Monday, June 16, 2014

Black and white backyard makeover

Well, i have to give the boyfriend some credit.  He was totally right about the patio, and i was wrong in my need for immediate gratification.  I didn't want to put the extra time and money into leveling the yard around it by adding dirt to perfectly fine and green grass, and then putting sod over said dirt.  I was fine with the step down into the grass because it meant it was done.  And you know how projects go.  Done is good, in fact, done is better than good.  But done done wrong is never good.  You follow?


Since all the main furniture is neutral-the table and chairs, the swing, the gazebo-it allowed for a bold pop of pattern with the rug and the pillows. 



And you can see how there's no step down from the patio into the grass, it just floooowwws.


I have wanted to put out these thrifted plant stands for years, and they look great now that there's a patio for them to stand on.  Imagine that garage stuccoed.


Love how the bold black and white stripe works with the bold square planters on the garage wall herb garden.

These pillows are double sided, and were a steal at 2.99 from Ikea.  Got 'em in case the ones on the swing get ruined, but since none of them are technically outdoor pillows, they'll only be put out when we're entertaining.

Remember how i felt bad about covering the herringbone pattern?  I think we still get a good sense of it around the outside of the rug.  The patio itself is 12x14, the canopy is 10x12, and the rug is just shy of 8x11.  Shout out to Dawn at Inspired Living for giving me the heads up on this Frontgate rug.  It is exactly what i had in mind for this space.

The Hampton Bay dining set is 7 years old from Home Depot and has held up fabulously.  The viney backs were never my cup of tea, but in the past i let things being on clearance count for way too much.  I'm trying to get away from that mentality.  I actually think the bold rug balances the more traditional table nicely, and think this space does reflect my style now.



The swing is about 5 years old, and it looks much more updated with bold pillows.  Such a relaxing spot. Swinging should not just be done by children. 

Trifecta of backyard gorgeousness.  Listen to your partners sometimes.  Sometimes they might be right.  Sometimes. 



The netting, you can see, is just collected at each pole and fastened until we need it, like if we're eating a meal and we want to be bug free.




Obviously this is before the rug, but we were testing out the lighting.  So cute, right?




These are just strings of globe lights attached with electrical tape to the hard structure.  This, too, has held up for a few years.  Hopefully i'm not jinxing anything with talk like this!


Bold, graphic, colorful, lush.  Finished.  Never thought these words would describe my backyard.
 
Ready for summer and outdoor living, right here. 




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41 comments:

Unknown said...

Your backyard looks great. I agree that adding the pillows to the more traditional furniture makes it looks modern, yet classic. I absolutely love the planters attached to your walls. Love everything overall!

Dawn @ Inspired Living said...

First of all, your bricks patio turned out so well, it looks great! Black, white, and brick has long been one of my favorite combos, so I think the rug looks awesome. I'm truly impressed by the handy work involved in finishing this job. I'm glad you like the rug!

Dawn @ Inspired Living said...

First of all, your bricks patio turned out so well, it looks great! Black, white, and brick has long been one of my favorite combos, so I think the rug looks awesome. I'm truly impressed by the handy work involved in finishing this job. I'm glad you like the rug!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

This looks great! I would love an outdoor space like this. Glad you listened to the Boyfriend!! Patio bricks look fabulous. hugs!!!

Anonymous said...

Great outdoor seating area! So cute and comfortable, I love it!

Gigi @ Old World Patina

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh I love it, the patio is wonderful and I love the black and white. I also love the planters on the back of the house. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me.

Unknown said...

That rug is so perfect for the space! Love it!

Unknown said...

Great backyard! I love the graphic black-and-white and your neutrals. This will allow you to have fun each year with brightly colored flowers. I also love how it looks at night. I am inspired to hang some lights up in my own backyard now!

Unknown said...

It's really pretty! Good job! Thanks so much for saying hi :) And the birthday wish :)
XO
Isabele

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Your patio looks great! I really like that there is no step down from the patio to the grass. I'd be like you and just want it done, but, yes, sometimes it pays to listen. : )

Jim said...

I would like to sit there.

Unknown said...

Gorgeous!! I love the clean black and white rug, and the seating area looks soooo relaxing. Pinning :)

xo, Tanya

Michelle {Jarrah Jungle} said...

That rug has really made such an impact on the space, and your right just a few bright coushins and it makes furniture look like new again! Love your outdoor space, looking good :)

Unknown said...

