The hubby and I have lived in our home (The Gottschalk Ranch, as we like to call it) for just about seven years, and for various reasons (the number one reason being that we spend the majority of our spring/summer months up north), this is the first year we’ve really worked on bringing our backyard / deck / patio space to life. And I’ve gotta say – it’s the BEST decision we’ve made in a long time!
The two most important thing for me in this whole process – and mind you, it didn’t exactly take a ton of planning or time to do this – was 1) having a place to enjoy together (and with loved ones who come to visit) outside at home and 2) having a place to work from outside since being attached to a computer and phone is much more enjoyable in the outdoors than it is inside on a lovely day. So, we did some research and came up with a way to do this – buy a chairs/table/umbrella patio set for eating/working and fill the rest of the space with places to sit and end tables and of course, accents to bring it all together!
Here’s a closer look at our progress …
We are absolutely ADORING this space. It makes me so happy to look out any of our back windows and see all of the color as well as to feel like we have another entire room to enjoy! (It’s much better than looking out to a bunch of nothing. Now it actually looks and feels LIVED IN – and that makes me very happy.)
If you’re interested in where we purchased these items, here’s the 10-4 on that:
Adirondack Chairs – ACE Hardware (available in various colors)
Chairs/Table/Umbrella Set – The Home Depot
Outdoor Throw Pillows – Target
Side Tables – Target
Other Decor – Hobby Lobby and Meijer
I’ll be totally honest – I went with faux flowers in glass jars on the tables because I can’t commit the money and time to real flowers when I’m going to be up north so much this time of year.
And another nice thing – should bad weather come, I simply pick up the pillows and flowers and put them in the garage until it’s nice out again. Everything else is fine “as is.” My whole philosophy on home stuff – do what you love and what works for you. It’s your space – you live there – so do what works best for you!
Another FABULOUS addition to our backyard space – this colorful, durable, handmade hammock from Guatemala (a gift from a friend) …
I’m quite sure there’s nothing as relaxing as laying in the hammock after work or on the weekends – with a book or just to take a little snooze. It has to be one of the most therapeutic things EVER.
By far my FAVORITE part of the entire project are the new string lights (from Home Depot) that the hubby surprised me with the evening of my race two weekends ago. Now the backyard can really be enjoyed during the day and at night, and evening time especially, has such a magical and romantic feeling to it now!
Overall, we’re really thrilled with what a little bit of money (in the grand scheme of things) and some intention can do to give our outdoor space a little more life, breath, and vibrancy. All of this, in addition to the trees, birds, and the peace and quiet of our country setting, adds to our joy in calling this place “home sweet home.”
Home is where the heart is.