6 TIPS | Backyard Refresh at the Sage Home

After a harsh Wisconsin winter, the backyard at the Sage Home was in rough shape. Between the snow, dirt, and a tree overhead that loves to drop debris all over the deck, we were dealing with leaves, grime, and some seriously dirty vinyl siding. Plus, the whitewashed fence had problem spots, especially the area where I had a shelf hanging for years. Before I could dive into decorating, I needed a serious clean slate.

Head over to my Reel on Instagram to see the “before” of this space, and scroll down to check out the “after.” But first, let me break down the cleaning process that made the transformation possible, and then I’ll share a few tips to design a cozy, cohesive outdoor space.

Deep Clean with 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner

This cleaner seriously saved the day. I used the 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner with the premixed spray bottle version, which made things super easy. All I needed was a garden hose!

How to Use It:

1. Attach the bottle to your hose and turn the nozzle to “CLEAN.”
2. Spray the cleaner directly onto the deck, siding, and fence. No need to dilute.
3. Let it sit for the time listed on the back of the bottle (just a few minutes).
4. For extra dirty spots, I used a broom to scrub lightly.
5. Switch the nozzle to “RINSE” and hose everything off.

The grime poured off, especially under the doormat where dirt had built up all winter. Even better, as long as you follow the instructions, the formula breaks down once rinsed into the soil, so it’s safe to use around landscaping, plants, and your lawn.

Planter Umbrella Hack

This year, I wanted to do something a little different and add some height and charm to the deck. Enter: the umbrella planter.

Here’s the hack: I placed the umbrella base and pole inside an oversized pot, then filled it with soil, rocks, and flowers. It gives the umbrella a stable base and doubles as a statement planter. Now it provides some lovely shade in the mornings and adds major whimsy.

Turn Found Crocks into Planters

Mr. Yolo found three giant crocks in the alley behind the house and texted me to get out there ASAP to grab them! Such a score. I’ve seen similar ones at vintage shops for hundreds. Since I didn’t want to drill drainage holes (still undecided on their long-term fate), I planted flowers in smaller pots with drainage and nested them inside the crocks. Right now, they’re holding some gorgeous dahlia bushes I scored at the hardware store, and I’m so excited to see them keep blooming.

Pop of Color for Cohesion

A few years back, I painted the back door in this peachy shade called Spiced Brandy. To pull the space together this spring, I found some block-print floral pillows that had that same color, and it instantly made the whole backyard feel cohesive.

Design tip: Pull a single accent color from one major element (like a door, planter, or cushion) and echo it through textiles, pots, or flowers. It helps everything feel intentional without being too matchy.

Layer with Outdoor Rugs

After cleaning the deck, I rolled out a large outdoor rug plus a coordinating runner to protect the most high-traffic areas. You can definitely see more wear in the spots that haven’t been covered, so this is a great way to extend the life of your paint or stain.

Next season, we’ll repaint and re-stain the deck, but for now, a good scrub and a few soft textures made the space feel fresh.

Change It Up

I try something new every spring, and this version might be my favorite yet. It’s always daunting when your outdoor space looks so bad coming out of winter, but with a little elbow grease and creative reuse, it came together beautifully.

Shop the Post

Below are links to the cleaner and a few of the favorite pieces I used in this refresh.
And don’t miss the giveaway on Instagram. I’m giving away a bundle of my favorite products to help you transform your outdoor space too!

7 piece Outdoor Furniture with ottoman
Wicker Solar Lamp
Scallop Tray
Tan Pillow
Solar Lantern
Outdoor Rug
Blockprint pillow
Umbrella Striped Umbrella
30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner

This post was made in partnership with 30 Seconds Cleaner. Thank you for supporting!