a backyard for entertaining
When we bought our house last year, I was thrilled by the space for outdoor entertaining - upper and lower decks, a sizable, grassy backyard, and an overhang below with outdoor lights and a fan for relief in the unbearable summer months. Upon moving in, we realized this area needed some updates (age old story..).
UPPER DECK
The upper deck was the "easy" part - find a dining set, power wash, style with a few planters and hanging plants, add outdoor lights, and a buy a grill. I spent many hours researching dining tables that would fit in the misshapen hexagonal space An average 78-84 inch outdoor table was too long so I had to find the minimum size - 60 inches in a style and color that fit that space. Design Within Reach to the rescue! We settled on the black aluminum EOS dining table and Article dining chairs.
We also inherited a gas grill from our neighbors and added flower pots and plants over time. We purchased a power washer as our deck is a Trex Deck and really absorbs dirt, which shows. This has made all the difference in cleaning.
LOWER DECK AND YARD
As our home is a split level, the primary bedroom is on the bottom floor, close to the back door, which opens onto the lower deck and the grass and landscaping beyond. The lower deck was only partially complete when we bought the home. The previous owners built a sandbox on one side and from day one, we knew we wanted to complete the deck and maximize our space. Finally we did it! But now we need to stain so everything looks uniform. Labor Day sales were nearly 50% off so I closed in on them a month ago and we finally have the following items: Article Sectional, Article Accent Chair, Target Firepit
Deck is still two different colors and the dog toys are everywhere but Linus is loving the extra seating.
The previous owners nailed the hose container into the deck so we are going to remove that and surround the area with shrubs and pretty things.
Linus loves it.
A little later on...
And the ooni pizza oven! My brother made us pizza from his Ooni last month in Portland it was truly better than any pizza I've had. Just divine. My parents told us this would be our Christmas present so we impatiently await.
Cushy Chair and Ottoman for Reading
As I survey the space, I think it would be nice to have a loungey chair under the overhang for reading, with a little side table and overhang lamp. Since this would be covered from the elements, I could go with something a bit more wood-like in material. Maybe a bistro table and chairs too for eating those pizzas...
OTHER OUTDOOR PLANS...
In a few weeks my parents are coming to visit and they're going to help us pot some plants to really bring the lower deck together. Next spring we are are going to build raised beds on our side yard. This will allow us (me - the one who gardens) to take advantage of the best sunlight angles and keep vegetables from getting eaten by every insect, deers, and foxes. One side of our fence is also our shed and lends itself to a lovely little hanging garden. I inherited a few hanging wall pots from a friend and plan on buying more next spring. More on these developments once we start the projects!
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