Hello summer! Our Outdoor Oasis in 2012

We finally finished cleaning & unpacking the deck. And here is the result if our hard work...

Our Summer Oasis

I just love this space!

We went from this...

Grime and dust abound

and this...

No hope in site for all the LUMOT (moss)!

Using a regular deck cleaner which we bought on sale for $1.50 for 4 gallons, our composite deck improved to this...

At least the moss is gone

We've upgraded our dining area outside from this...

ok but a little chaotic...

To this....

A much better umbrella I think

The umbrella cost me a mere $35!!! It's from JCPenney on clearance ! I love its color and the shape, it totally matches our pillows.

Outdoor dining area

We got the 2 head chairs from target.com, the same Windsor Line ( on clearance at $416 for 2). I got the outdoor carpet for this space from Overstock.com for $199, it's from the Safaveih line.

Outdoor Living/lounging area

Outdoor living area

The outdoor living area hasn't changed much, again the furniture was on clearance 2 years ago at target.com called Windsor line from Smith and Hawken. The pillows were from restoration hardware.com, they were on clearance too, 2 years ago for $10 each!!! The birdcage was from Crate and barrel on sale as well and the yellow pots from TJ Maxx. Carpet was from Ballard designs.com for $199. The white ceramic garden stool is from wisteria.com on sale and the 2 black ceramic stools in between is from TJ maxx for $24 each.

Plants

Privet Lane Planters from target

Like I always mention, I am no gardener. So I bought these plants - Emerald Green shrub from The Home Depot for $19 each, and trailing petunias from Walmart. The petunias were $10 a piece, meant for hanging, but I cut the hanger off and stuck them in the planters.

 The planter is from TARGET from their latest "Privet Lane" line. I like its's simplicity in an otherwise a little bit more traditional styled space. The 2 white lanterns on the back were from Home goods.


Lastly, we added this...

Guess what?

An outdoor projection screen!!!!! Yes, we do love our movies and what better way to enjoy them this summer than to watch them while night swimming! Cool huh?!

Outdoor TV's cost in the thousands! We thought this would do, the cost? $165 from  Amazon.com

Outdoor movie anyone?

The only downside to this screen is that, since it uses a projector, you have to start watching when it really is dark outside already. But then again, that is the best time for me and my family to swim since we don't like getting sun burns. :-)

There you have it folks, hope you can all drop by and enjoy summer with us!

Have a nice sunny day!

Linking back to:

Summer Spruce Up series - restoration beauty
Outdoor eztravaganza Party- Hodge:Podge