I Dream of Houses - the Backyard

I know I did an overview of the things we wanted to do to the outside of the house but I can't help but want to dive into some of the inspiration.  Its been so yucky out lately that I'm craving a time where it's nice and I have a space to spend outside with the family.  And speaking of yucky - I tried to take a picture of the backyard this morning so I could show you what we are dealing with but it was pouring.  I didn't want to go to work looking like a drowned rat so I will forgo the photo for now and save your eyes the pain but here's a sketch so you can get a better idea

 

This is my property.  I haven't included everything but you get the idea.  Well maybe you don't so let me explain.  We live on a half acre but a lot of that land in the back is a steep hill (can't you tell from my arrows? sheesh) and a rocky stream and then woods.  So if I was a dog I'd be in heaven - but for my personal oasis and for my kids it's a nightmare.

I should also probably also mention that I have this as a lawn ornament.  

 

 You can see how it looks like it's about to fall down a hill?? yah that's the blue arrows.  So yah this whole space is what I fondly call ONE HOT MESS.  but on the bright side you can only go up from here right - this is like rock bottom of backyards.

So lets look at a little inspiration shall we?

First up we need a little shade don't you think?  Our plan is to replace the window in our master bedroom with either french doors or sliding doors - a little something like this

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The idea is that we will put some kind of screened in porch that will add extra living space to our master but will also be the shade we want in the back.  We don't have any plans for this room yet so I'll move on to the rest of the yard.

Underneath the deck I'm going to need somewhere to park my butt and hopefully get a little time to relax.  I can't think of a nicer place to do it than some comfy couches and chairs surrounded by some greenery.  

 

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Dreamy right?  Yep I think so!!  I'm definitely going to need some curtains or screens to keep the bugs out.  but that swing bed.....yep that's a bed! woah I could totally catch some afternoon naps on that beauty!

I haven't decided if it would be better to put a wood deck down (ground level) or to use paver stones.  I love the warmth of wood and the ability to stain or paint to bring colour to the back BUT I definitely see the draw in the low maintenance stone floor. 

I need a spot for the kids to play but right now I'm not sure if that will be out back or on the side when we rip off that deck (I know we have a million plans!!). 

 

How cool is that?  I found it on Pinterest and can't find the original image (please let me know if you know where it is from)

 

 I'm 100% sure we are going to be DIYing a fire pit. 

 

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 I pinned this image a while back and I keep coming back to it.  I picture it just outside of the porch looking out onto the ravine!  I can just see us and the kids in the back roasting marshmallows late into the night!

And of course lots and lots of landscaping and privacy fencing will have to be included because what's a backyard oasis when you have your next door neighbour peering at you from across the grass.

I want to update our old shed - it's tin and falling apart.  Something that can double as a garden shed and also somewhere for the hubs to store his lawnmowers and tools.  We don't have a garage so this will be a must at some level.

I mentioned ripping that side porch off - it's old and rotted and we don't really use it like it should be used so I plan to get rid of it and replace it hopefully with some pergola action.  I see us using this for the kids so that their sand boxes and water tables don't completely ruin the grass.  I would probably paint it black to tie in with the colours of the house.

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This one is beautiful, but we will probably end up with something a little more like this

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Also very pretty - honestly I would be happy with anything other than that deck!

So there you have it! Lots of fun things that I'm hoping to at least get planning this summer should the weather FINALLY cooperate.  Seriously I'm so done with all this rain.  I'm learning to put together mood boards so I'm hoping that I can get one put together for the back when we get closer to actually starting any of it.

But for now it's just a dream!!  A girl can dream :)

Thanks for stopping by!