A Sorely Needed Terrace Makeover
We have a lovely space outside of our master bedroom that has been sorely neglected. The terrace is located on the second story so when outside, it feels like it we are up in the tree tops. It is very private and surrounded by lush foliage. There’s a wonderful view over to the pool house and is ideal for watching sunsets. Since this space is not in a main traffic area, it doesn’t receive the regular maintenance and love.
After a bit of research, it appears this outdoor furniture is made by Pompeii Furniture Industries in Miami, Florida. However, I don’t believe they are in business. When I googled them, their furniture was being sold in avenues such as Chairish and Live Auctioneers.com.
Assessing the Mess
The outdoor furniture is aluminum with a powder coat finish that is clearly faded from the sun. You can see where the finish has a reddish/purple cast. Not very attractive.
Since this is a lightly used deck, debris and dried plant material is collecting in the corners.
The entire terrace and fireplace were added during the massive restoration of the house (see that post here). Typically this space gets used during the non-summer months, when the weather is more appealing.
Do you have a place in your home that doesn’t get enough attention or remain unused most of the time? Naturally since this isn’t a very inviting space, we didn’t want to spend time here.
After purchasing 5 cans of Rust-Oleum spray paint in Metallic Oil-Rubbed Bronze, I am ready to tackle painting the furniture. If you have ever used a spray can for any length of time, you know how much stress it puts on your index finger.
I am very happy to find this tool. It is very inexpensive and well worth it. No more stiff index fingers. The handle clips onto the spray paint can and all you have to do is squeeze the handle. It is the best $6.00 you will spend.
Prepping the Site
I confess to being a messy DIYer. But when using spray paint, make sure you cover EVERYTHING in the surrounding area. Using drop cloths, I protect the terrace floor. I also did this project barefoot and thankfully I did not take pictures of the overspray on my feet. What was I thinking!
Also, wipe the furniture with a damp cloth to remove any dust or cobwebs.
In order to get paint coverage everywhere, tip the chairs over and on their sides. Spray while sweeping the area so the paint does not puddle. Allow the paint to dry, and then tip the chair again to make sure you don’t miss a spot.
With only one coat of paint, look at the transformation! It’s hard to believe that a simple can of spray paint can make your outdoor furniture look new again.
The table top has a stone insert that was not removable so I covered it with paper and used Scotch’s blue painters tape to protect the stone from overspray.
After the paint dries, remove any painter’s tape and do another once over to make sure no spots were missed.
The After Photos
And here is the AFTER. The cushions are covered with Sunbrella fabric and it is amazing how well they hold up being outside all the time.
The rug I ordered online through Rugs Direct. I’ve had rather good luck with this company and have been very happy with their selection, their prices and the speed of their delivery. This 8′ x 10′ Caspian (1005D) outdoor rug cost $199 (with free delivery) and it defines the space. I’m not sure they have it in stock any longer, but check out their selections for the rug, style and color you want. Oh! I just found this same rug on Amazon and you can find it here.
It’s all in the details.
The throw, pillows, lanterns and acrylic glasses and tray are from Pier One Imports. Their retail shop closest to us is closed, but I found similar acrylic glasses on Amazon here.
Here is a similar green throw for $14.99, which is perfect for cooler spring and summer evenings.
Lanterns can be found at places like Home Depot or Lowe’s or even online. Pier One has such a nice selection of outdoor trays and dinnerware. Look at this tray-the details are so pottery-like but unbreakable!
Now the terrace is a welcoming place to gather in the morning for a cup of coffee, or at the end of a long day to watch the stars.
Adding seasonal, playful pillows pumps up the color on the chair and chaise.
Transforming this terrace from a neglected one to this took a bit of work, but certainly worth the effort.
Some key learning experiences regarding this project:
- Wear gloves unless you want to scrub off your first layer of skin to get the paint off.
- Wear shoes or socks. I was barefoot and yes, I had to scrub and scrub to get the paint off my feet.
- Make sure you put down an appropriate amount of protective sheets or drop cloths. Mine were a bit small and yes, there was overspray. Thankfully I was able to scrub that off the deck. Lots of scrubbing after this project!
