Tuscan Patio Part II

Well, as promised here is how I brought a bit of the Italian countryside home after being inspired by a trip to Tuscany.

First came the structural stuff.  When we moved into the house (over eight years ago) the backyard had a plain deck off the kitchen and nothing but a concrete slab off the family room. It was pretty B-O-R-I-N-G so we changed the railing on the deck to something more traditional in keeping with the style of the house, then we enlarged the patio footprint and installed stone tiles in a diagonal pattern with a border.  Finally, we built a glass pergola over the patio so that it felt more enclosed and could be used all through the Spring/Summer months rain or shine.  (Sorry I don’t have a “before” photo taken prior to the structural work because it was pre-digital and those photos aren’t quite as organized as I’d like them to be.)

A few years later, we purchased some new patio furniture (we waited until the Fall and got it on sale) and in keeping with our desire for Tuscan style we decided to go for a bright colour with the cushions.

So, this is what we started with:

(Patio Before )

Next we purchased a really solid old pine coffee table from the Salvation Army Thrift Store.We reinforced the centre of the table and began the process of transforming it.

1)  First we put on two coats of primer:

2)  Next we put on three coats of black paint

3)  Then came the fun part — laying in and grouting tumbled marble tile:

We’re almost done, just a few special touches…

 

Next we placed the patio furniture, planted some planters, and “voila” all that’s left to do is pour a glass of wine and pretend we are in Italy:

If you would like help creating an outdoor space that makes you feel like you are in Italy (or wherever your imagination can take you), please call Embellished Interiors for a consultation.