patio re-do | inspiration

We just recently took our swing set down and although I was happy to see it go, I was a little nostalgic about all the great memories our kids have had on it. It makes me realize they are growing up – mixed feelings there too! Maybe we were a little premature – our youngest is almost 9 but she was totally on board {let’s hope she doesn’t suddenly change her mind}. This area sits next to our fenced in pool area and our seasonal vegetable garden. It also has nice soft, small river rocks that make for a great, non-permanent, surface. This made for lots of rock throwing and dog digging but now it will be our new patio area. So as you can see, the area needs some attention. It’s a good size – approximately 27 x 24′. Our thought is to have 2-3 designated “areas”. One with a built-in firepit and sitting area, another as an eating area, and another with a more decorative-flower-trellis-something-area {is that too vague?}. We have plenty of patio space around the pool but when the pool isn’t open or maybe when the kids just want to hangout apart from the parents {or vice versa} this will be a good spot to go. And I can see it from our kitchen sink window. Perfect. We want casual and fun and easy to maintain. If someone spills a drink, it’s ok. We also don’t want to spend a lot of money because who knows, in a few years we may change our minds and want something different here. The colors we’ll be using are navy and orange/red with a lot of natural elements. Some projects we’ll be taking on {and posting!}: – built-in fire pit – embellished picnic table {adding a built-in beverage holder} – fun, purposeful lighting – great serving pieces – plants and foliage to help define the space – seating options – decorating details on a budget {pillows, pots, etc.} And here are a few patio designs that we like and are giving us some inspiration: This perfect casual patio from country living. I love the lights!

And this one we found here. And yet another cozy patio from country living. Stay tuned for all the progress. This will be another fun project I can’t wait to share with you! And be sure to watch for the home office final reveal – we’re almost there. Enjoy!