- Check the paint color before you start. I didn’t dislike this paint enough to stop and purchase more, but I do wish it was a bit lighter.
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This post shared with Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Mondays #604
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Hi Mary, We did the same to our Pompeii furniture set that we have had for 30 years. We also had the original powder coat stone finish that was chipping. My husband stripped it off first and then painted it with the bronze as well as the repaired screen cage, all are holding up nicely, I even like it better since it is NOT chipping. It is a lot of work to strip but necessary to prevent chipping. All looks brand new. Even painted window frames and concrete plant pots.
Great post and your patio looks gorgeous.
Deborah, it’s good to know you can strip off the finish. Surprisingly mine is holding up well too! It’s a pretty set and a new one would be rather expensive, so I’m happy to salvage what I have! Thanks for sharing.
We have aluminum sets of table and chairs. We used Professional Rustoleum on ours and paint is chipping and peeling. I would like to know if your set does?
Nancy, oh no!I am wondering if your chairs needed more prepping than mine? Underneath is a powder coated surface, without any cracks, chipping or peeling. All I did is wipe mine down to remove dust and cobwebs. But I wonder if yours needed a bit of sanding first? I am so sorry. Mine is still looking like new, no chipping yet.
Wow! Just in time!!! We have a lot of sun chairs/pool lounge chairs that are need of this!!! Beautiful job, and thank you for the inspiration!
Mary, what a gorgeous place to enjoy your morning coffee or an evening glass of wine. Updating the furniture with spray paint is so smart ~ much cheaper than new furniture! Loved the colors and the accessories you used. I miss our local Pier I stores, too.
Carol, thank you for your sweet comments. I didn’t realize Pier 1 has closed all their retail stores? So happy you are part of our weekly conference call. I always learn so much from our group.
Damon, this is such an affordable alternative to buying new outdoor furniture (which seems really expensive to me!). Let me know if you tackle your chairs. Would love to see a photo (which you can send to me at [email protected]).Good luck!
Your private balcony is a fabulous space off your master. Your paint info is timely, and your furniture looks wonderful! Enjoy, enjoy!
Jane, this space outside the master bedroom is so private and surrounded by trees and greenery. Unfortunately, due to the summer heat it is virtually unusable, but we love the rest of the year. On those nights with spectacular sunsets or storms, it is a good place to be. Thanks for commenting today!
I read on Pinterest how to get spray paint off your hands. Stay your hands with cooking spray. I tried it. Comes right off!! Beautiful home by the way
Karen, I would have loved to know that…plus I would have had to put it on my feet! I don’t know what I was thinking to spray furniture bare footed. Live and learn! Thanks for the tip!
Did u have to sand furniture before spraying?
Gwen, I did not, but it would depend on the condition of your furniture. If the metal is rusty or bumpy, I would probably lightly sand it. With this set of outdoor furniture, I just made sure it was very clean so the paint would spray on smoothly. Thanks for dropping by today!
Such a beautiful job u did on this project! So inviting makes u want to escape here at the end of each stressful day. Makes me want to sell my home and purchase one that has this type balcony. I love the thought of having an outdoor fireplace. I have added this dream area to my bucket list. Thanks for sharing! Enjoy
Carol, Thank you so much for the thoughtful and sweet comments. This terrace gets used when the summer heat is over. It’s a great place to sit with wine or coffee. And if we light the fireplace, I can see it from inside when I’m in bed. It is also the best place to watch storms or sunsets or the stars! So happy you dropped by today.
Oh it looks great! Amazing what a few pieces, some repair and color can do to a space. My husband and I discovered that little spray handle for spray paint (because we seem to always be spray painting something) and it def. saves the index finger! lol
I love the colors you chose and it looks perfect for coffee, wine…or tea…lol I’m sure you’ll get so much more out of the space now, I def. would!!
Thanks for sharing the tips at the end! I too have a habit of spray painting barefoot (or doing anything barefoot really…) and the clean-up is not cute! lol I will be spray painting some picture frames this week and I will be sure to use your tips.
Thanks again for sharing! Still love Bella Terra and it never ceases to amaze me! The deck off your room…so nice…
Thanks!!!
Your comments always make me smile!! Thanks for the feedback~~I’m chuckling over your bare foot comment!!