A northern California back patio is transformed into a kid-friendly outdoor living space with the use of bright colors, flexible seating, storage, integrated lighting and multiple conversation areas for both children and adults.
By Kim Six
| The Kim Six Fix
RD-W10
Our house’s previous owners installed a pergola over the sliding glass door and had painted it a dark chocolate brown, which resulted in a cave-like feel. The brown color was very dated, especially against the creamy color of the house’s stucco siding.
Another problem with the patio was that our air conditioner was housed right out in the open, next to the sliding glass door. It was loud and unattractive and so I also wanted to deal with that issue when I was addressing the pergola.
To deal with the A/C issue, I assembled a louvered screen to disguise the air conditioner using stock lumber and pressure-treated posts. I made sure to prime all the pieces with BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® Interior/Exterior Multi-Surface Primer and Sealer. I knew it would be easier to seal the boards before they were assembled.
The louvered design blocks the A/C from view while still allowing plenty of airflow.
Next, I primed the entire pergola with the same primer before painting both the screen and pergola with Behr Premium Plus Exterior Paint & Primer in One in New House White.
On your home's exterior walls, choose BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® Exterior Flat paint. It provides excellent touch-up to help maintain the look, and it can also be used on stucco, brick and other masonry, as well as on fences.
To complete the space, I re-trellised the wisteria vine onto the pergola and added some outdoor furniture and an outdoor rug.
A small bistro table is enough to accommodate all the adults in our household. To accommodate all of the kids’ toys, I built a wooden bench with crate storage, which also provides additional seating. You wouldn’t even know the toys were there if you didn’t know better, and the crates pull out for easy access by the kids. I added plants for color and to help block the irrigation and A/C utility panels from sight. On the other side of the patio, I also included a child-size table and chairs so the kids can have their own seating area.
Low voltage landscape spot lighting is installed on the pergola itself, in addition to decorative string lighting on both the pergola and fence. It is going to be a wonderful summer!
Find your color, pick your paint, and be inspired.
When you're ready, buy your paint online.
Author
Kim is a DIY and home improvement blogger living in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a former biomedical scientist turned stay at home mom of three young kids, she likes to focus on projects that are budget friendly and easily doable. She believes that a home doesn’t have to be perfect or expensive to be beautiful.
6 Gallons
OLD SUBTOTAL5 Gallon Bucket + 1 Gallon Can
NEW SUBTOTAL* Important Disclaimer: Coverage calculator results are to be used only as estimates. Behr Process LLC cannot guarantee that you will achieve proper results without verifying your measurements and assumptions.
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A flat sheen has a non-reflective finish that touches up well and hides minor surface imperfections.
Low-traffic areas; interior walls and ceilings
Ceilings
Medium-Low
A matte sheen has a low-luster, reflective finish that is durable, easy to clean, touches up well and also hides minor surface imperfections.
Low-traffic areas; interior walls
Family rooms, living rooms, kids' rooms, bathrooms, dining rooms, ceilings
Medium
An eggshell enamel sheen has a soft, velvety appearance that resists dirt and grime, as well as mildew.
Moderate-traffic areas
Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, kids' rooms, hallways, dining rooms
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A satin enamel sheen has a pearl-like finish that's easy to clean.
All interior surfaces; moderate- to high-traffic areas
Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, kids' rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters, interior furniture
Medium-High
A semi-gloss enamel sheen is sleek and radiant resisting mildew, moisture and wear.
Cabinets and trim; high-traffic, high-moisture areas
Kids' rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters
High
Hi-Gloss enamel sheens provide have a brilliant, shiny appearance and a durable, glass-like finish that allows dirt and grime to be wiped clean.
High-use surfaces
Kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters, interior furniture
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Set the right curb appeal with exterior painting efforts that last.
A flat sheen is non-reflective, and easy to apply and touch up. It will minimize the appearance of minor surface imperfections.
Wood and vinyl walls and siding; brick and other masonry; fences
Medium-Low
A satin enamel sheen creates a pearl-like finish that's durable and dirt-resistant. It will also resist moisture, fading and stains.
Virtually all exterior surfaces
Medium-High
A semi-gloss enamel sheen is sleek and radiant with a hard, durable finish. It is formulated to withstand wear, and will also resist moisture, fading and stains.
Doors, trim and shutters; Exterior furniture
High
Hi-Gloss enamel sheen have a brilliant, shiny appearance and a durable, glass-like finish that allows dirt and grime to be wiped clean.
High-use surfaces
High
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