Outside Edge.

British weather is so unpredictable. I wanted to enjoy every last drop of sunshine whilst I could during summer so my exterior masonry and brickwork got a fresh new look. I chose soft natural tones that would compliment the grey decking. I hoped it would create a relaxed dining/BBQ and entertaining area. Somewhere all the family could enjoy spending time outside.

I used masking tape to create a modern triangular pattern. I had chosen 3 colours to use, so triangular shapes made sense. Toolstation were having a sale on Sandtex Smooth Masonry Paint. I bought 5l tubs of Country Stone, Plymouth Grey and Pure Brilliant White.

Then I started the fun part – the painting.

Stupidly I began this with a normal large paintbrush – yeah, don’t do that! It takes forever. I thought a roller might work better too, it didn’t. You need a masonry brush, it really was a life saver. I bought mine from B&Q for a couple of quid. Each segment needed a while to dry. I started with the lightest colour and worked my way around. Personally I think the wall looks great and it definitely improves the view from the breakfast room window. What do you think?

I did the exact same thing the next evening on the wall at the back of the property, same pattern and colour scheme. This is the shed, which had a broken glass window. It was quite expensive to replace the glass so I shopped online at got some transparent perspex which i placed in the empty gap and screwed to the frame. It’s protecting the shed contents (mainly Andy’s tools) from the elements and looks shiny and new. This wall took a lot longer, but I had to use a ladder to reach the high parts. I really hope the neighbours at the back of us like the pattern too – its pretty much all they will see when they look out their kitchen windows. No complaints so far!

The feature wall creates a lovely back-drop to our patio area. I found a beautiful rattan corner set to place here, one big enough for family BBQ’s and loads of people with matching table and parasol.

Once I started painting and using this colour scheme I got bolder and bolder. I painted all the wooden fencing in the country stone colour. It made a huge difference to the garden as our previous fencing was a dark red . It made the garden seem HUGE – If only painting made everything seem bigger, wink wink!

Country Stone Fence by day!

Country Stone fence by Night.

I thought our colour scheme looked pretty great and obviously my neighbour did too, the following weekend, she decided to copy my idea of a light fence colour and her’s went the same colour too. I always take it as a huge compliment when my ideas are used. It’s super flattering. I do hope it’s not the beginning of a ‘Keeping Up Appearances’ style neighbour garden battle – because I like to win and this could get out of hand.

So with all the walls and fencing freshly painted I moved onto the plant pots. I again went a little OTT with the masking tape and my trusty 3 paint colours. Miller wanted to be a plant pot too.

I planted some hedge type plants inside. I’m not sure what they are or how long I’m going to manage to keep them alive. I think Andy may have to come to my rescue here.

The garden looks so different already with these small alterations. I also have to say I’m impressed that the paint protects the fencing and brickwork too, so hopefully I won’t have to paint for at least another year or two. My right arm is literally sighing in relief. It’s another area ticked off my list and I’m super happy everything matches. Yay!