• Home
  • About Sam
    • FAQs
    • Press
    • Contact
  • Resources
    • 60+ Tools & Resources For Starting or Growing A Blog
    • Join My Professional Organizer Tribe!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

simply organized

professional organization services and blog

  • simply organized
  • Blog
  • Galleries
    • Client Gallery
    • Home Organization Gallery
    • Home Improvement Gallery
    • Blogging
  • Videos
  • Shop
    • Kitchen & Pantry
    • Playroom
    • Office
    • Homework
    • Closet
    • Jewelry
    • Bathroom
    • Laundry
    • Garage
    • Labeling
  • Shop My IG
  • Work With Me
    • Professional Organizing
    • Partner With SO

Patio Update: Twinkle Twinkle

May 22, 2014 By Samantha

Added a few new details to the patio this week and thought I’d pop in to share. I’m sure some of you may wonder why I’m not calling this a done deal…because, yes, it’s looking pretty good – scratch that…AWESOME as is. But I had a few more things to do out here.

What things? I am so so sooooo in love with the throw pillows and string lights I added this week!

Get ready for photo overload…

So  – truth = hanging these lights was not an easy task. One would think “oh, I’ll just hang the string with a nail or command hook!”. Not the way to go, friends! I learned the hard way. Let me be the person that broke many (many) bulbs as the strings came crashing down so we can all learn a collective lesson on hanging these babies…

I ended up using 3 strings and each string has 25 bulbs. I had to hang the strings and then play around with their arrangement once they were up in order to not see as much of the plug connectors as possible. Make sense? See the connector here on the left…

It annoys me to no end seeing that, but after playing around with the strings for a couple hours, I gave up and realized that is the best I was gonna get.

The clear bulbs appeared too bright to me so I opted for the subtle look of frosted bulbs.

Now, how did I hang the light strings? With cup hooks…

The light strings hang beautifully on a cup hook!

 

I also grabbed a few throw pillows for the sectional. The couch wasn’t the color I originally hoped. I wanted to go much lighter, but ended darker because reality sank in….reality = I have kids. Kids with friends. I wanted to keep this space useable and realistic…and I know my personal crazy tendencies. No one wants/needs to see Sam in “don’t eat that right there” or “don’t sit down until you wash your hands” mode. Not pretty or becoming. But it’s me and it’s real…so I choose to embrace.

I think the throw pillows help brighten up the space a bit…

 

My favorite flowers and some lanterns (owned these for a few years)…

As far as those last few details, I’m on the hunt for a side table and maybe an outdoor mirror for this wall…

The pool organizer is moving to a new location as soon as I find a table. Haven’t found anything I love yet…and you’ll think I’m crazy but may consider building my own. I know! Someone stop me. Out of control over here. Ha! Just need a place for platters and drinks. This could be fun!

So, when are you guys coming over?….

 

Want to find the items used in this space? Good timing, because many are on sale right now! You can find them below!

Some affiliate links were used for your convenience.

Never Want to Miss a Blog Post?

Subscribe to the Simply Organized newsletter and you'll get highlights from Simply Organized on a regular basis! You'll also receive my custom weekly school and activity planner printable!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

I never send spam! Unsubscribe anytime! Powered by ConvertKit

Related

«
»

Comments

  1. Tara {The Silver Lining} says

    May 22, 2014 at 10:34 pm

    I'll be right over!! 🙂 Your patio is amazing. Love it!! It looks so cozy. We have very similar taste!! I've been eyeing those blue medallion outdoor pillows from PB too – I had them in my cart and now I wish I had already ordered them. A couple of years ago I got some of Target's bulb string lights too and quite a few broke also. I think outdoor string lights add so much to the ambiance of an outdoor space. Well done!

    Reply
  2. MelissaG says

    May 23, 2014 at 2:13 am

    Looks so nice!! Where di the table and chairs come from?

    Reply
  3. tpigg2010 says

    May 23, 2014 at 3:13 am

    I ALMOST bought these the other day…but was hesitant because i kept reading that they break so easily. Maybe i'll give it a shot now that you've shown the best way to hang them!! i love the look btw…awesome job!

    Reply
  4. Cathy's World says

    May 23, 2014 at 3:35 pm

    I love it Sam!! I have wanted to put lights up on our patio. Thanks for the cup hook info. Have a great Memorial weekend!

    Reply
  5. Ronda Petrin says

    May 23, 2014 at 6:04 pm

    Hi Sam,

    Would you mind sharing some photos of the cup hooks? Where they are in relation to how the lights are hanging from them?

    Thank you!

    Reply
  6. Karen says

    May 23, 2014 at 8:39 pm

    Wow – what a wonderful space to relax in! Just a thought – what if you painted (or covered with tape or fabric) the plug connectors? If you covered them in the same color as the ceiling they might blend in and not be seen . . . just a thought! Thanks for your blog – I enjoy your posts!!

    Reply
  7. Sarah Spain says

    May 24, 2014 at 3:15 pm

    How LOVELY! What a relaxing room! Thank you for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  8. ~^~Amber~^~ says

    May 25, 2014 at 3:54 pm

    Looks so relaxing!

