Creative mum transforms patio into chic Mediterranean space for just £60
- Karen McCarthy, 48, wanted to spruce up her patio
- She invested £60 in paints, solar lights and stencils
- The budget renovation has totally transformed her outdoor space
If you’ve spent more time in your garden or patio than ever before during lockdown and are desperate to give the area a facelift, take inspiration from this creative mum, who managed to overhaul her patio on a budget.
Karen McCarthy, 48, a civil servant and mum of two from Caerphilly, South Wales, decided to get creative during the lockdown, and transformed her tired patio into a chic Mediterranean-inspired space for just £60.
Karen told money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk: “I wanted to spruce up the area outside my kitchen and decided to use some light grey masonry paint to cover the tired old slabs.
"Having seen outdoor rugs online I came up with the idea of using paint to create a 'faux rug' effect for underneath my bistro set.
"I used dark grey and white Frenchic al fresco paint along with a stencil to create the design.
"It took around two days to complete and the materials available online cost around £60.
“I spent £27 on Sandtex paint, £18 for the Frenchic paint and cut the stencil out of mylar plastic.
“I bought several sheets for £7 but you can buy ready-made stencils online.
"I also bought LED solar lights for the ivy on the wall for £5, and the mirror cost £6.99, both from Home Bargains.
"It's a simple but effective lockdown painting project.
"I have added small white LED solar lights to the foliage on the wall making it cosy at night.
“My advice would be to make sure the area is cleaned beforehand. I had it jet-washed a couple of weeks beforehand.
"When painting in an area that you need access to, paint every other slab so you can still walk on it whilst the painted area is drying.
"Check the weather forecast to make sure it is dry for the next 24 to 48 hours too!
“My main challenges were the weather - it was hot so working in the heat was hard - and trying to keep my mini dachshund off it whilst it was drying!"
Karen is delighted with the look of her patio, and found that the project had benefits for her mental health during the stress of the lockdown.
"It's lightened up the whole area and not being able to go on holiday because of the current situation, I've brought a touch of the Mediterranean to my home instead,” she adds.
"Painting has been therapeutic for my wellbeing, and rather than climbing the steps up to my garden, I have the perfect little spot for a morning cuppa or a glass of something in the evening!”
Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, comments: “If you spend your life browsing Pinterest or Instagram for garden inspiration, you might have seen some amazing designs that cost an arm and a leg.
“However, Karen’s patio is proof that you can totally overhaul your outdoor space on a wallet-friendly budget - all you need is some creativity and affordable paints, stencils and solar lights!"
What to read next?
Brilliant, I bought Santext to paint my patio flag stones, they need a costenic overhaul, but I was told the paint would make the flags slippy when wet, does anyone know if this is correct?
Blimey that preparation must have been a nightmare!
The deceptively simple design, covers a lot of hard work.
Graft and vision have paid off big time.
Well done. Smashing.