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Backyard Glow-Up: How We Transformed Our Patio After 5 Years (With Amazon Finds!)
Our Patio Refresh Journey: From Pandemic Days to Cozy Summer Nights
It’s been five years since the world slowed down, and like many families, we turned to our home as our sanctuary. Back in 2020, we transformed our patio out of necessity—our little outdoor escape during those quarantine days. But after countless BBQs, family chats, chalk art, and wear and tear from the seasons, it was time. We needed a refresh.
This spring, we rolled up our sleeves (literally), pulled out the pressure washer, and gave our beloved patio a much-needed makeover. Everything—from the concrete to the cushion covers—got an upgrade, and we did it all without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for affordable patio makeover ideas with Amazon finds, this post is for you.
Let’s take you behind the scenes of our family-friendly backyard update and show you how to bring new life to your outdoor space.
The Before
Back in 2020, we were in full DIY mode. With nowhere to go and everything happening at home, our backyard became our safe haven. We pieced together patio furniture we already owned, reused rugs and cushions, and made it work.
It was functional—but not intentional. Fast forward five years, and our once cozy patio was starting to look worn out, faded, and a little sad. The cushions were discolored, the rug had lost its charm, and the concrete had definitely seen better days.
That’s when we decided: it’s time to glow up this patio once and for all.
Deep Cleaning First
Before we even thought about styling, we needed to clean. We removed every piece of furniture and cleared out the entire space. Then, out came the pressure washer. We cleaned the:
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Concrete floor
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Outdoor rug
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Patio furniture
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Worn cushions
It was satisfying to watch layers of dirt wash away. Once everything dried, we used our leaf blower to sweep off any remaining dust, dirt, and leaves. That alone made the patio feel lighter and fresher.
This is your reminder: a good deep clean is often the first step to a successful, budget patio refresh.
Paint & Prep
Next up—concrete painting! We used a concrete primer to prep the surface properly and followed it up with a fresh coat of concrete paint in a neutral tone that feels both modern and timeless.
And then… it rained.
For four long days, we waited for the floor to dry completely before placing anything back on it. It was hard not to rush the process, especially after doing all that prep work, but patience paid off. The floor looked brand new and gave us a clean slate to build on.
If you’re wondering, is painting your patio concrete worth it? — the answer is a loud YES. It instantly brightened the space and made it feel like a proper extension of our home.
Styling with Amazon Finds
Now for the fun part—styling! I wanted the space to feel inviting, functional for our family of five, and visually elevated. Everything we used is from Amazon (and I’ll link them all for you below).
Here’s what we added:
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New patio cushion covers: I found high-quality ones that were affordable, durable, and a huge visual upgrade.
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Faux potted plants: Real plants and I have a love-hate relationship, so I opted for faux greenery. They add life to the patio without the upkeep.
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Pergola shade cover: A game changer for those hot summer days. It makes the space feel breezier and more private.
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Outdoor lanterns and twinkle lights: Instant ambiance for evening hangs.
Every piece was carefully chosen to be affordable but not cheap—a phrase I live by when styling any space.
A Family Project
One of the most rewarding parts of this project? It was a team effort. My husband and kids were all hands on deck—from power washing to helping me install the pergola shade.
We laughed, got dirty, argued over rug placement (of course), and spent time together. After the past few years of hustle, it felt good to slow down and reconnect with our space—and each other.
There’s something special about creating a home with your family, not just for them. And this family-friendly patio refresh brought us closer in the best way.
Before & After
I’m a firm believer in the power of a good transformation photo. Scroll down to see the side-by-side comparison of our patio back in 2020 versus today. It’s wild to see how far we’ve come.
Want to peek at how we originally styled our backyard during quarantine? Click here to see our original 2020 patio post. (I’ll update this with your blog link!)
Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Impact
If your outdoor space feels a little tired or uninspired, let this be your sign. You don’t need a massive renovation or a professional crew. Sometimes all it takes is:
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A deep clean
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A coat of paint
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A few intentional decor swaps
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And a little help from your family (and Amazon Prime 😉)
This Amazon patio glow-up gave us a space we’re proud of—a place for summer dinners, morning coffee, and sunset hangs. And after five years, it feels like we’re finally making this backyard ours again.
Here’s to cozy summer nights, refreshed spaces, and making old things feel new again.
Simply,
Christianne