    Reply
  9. Karen says

    July 26, 2016 at 9:42 pm

    Your patio looks amazing! Did you add the screen yourself? If you have any ideas on how I can screen my patio myself, let me know! Keep blogging! <3

    Reply
    • Samantha says

      July 26, 2016 at 11:22 pm

      Thank you! The screens were here but I’ve since replaced them as they were tearing in some spots. I did blog about it but I’ll be updating as I haven’t added the wood trim yet. Be on the look out!

      Sam 🙂

      Reply
      • Diane says

        April 17, 2017 at 8:47 pm

        I’d like to see the screens up close. We have a very similar setup on our back porch. The openings are about the same size as yours and I’d really like to get screen windows in the openings.

        Reply
        • Samantha says

          April 18, 2017 at 5:17 pm

          I’ll share photos with you very soon! I’m having the screens updated / replaced in the coming weeks and adding a new screen door. The rainy winter we had took a toll on the screens out here. Will be sure to update soon!

          xx,
          Sam

          Reply
  10. Marie says

    February 13, 2017 at 9:17 am

    Where did you get the dining table and chairs? Very Pretty set!

    Reply
    • Samantha says

      February 13, 2017 at 10:41 am

      Hi,

      Thank you – we do love it! It’s from Restoration Hardware. The Carmel Collection, I believe. Have owned this set for nearly 10 years and it looks brand new!

      xx,
      Sam

      Reply
  11. Shaunna Witt says

    February 20, 2017 at 8:26 pm

    so are the lights from Target? I’m looking and the one’s at Target are pretty reasonably priced but was afraid they might lot last like the more expensive commercial ones…thoughts>

    Reply
    • Samantha says

      February 21, 2017 at 11:07 am

      Yes, these lights are from Target. Mine are still up and have only needed to replace a bulb here and there – they rarely go out. The strings are so beautiful! Just be sure you have someone to help you hang them! 🙂

      xx,
      Sam

      Reply
  12. Laura says

    February 28, 2017 at 10:28 am

    Love this! This is basically what I’m planning for my screened in patio. Was debating white furniture but I think with white walls the darker furniture grounds it more. I also have 2 young boys and don’t want to be tempted to be “crazy mom” and darker is easier to find. My patio ceiling and a few walls are a bright yellow. We are going to eventually have someone install flood lights and outdoor ceiling fans and out in a beadboard ceiling to clean it up (you can see nails from the roof in my ceiling) but I’d love to paint at least the yellow parts until we can afford all that. What color dis you use? I don’t want a stark white but nothing too creamy. Some parts are wood still, thinking I’ll leave them bc A, I’m lazy and B, it’ll add some interest. I’m hoping to eventually install panoramic doors on mine as my yard is small and the doors would help the whole space flow and enlarge it. Wish me luck! Such an expense!

    Reply
    • Samantha says

      February 28, 2017 at 1:56 pm

      Thank you! I love it too! Can’t wait to get the space cleaned up after this brutal rainy season is over and get back out there to enjoy the space! Your plans sound wonderful! I painted the walls Silver Drop by Behr. And the ceiling is Sea Pearl by Benjamin Moore. Had the paint from the house interior so I made it easy on myself. We love the combo!

      Be sure to check back with me when your patio is completed so I can see it!

      xx,
      Sam

      Reply
  13. Alicia says

    March 21, 2017 at 6:58 pm

    Hi Sam,

    Can you please send me the link to the frosted string lights you used on your porch? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Samantha says

      March 22, 2017 at 10:32 pm

      No problem…here’s the link!

      Reply
  14. Lisa says

    April 15, 2017 at 2:03 pm

    I love the patio ! Where did you get the sectional from? I love it !

    Reply
  15. Rahul says

    April 17, 2017 at 5:54 pm

    Hi, I am going to get a screen porch and adding additional area with new studio roofed screen porch. If we put these space lights and keep them for all year around, would it be safe if its heavily raining outside and some water may get in the porch?
    I also see a tv hanged on the wall in your porch. How did you protect it in rain and dust?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Samantha says

      April 17, 2017 at 6:33 pm

      Hi,

      This screened it porch it totally protected from the outside elements. If the rain comes in – it’s usually because it’s rainy AND windy…rare in the area I live in. The lights have never been affected or touched by rain…same with the tv. I do have a cover for it that I add when we aren’t using the patio (seasonal). If you think that your new patio will be touched by water in that way, I’d proceed with caution. Maybe speak to a handyman or electrician pro that can give you all the details / help set you up safely.

      Hope that helps!
      Sam

      Reply
  16. Kate says

    March 22, 2018 at 6:40 pm

    Love this! Using this as inspiration for my porch. What are the dimensions of your porch?

    Reply

I'd Love To Hear From You! Cancel reply

Meet The Organizer!

Meet The Organizer!

Read More About Sam Here!

BHG Stylemaker

BHG Stylemaker

Search

Get Social

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Never Miss a Post

Want to be a professional organizer?

Want to be a professional organizer?

Join Me On Instagram

Load More...
Follow on Instagram

Pin with Me

Free Month of Evernote Premium!

Free Month of Evernote Premium!

Plan With Me!

Plan With Me!

Popular Posts

Popular Posts

Free Products from Grove!

Free Products from Grove!

The Complete Book of Home Organization!

The Complete Book of Home Organization!
© 2018 Samantha Pregenzer, LLC | Terms of Service & Privacy Policy | Darling Theme by Restored 316