There’s no need to stress out about how much it will cost to  decorate your patio, try free style.  Start with what you already have and play off that – shop your home.

This back patio was small and boring- To change it up a bit, I used a little concrete dye. As a bonus, it was left over from another project, it took less then a quart to do this area.

Steps taken-

• Clean cement, let dry.
• Paint on concrete dye- I used a paint brush, a sprayer would work, too.
• Dye used- Tuscan Stone concrete Dye by Behr, from Home depot.

As the dye dries it has a much softer look and you can add a sealer, if you’d like.

Then I gathered things from around my home:

• Old light fixture- a reclaimed chandelier above a small table adds a wonderful al fresco atmosphere
• Add height for interest- I added a tall plant and an iron trellis.
• Add a mirror to add a gleam of interest, it also helps to make the room appear larger.
• Pop of color- there are loads of outdoor fabrics designed to weather rain and heat.
• Use old dishes, shells or glittery pieces to fashion centerpieces and add interest.
• I added shells to cover the dirt and a little mirror in the back for fun.

A few potted plants, sea shells and a few old plates are all it takes to brighten this area up.

There are a few more things I would like to do- perhaps add a rug, maybe some baskets, but for now I’m liking this totally free style back patio.

You, too can create a retreat with accents from your home that will be unmistakably yours, that’s the best style…..your style.