What a lovely space! I am crazy about that rug! Just bought some similar lights for our outdoor umbrella and can't wait to get them up. Thanks so much for linking up with us at The Makers. :)

Light and Voices said...

You certainly have interior decorating ideas and put them to good use on this patio. Great job!
JM Illinois, U.S.A.

Light and Voices said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
betty-NZ said...

What a wonderfully inviting space!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful space to hang out in, I especially love that rug! Thanks for sharing at The Makers!

Stephanie said...

What a beautiful space, and I love the lights!

Unknown said...

I just love outdoor decor!! I love the little pots attached to your walls. Little touches really add personality!! Beautiful!

The Boston Lady said...

This looks so great! I love the rug, it truly makes it look like an outdoor room and as you said it ties in with the black planters on your stuccoed garage wall. (LOL, I actually like the look of the blocks, myself). Love the lighting, the planters, pillows, all of it. Boyfriend knows what he speaks of, I say. And so do you. Ann

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Love how this turned out! The pops of black and white are wonderful and the brick is gorgeous! One regret I have is that we didn't add outdoor lighting to our pergola. May need to go back and do that. I have a link party, Share Your Cup Thursday. It's live now. It's about sharing the things that make you happy. I'd love if you shared this! Happy to be a new follower.
hugs,
Jann

Unknown said...

I've been looking for a rug just like that!!! LOVE it!

Gina
www.thepinkwings.com

Pat@Life At Lydias House said...

I love the addition of the rug even if it does cover up the bricks!!

Unknown said...

Love all of the black and white. Makes it look so modern! Thanks for sharing at The Makers!
Corey @ Tinysidekick.com

Unknown said...

I absolutely love how well it lights up at night - what a beautiful space!
Shelia
www.houseofhighlands.com

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

You have created an absolutely beautiful backyard oasis! Happy to feature you at this week's party!

Diana Mieczan said...

The patio looks amazing and I love the stripes:) Kisses, lovely.

jackie jade said...

love your outdoor space - it looks so fabulous! and i think we're putting up some outdoor string lights soon and i can't wait :)

Vicki Lesage said...

Love the look! The rug really pulls it all together, but I like the individual accents too. Very cool!

Brandi said...

Um, like wow, where do I start?!!!!! I love it ALL! Thank you for sharing your evening picture with the lights. I was hoping you would and there it was so nice lit up. You and your bf created an amazing outdoor space. I love all the details from the plants to the pillows. You guys should really be proud of yourselves. Everything looks amazing. Such a great place to just chill.

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

What a great outdoor space. I love the lights under the canopy and the black & white rug and bold pillows!!! And the swing!! I need one of those!! Thanks for sharing on Best of the Nest and hope you have the opportunity to enjoy this space all summer long!

Charlotte said...

It is absolutely gorgeous!! So happy I found your blog!

Charlotte
http://queenoftheisle.blogspot.ca

cairncottage said...

I absolutely LOVE your new patio!! We are in the process of redoing ours(which is old and cracked concrete) and want to do something very similar to this! I never considered a rug, but it really add beauty to the space! And I also love the option of pulling down a netting on those summer evenings to keep the mosquitoes out! :)
Ann @ Cairn Cottage
http://cairncottage.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Such a beautiful backyard!! I love the idea that you can mix fashion and your yard so seamlessly :)

http://fiercelydemure.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for linking!

Sarah said...

Wow, I am so completely jealous of your outdoor space! It is beautiful!
Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving such a kind comment. I couldn't help but come check out yours after seeing it!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

LOVE this!!! And I adore how it looks at night!!

Beautiful!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

NEPA has been in use in this area ( North East PA) for about 25 years and was coined by the media outlets. It is quite amazing how much it is used here!!

Hugs,
Deb

Unknown said...

I love the black and white theme you have going on. It makes the colors you do have, really stand out against the black and white. I never would have thought to put a rug on my patio, but it's such a clever idea. How often do you clean it? Is it difficult to keep the white looking white? You did an amazing job.

http://www.desertsunpatios.com/pergolas_and_hybrid_pergolas.html

Unknown said...

I love what you did with your backyard! Everything about it is so cute. The black and white rug is darling! My favorite is that it's all covered with that canopy. It would be so nice to always have shade in the yard. It makes it so much more enjoyable.


http://pedalindustries.com/products/canopies/

Jackie Oliver said...

Your backyard is amazing! I love the canopy, with the table underneath. That would be the perfect place for family dinners, getting together with friends, and playing games with the kids. You would always have a shady place to go in the yard, which is a huge blessing during the summer.


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