A DIY enthusiast has revealed how she upgraded her patio while sticking to a budget.
She lit up her outdoor space using posts that cost her only $15 a piece.
Darlenee is a digital content creator and DIY home transformation enthusiast who posts on TikTokCredit: TikTok @deardarlenee
Darlenee (@deardarlenee) filmed herself setting up her home transformation project in a video on TikTok.
“The rental home that I live in doesn’t have a patio area, so I created my own little lounge space on a very tight budget.
“When we moved in, the backyard was very dead and dilapidated,” she said.
She revealed that she decided to improve the drab outdoor area with her own DIY purchases.
“We spent time tilling, fertilizing, and laying down grass seed. I measured out an area, laid weed barrier and edging so that we can put in some gravel.
“I decided to go with gravel because it was the most cost effective option. I am renting and I am cheap, and this whole area only costs $30 worth of gravel,” she said.
Darlenee topped it all off with affordable lighting to illuminate the space.
“I found these plastic pots at my local hardware store. They were dirt cheap $15, I believe, and I knew they would be perfect for these renter-friendly light posts that I wanted to make.
“I just used a two-by-four, threw some concrete in there, leveled everything, and then just let everything cure overnight.
“I painted them black because duh, have you met me? And I hung up some solar cafe lights,” she said.
In addition to saving on the lighting, she pinched even more pennies by furnishing the patio with hand-me-downs.
“We inherited all of the patio furniture from my in-laws. I just changed out the pillow covers to something a little bit more me,” she said.
The video drew in many viewers who shared their thoughts in the comment section.
“Gorgeous, and love how you made it your own space,” one wrote. “Most renters tend to not care but I think wherever you live is your own, so show some love to it.”
She filmed herself building up her own $15 lighting posts for her patio area from scratchCredit: TikTok @deardarlenee
She revealed the final result of her patio, keeping the look of the space elevated yet renter-friendlyCredit: TikTok @deardarlenee