Black and Teal Patio Decor

The weather is getting warmer and it’s time to start thinking about giving our patio decor and outdoor living space a little refresh!

One of the places in our many homes that we’ve never spent much money on is our patio decor. Partly because I’m indecisive and partly because our kids have been known to abuse our outdoor furniture. Every house we’ve called home, our kids have pretty much taken over the back porch.

I don’t mind that because I love them being outside with their friends. Unfortunately, keeping things nice and arranged how I like them is a low priority to dirty-handed little kids and their buddies!

When we moved into our current house last summer, I knew we were getting a “game-day” porch. Is that really a thing anywhere other than a college football town? War Eagle! I told my husband I wanted to spend money on new patio furniture. I had dreams and plans. Then in typical fashion, I decided the few pieces we moved with us would be okay. And they work just fine! Really, they do!

We’ve gathered around the fireplace making s’mores several times. We had friends in town once and enjoyed our take-out barbecue out there. It works. It does. The neighborhood kids don’t seem to mind the current furniture when they’re taking breaks from soccer games or bike rides or just general neighborhood kid shenanigans.

But…this year…like in the next month or two, I am redoing our back porch decor. I have some cash from my health coaching side gig to contribute toward a few purchases. I also have another motive, but I’ll share more about that later. I’ve gotta talk myself into that little challenge, first!

A few key elements I want to include in my newly decorated patio are a bar cart of some sort. We need somewhere to put our s’mores ingredients, but also a place to keep cold drinks, wet wipes, and a blanket for those cool summer nights.

Greenery is another must! I like to keep lemongrass and citronella plants around the perimeter of my porch. Not sure how helpful these plants are for keeping mosquitoes away. Every little bit helps, though!

Because we don’t have a fence around our backyard, I have plans to add curtains for a little extra privacy! Our neighbors don’t need to know everything that happens on our patio! Some things don’t need to make the subdivision’s Facebook page!

Are you outdoorsy? And when I say outdoorsy, I’m talking about sitting on your back porch, with citronella candles burning and lemongrass essential oils dabbed on your elbows and behind your knees!