Tropical Patio

The homeowners say their outdoor area looked more like a bowling alley than an inviting patio. With a sunny color on the fireplace, cabana-style curtains and lots of tropical plants, this outdoor room is now ready for guests.

Design Details
Lee Snijders, Summer Baltzer and Charles Burbridge turn the cluttered patio into an inviting outdoor space perfect for entertaining.

Table Makeover - $16
A small craft table is refurbished into a food prep table for the grill area. A spice rack and new BBQ tools complete the look. (spice rack rail and rack: IKEA - Bygel rail, 90072648; Bygel wire rack, 90066826)

Ceiling Fan - $50
An outdoor ceiling fan is added above the dining table.

Pottery and Plants - $306
A tropical feeling is created with lots of lush palms in new pots. (pottery: Jackalope West)

Rug - $106
A jute rug helps to define the dining area. (rug: Lowe's - 948)

Storage Benches - $206
Burbridge builds storage boxes for the pool toys out of 3/4-inch plywood that he covers with redwood slats. Wheels on the bottom make it easy to move the big pieces around for extra seating wherever needed.

Cabana Curtains - $170
Baltzer sews panels to hide the poles supporting the porch roof. She attaches them to the top with grommets and cup hooks and uses straps to gather the fabric for a more tailored look. (fabric: Jo-Ann Fabrics - 7429962 knicknack spicy red, 5347034 check yellow)