Our Mini-Makeover! #KmartOutdoor

We just cut down three trees in our yard a few weeks ago. They needed to go… but basically our yard and patio looked messy and…blah! We have plans to improve the backyard, but we can’t do anything until the wood is gone and the ground leveled. Until then, we needed to spruce up the patio.

So how excited was I to be selected to do a Kmart Mini-Makeover shop!? Ecstatic, I tell you!! I was given a budget of $300 to prettify my backyard by shopping Kmart’s Outdoor Living department. Hey, I didn’t even know Kmart had a garden center, so lesson learned.

Here’s a dismal before picture:

Our dull patio needed work. Sure we had a few odds and ends that still needed to be dragged out for the summer, but… totally uninspiring.

First, I went virtual shopping at Kmart.com. My husband loves to smoke meats and grill. And I like to enjoy the outdoors, but get overheated or annoyed by bugs. I went wild thinking up dreamy ways to turn our patio into a place to relax and entertain.

Even with $300 to spend, even at Kmart, you have to watch your budget! My dream of a fully loaded, gazebo-ed patio simply wasn’t going to happen (this time!). My goal for this makeover was to create a space for casual dining and entertaining, with a cozy atmosphere and warm/rich colors.

Next, I took a survey trip to Kmart. I was impressed by the plants and flowers in their Garden Shop, and knew I wanted the focus to be on “living” decorations. I loved the Country Living red toile patterns, so I chose a rich red and bronze color scheme.

While there’s plenty to tempt the eye at Kmart, I wish they carried outdoor carpets (only available online). And, I had to hunt for a good table setting that was affordable for outdoor use; perhaps next year they’ll offer a wider selection of picnic ware with a more upscale look than the florescent colors I saw.

My little shopper got kinda tired in the plant section and started throwing things out of the cart:

The first phase of my makeover involved improving our dining area. Inspired by the Kmart backyard makeover at French Country Cottage, I bought metallic paint, and spray-painted our green picnic table an oil-rubbed bronze color. I was nervous this wouldn’t turn out right. But despite winds that kicked up all week, the painting was simple to do. What an amazing effect this had on the overall look – I think it was a unifying factor.

The chairs that originally went with the table couldn’t be spray painted, so I bought new folding sling chairs to complete the table ensemble. Don’t they look nice?

Next, I wanted to use living decorations to give the sense of being in a garden! Hanging plants draw the eye upwards, and a string of lights allow for a bright evening dinner al fresca!

I purchased these amazing red ceramic planters at 20% off! Don’t they look great together? I had so much fun selecting flowers. I positioned the pots to create closure to an otherwise borderless space. I think this trifecta of pots defines our new picnic area.

Now, with the scene set, I set the table. I brought in the reds and browns of the decor with these straw placemats – the round shape was fresh departure from the typcial square placemat. Red toile napkins and raised texture plates (50% off!) plus designer plasticware completed the look! I added a fire lamp I already had to give more lighting. And spray painted a terra cotta wine cooler a caramel bronze and added a bright geranium!

Nearing the end of my budget, I decided on another DIY for added lighting and interest. I took aluminum cans, punched holes in decorative patterns, and spray painted for quick votives that matched my theme! I also spraypainted old terra cotta pots to continue the look.

And I can’t forget my little guy. I totally went “off-theme” to spend a little on making his stay at Chateau Patio welcoming. A beach blanket, chair, and beach bag to store toys make his play area bright and comfortable! The bag was an impulse buy in the checkout line – I decided to store all his outdoor toys in it so they’ll be easy to stash under the table, or carry inside when it rains. Plus, when it’s time to go to the beach, no need to search for “outdoor” toys – just pick up the bag and we’re off!

From drab and dull, to vibrant and invigorating: my backyard/patio makeover is complete! Here’s the new look!

And at night:

Here’s how I spent my $300:

• 4 sling chairs @ $31.99 = $135.64
• large planter = $23.99
• medium planter = $10.39
• string lights = $8.79
• 3 spray paint @ $2.99/ea = $8.97
• 2 hanging plants @ $11.99/ea = $23.98
• plants for pots = $31.19
• 4 placemats @ $4.99/ea = $19.96
• 4 napkins @$2.99/ea  = 11.96
• 4 dish set = $7.99
• plasticware = $5.29
• beach towel = $4.49
• beach chair = $8.49
• beach bag = $1.49

TOTAL: $302.62!!

Oops – a wee bit over! Oh well! If you want to see more pictures, view my ThisMoment story for even more photos! Once again – here’s the before/after shots:

I had so much fun recreating this space. I love the new look, and can’t wait to invite someone over for dinner? Who’s going to be first!?

What do you think? What would be YOUR dream backyard makeover?

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All opinions are 100% my own!