Spiffing Up for a Sale

This patio use to be messy, tired and lackluster. Now it is a brightly colored oasis. Cleaning and new plants are inexpensive and easy ways to make a patio or deck sparkle. Interesting new furniture and colorful accents help the outdoor space flow seamlessly with the indoors.

In the living room, the fireplace wall is painted red to add some drama. The red really pops against the yellow-cream color on the rest of the walls. The furniture is rearranged at an angle to bring further attention to the fireplace, and the mantel is enhanced with new accessories.

Cost breakdown:

kitchen counter and materials $874
paint $189
hardware $127
light fixture $220
accessories $412
plants $158

Total: $1,980

Kitchen/Hallway products:

kitchen paint, Benjamin Moore's Rust, 2175-30, eggshell, Pineapple Paint Company
cabinet paint, Benjamin Moore's Waterbury Cream, HC-31, semigloss, Pineapple Paint Company
hallway paint, Regal Aquavelvet White, Pineapple Paint Company
hallway light fixture, 112067, Lowe's
paint for cabinet hinges, RustOleum's Metallic Dark Bronze and Metallic Antique Brass, Frager's Hardware
track lighting, Ikea's Cittra, 10022327

Dining room products:

chandelier, 409745, Lowe's
paint, Benjamin Moore's Roasted Sesame Seed, 2160-40, eggshell, Pineapple Paint Company
floor pot, 80038136 and terra-cotta pot, 80079674, Ikea
decorative bowl, 0000003721711, World Market

Living room products:

fireplace paint, Benjamin Moore's Mexicana, 2172-30, eggshell, Pineapple Paint Company
wall paint, Benjamin Moore's Oklahoma Wheat, 2160-50, eggshell, Pineapple Paint Company
toss pillow, Mezzo, 2113879 and banana stool (coffee table base), 2003732, Pier 1
28" square wall clock, 06956228, Kirkland's
toss pillows, Supreme Fringe, 737/2041, and Catalina, 737/2645/000001, JCPenney
floor plants 70038127, 80104013, and terra-cotta pots, 80079674, Ikea

Patio products:

flowers: coleus, caladium, black-eyed Susans, celosia (cockscomb), Frager's Hardware
floor plants: 80038136, 70038127, 80104013; terra-cotta pots, 80079674; tropical plants, 40075442, Ikea