Before & After: Outdoor Entertaining Became a Lot More Fun After This Transformation

Sara and Bryan live in an adorable bungalow in Long Beach, NY, complete with a huge back deck ideal for al fresco entertaining. But their home’s meh exterior wasn’t exactly projecting laid-back beach vibes, and the chipping orange-and-green deck was less than inviting.

With summer on the way, they were excited to turn their outdoor space into a seaside oasis for grilling kabobs, sipping summer cocktails, and relaxing in the salt air. Along the way, they discovered some smart ways to make those gatherings even better.

For Sara and Bryan, this started with an exterior paint overhaul — no small undertaking, to be sure, but one that made a huge difference. And since they were using Behr Ultra^® Exterior Paint, a durable paint that holds up to exposure to the elements, they knew the upfront investment would serve them well for years. They chose Dayflower MQ3-54, a reassuring blue that’s as calm as a lapping wave. “Sara and Bryan’s home is a lovely shape, but it needed a cool and delightful blue to emphasize that it’s the perfect beach bungalow,” says designer and visual artist Sara Weissler.

They chose a modern and resilient soft black, Broadway PPU18-20 by Behr^® Paint, for a pop of color on the front and back doors. The porch and deck got a new coat of Barnwood Gray PPU24-07, a relaxed gray that offered a grounding backdrop for their plants and furnishings without being too heavy. Finally, they refreshed the trim and railings with Polar Bear 75, a soft white that lent consistency across the house.

Now, Sara and Bryan’s outdoor space feels infinitely more welcoming — and that deck feels made for afternoon cold brews and sunset cocktails. Even if you’re not taking on a big makeover, you can still play with color to set the right vibe for your space, using a complementary palette to tie the whole look together. The Behr Color Trends 2021 Palette have done the work for you, with curated combinations of colors that evoke distinct moods. Echo your hues in everything from napkins to dinnerware, and don’t forget the votives, string lights, and outdoor lamps for that magic hour glow.

We tend to think about our outdoor furniture options as whatever is available at the home improvement store, but outdoor spaces can (and should!) feel as stylish as the rest of your home. Sara and Bryan chose a dining set that fits their modern beach house aesthetic, and we love that they set the dining area off with a rug, just as they might inside. Make outdoor dining more special with cloth napkins and stylish serving ware. Bonus: When your outdoor furnishings are this nice, you can repurpose them inside during the winter!

And just as you would inside, think long-term by choosing items and materials that are made to last. Sara and Bryan’s new dining set will see them through years of summer gatherings. And because they chose Behr Ultra Paint, their home’s new exterior will stay looking new for a long time. A stain-blocking formula that paints, primes, and protects, Behr Ultra Paint is extremely durable and resistant to mildew, sunlight, and moisture. Translation: It will age like a fancy Parmigiano-Reggiano.

By reimagining their outdoor space right down to the paint, Sara and Bryan demonstrated a lesson we love: Plan something well once, and you don’t have think about it again. Consider their well-appointed grill area, which has a prep station and cute seating for keeping the chef company (or just getting first dibs on burgers). Take the same approach to outdoor entertaining and you’ll always be ready for impromptu fun in the sun — and isn’t that what summer is all about? When you set up your outdoor space, consider your path from the fridge to the grill. Stock up early on seasonal supplies like bug spray and sunscreen. Get more ice cube trays (trust us, you’ll need them). You can even start a journal of your favorite summery recipes, so that you’re ready to plan any party.

When you’re beautifying your outdoor space this season, Behr Paint can help with high-quality paints and precisely rendered colors. Visit the Behr Website and get started on your summer project!