to make the area more functional. A trio of potted ferns disguises the gas pipes while still allowing access.

Randy Weinstein's plan incorporates a wood deck and side panel for the outdoor shower, a clever disguise for the A/C unit using an adjoining water feature along with a cabana and dining area.

Stained redwood boards form a cover for the A/C unit; next to it a calming water feature features river rocks and underwater lighting. The soothing trickling sounds will make it nice to nap on the nearby outdoor bed.

bath towels, woven pendant lamp, woven hamper (Leaf) (West Elm)
table dressings (place mats, napkins, classic white tablecloth), shower curtain liners (white and green) (Crate & Barrel)
chair (Bellini in Pistachio), stool (Prince Aha in Pea Green) (Design Within Reach)
terry bathrobes, pillow (Echo in Green), floor stand hurricane candleholers (Bilbao) (Bed, Bath and Beyond)
bench (Applaro), rocking chair (PS Gullholmen) (IKEA)
reed candleholders (Chiasso)
outdoor retro industrial lantern (Lamps Plus)
submersible accent lights, metal flood lights (Malibu) (Home Depot)