I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—nothing gets a project finished quite like inviting a few friends over. It’s the ultimate motivator, especially when you’re staring down a space that’s been almost done for far too long. Enter: my back patio.

I bought the main furniture pieces a year or two ago, fully intending to create a chic little escape. But life, as it tends to do, got in the way. The patio sat halfway done—functional, but not fabulous. That is, until recently. With a gathering on the calendar, I finally committed to pulling the trigger on all the finishing touches I’d been dreaming about.

Let’s call this a temporary transformation, because if all goes according to plan, we may be building a new home in the not-so-distant future. That said, I wanted this space to feel warm, welcoming, and pulled-together in the meantime—because whether we’re here for two more years or twenty, I want every inch of our home to feel lived-in and loved.

Here’s what I did to bring it to life:

• Layered in the Accessories: From oversized planters to warm lantern-style lighting, this space came to life with just a few key accessories. It’s amazing what some candles, cushions, and texture can do.
• Hung a Faux Boxwood Backdrop: It’s hiding an eyesore behind it, but you’d never know. It adds instant greenery and charm—plus a little bit of privacy.
• Added My Favorite Touch: The French window casing I found at a local shop has become the pièce de résistance above the fireplace. It adds old-world character and makes the whole area feel a bit more curated.

While this setup works beautifully for now, if we do end up staying in this house longer, I’ve already got a few ideas brewing. I’d love to install metal French doors on each arched opening, so we can enjoy this patio year-round and keep it cleaner too. I also dream of replacing the current floor with something more elevated and durable.

Another idea? Billowy outdoor drapes—a less permanent but equally beautiful option to soften the space and add that effortless, resort-like feel.

My mind is always buzzing with possibilities, but for now I’m thrilled with how it turned out. This little refresh was the reminder I needed that even a temporary setup deserves to feel intentional and beautiful.

So if you’ve been sitting on an “almost finished” space of your own—consider this your sign. Invite some people over, grab a few new pieces, and make it yours.