Fix The Ick's; Patio Edition

Hello! I’m Nicole, coming to you from Sacramento, California. I’m on a mission to build a first of its kind community for everyone who wants a home they love on a budget they can actually afford, right here in Sacramento, CA.

Download our free guide: Jumpstart your own transformations with our patio-focused “Fix the Ick's” guide.

The Big Move:

I recently transitioned from my dream home in Sacramento to my fiancé’s fortress in the hills. As someone who cherishes a warm, comfy, and creative living space, I viewed this move as a chance to refresh and redefine what “home” means for all of us. Each room offered a new canvas to play with, and there were now 5 creators instead of 3.

While the patio wasn’t initially at the top of my priority list, its potential for quick transformation—and our family’s love for fresh air—moved it up the queue. If your patio has been on your to-do list for too long, now’s the time to dive in and transform it into a space you love.

Progress Over Perfection:

Our patio is a work in progress, and here’s where it is today:

Updates We’ve Made:

1. 8x10 Rug: Added a rug for style and contrast—because dining outside can feel just ask cozy.

2. Scandinavian Dining Set: This was an incredible deal and we found it locally, no assembly required.

3. Storage Boxes: Outdoor storage boxes for hiding everything from soil to board games- keeping clutter out of sight.

4. The Smoker Saga: Inspired by Netflix BBQ shows, we got a smoker. Spoiler: it’s harder than it looks.

5. Plants and Lights: Brought life and light from my old place to this new space, because every patio needs a little sparkle.

6. New Paint: Our HOA approved my favorite home colors - bye bye Tuscan Tan hello Green Dream!

Planning to Perfection: Step 1

I kicked off the project by capturing ‘before’ photos—essential for appreciating the transformation. After listing all the ‘icks’, I prioritized fixes using a simple emoji system.

Focus on what Matters & Prioritize: Step 2

Now get creative and think about what the space needs to get kick started or completed once and for all. List your fixes, keeping function at the forefront. Then, arrange the fixes by priority. Assign emoji’s to make it easier on the eyes!

• 🚨 for high-priority tasks,

• 🔧 for DIY projects,

• 💲 for budget considerations,

• 🎨 for creative enhancements.

[Get Step 3 & The Full Guide Here]

Finding Our Style:

Pinpointing our shared aesthetic was crucial for our home’s transformation. Without defining our style upfront, choosing elements would have been like navigating without a map. While bohemian vibes didn’t resonate with my fiancé, we found common ground in Urban Modern, enhanced with elements of Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian, and Japandi for that extra flair. Unsure of your own home style? Dive into our comprehensive style discovery classes. Or for quick tips and tricks, subscribe to DesignSpoon and receive bite-sized decor lessons directly in your inbox.

Join Us:

Thanks for following our patio fix-up! Download your guide to see our process and tackle the ick’s in your space. Your home is waiting!