Major Makeover: Patio Chairs

Before

Arms only the ’80s could love. Smelly, soiled stuffing—gross! The frame is in good shape, but fresh paint could do wonders! It’s hard to imagine that this dumpster duo could one day do a patio proud, but proof is only a scroll-down away.

After

Comfy, colorful outdoor seating! Yes, these are the same chairs.

Spray-painted the glossy hot pink of an island flower, this upbeat pair is instantly transformed from trashy to tropical. An upholsterer fashioned new box cushions out of 5-inch-thick foam and polka-dot outdoor fabric. Zigzag pillows add just the right graphic contrast, and a gray-and-ivory rug and steely planters set the whole look off.

Chair paint: Mambo Pink by Krylon; Cushion fabric: Premier Prints Ikat Dots polyester fabric in citrus yellow, $11 per yard, fabric.com; Pillow fabric: P. Kaufmann Tribal Find polyester fabric in tangerine, $11 per yard, fabric.com; Wall planters: Industrial 20"W x 5 3/4"D x 6 1/4"H galvanized iron wall planters, $29 each, westelm.com; Floor planters: (from left) Crescent Garden Pamplona 14 3/4"H x 16"-diameter anthracite planter, $35, jamaligarden.com; Oscar 31 3/4"H x 14 3/4"-diameter galvanized steel planter, $80, cb2.com; Rug: Amherst outdoor 4' x 6' rug, $240, safaviehhome.com; Wall paint: Fossil Grey by Glidden