Before & After • Patio Makeover with West Elm

And just like that! We have a brand new patio! We started the renovation a little over a month ago. There was a preexisting shed and patio when we moved into our home in New Orleans. It was disrepair — having taken the beating of time and all things New Orleans — weather and termites, especially. After holding off for almost two years, it was time to update it.

Our goal was to have an outdoor space for lounging and entertaining — essentially an extension of our living space that's warm and cozy. I gotta say, this was a true collaboration with my heartmate, as he’s the one who came up with the design.

We gutted the shed, kept the foundation and constructed a covered patio that’s now 11 ft. high. The roof is slightly slanted so it drains rainwater to the back. The corner wall was the heartmate's brilliant move to create more privacy since it led into our side alley. I was apprehensive at first but it really worked out! With all said and done, we spent about $4000 on labor and materials just for the patio.

I’m so excited for all the naps I’ll be having in this space! We aren't completely done with it yet. There is still one finishing touch that will make it even more dramatic. Stay tuned! In the meantime, hop over to West Elm to see the entire story along with my 5 stylish tips to bring the indoors out.

I love these outdoor sofas from West Elm. They're like daybeds, so I can nap all day out here! The jute rugs really help ground the space and conceal the botched up concrete.