Mexican-Themed Backyard

Outer Spaces is on the case of this backyard. Bill Katz wants to reward his wife, Michelle, a recent law-school graduate, with a fantastic Mexican-themed backyard makeover to celebrate her accomplishment and heritage. She'd love to make the existing patio more inviting for company. The unsightly overhead utility wires are another aspect of the existing yard that Michelle dislikes so designer Jack Phelan has an ingenious way to camouflage them with paper lanterns.

Phelan's plan makes the garage more of a focal point with colorful flowering plants, provides an inviting seating area, incorporates hanging lights to draw attention away from the utility wires and recycles broken concrete chunks into a pathway of stepping stones. Once the harsh outer edges of the unsightly brick patio and the shed are removed, the design plan is implemented:

• The patio edges are softened by cutting the outer bricks to form curves. Plus, a new sod lawn is laid (be sure to water new sod thoroughly for 20 minutes twice a day in the early morning and late evening for the first few weeks).
  
• Soft light comes from hanging luminarias and an aged ocher colorwash technique using layers of paint enhances the garage wall.
  
• Tiled place mats and an application of stain bring the worn furniture back to life.
  
• Finally, colorful tableware, cushions and pillows plus an umbrella for shade and potted flowering plants with bright blooms complete the makeover.

plates, bowls and tableware (Etrusco) (Pier 1 Imports)
furniture, pillows (Pottery Barn)
chiminea (Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH))