The weather has been a bit spotty lately, but we finally got a little reprieve this weekend which gave us a chance to get the backyard ready for summer. I have lots of pictures to show you, but you may also be interested in these posts from last year:
- BACKYARD BEFORE PHOTOS & PLANS
- PATIO CONSTRUCTION
- PATIO DESIGNED FOR ENTERTAINING
- HOW TO HANG STRING LIGHTS
- RENOVATIONS TO MAKE THE YARD FEEL TWICE AS BIG
That wood screen does a good job of hiding the air conditioning unit just to the right of the garage, and the small pergola {or is it an arbor?} creates a nice transition into the boys play space.
Of course, the boys find plenty of other places to play in the yard as well. Mom and Dad love listening to the gentle sound of the water fountain…
…while the boys enjoy splashing around in the fountain with their pirates.
What haven’t I talked about yet? Oh, let me give you a closer up look at my table setting…
Have I mentioned lately how much I love that “dollar” section at the front of Target {now called Bullseye’s Playground}?! LOVE! All of these plates and the bright pink candle hurricanes all came from that bargain spot. I picked up the stemless outdoor wine glasses for a great deal at Target as well.
One of my favorite views of the backyard is the bird’s eye view that you get looking down from our third floor patio.
Tuesday
Ciburbanity
The Striped House
Style Mutt Home
This is Our Bliss
Wednesday
Copper Dot Interiors
{Home-ology} Modern Vintage
Up to Date Interiors
Bigger than the Three of Us

There will more Summer Home Tours each day this week, so check back for updated links!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
that is the perfect family back yard! i love that the play set looks so perfectly built in. and i love all of the color you used- it's so fun and so you! and that feather plant is glorious!!! what a beauty!
Angela, Blue i Style says
Thanks, Cassie! I'm really loving how well the playset matches the fence and blends right in. I kept feeling like I needed to DIY a playset, but I knew I wouldn't get it done fast enough for the kids to get maximum use out of it. I'm so glad we just bought this one so they can start playing!
Maggie Overby says
We have a sun room that has gotten no love since we moved into our house, Your backyard is making me feel like a I better get to work. Such a beautiful space!
Angela, Blue i Style says
Thanks, Maggie! I can't wait to see how you sun room comes together!
Sarah Krouse - {Home-ology} modern vintage says
I love your urban outdoor space so much! That feather plant behind the bench is so clever. And I love how you hid the playset in plain sight. We're currently building a treehouse for all the little ones who come to visit us and I'm trying to find a look that makes it fit into the woodsy setting while giving it a modern vibe – because, you know, I just might be hanging out there more than anyone. 😉
Angela, Blue i Style says
That treehouse sounds awesome! I can't wait to see it! I kept wanting to build something for the kids, but finally gave in and bought something because I was afraid they'd outgrow it before I got it done. LOL! 😉
Stephanie -Casa Watkins Living says
So colorful and fun looking!!! I just adore how you use bold colors and I was looking forward to seeing how this summer shapes up for you. Great styling and I totally see the inspiration. Side note: the photo of your kids and hubs BBQing is adorable!!
Angela, Blue i Style says
Thanks, Stephanie! I can't wait to check out your space as well. I totally love your use of color, too!
Jen @ The Striped House says
I love this! Your back yard puts mine to shame, LOL! What a fun space to spend evenings in the summer with the comfy seating, fireplace and strings of lights 🙂 Lets me know when the BBQ is and I'll be right over!!!
Angela, Blue i Style says
The drive from Omaha to Denver isn't too bad… Head this way and I'll fire up the grill!
Rachael Bliefnick says
What a lovely family-friendly space!! And that third floor view?!? Oh my goodness – so stunning! I love that ikat rug so much! Your side tables are the perfect shift-tables & I, too love battery operated candles for outdoor lanterns. Beautiful space, Angela 😉
Angela, Blue i Style says
Thanks, Rachael! That view from the deck upstairs makes me wish I could photograph all my spaces from above! 😉 Now someday I'll actually make the deck up there look as good as the patio below. Someday!
Charlotte Smith says
Looks great! That fountain is the prettiest color! And obvy the rug is KILLER! What a relaxing space for you and the gang!
Angela, Blue i Style says
Thanks, Charlotte! I don't know why it took me so long to buy an outdoor rug – it really changes the space! And napping to the sound of the fountain might be my new favorite past time.
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
Angela, what a lovely outdoor space! I'm sure you all thoroughly enjoy being out there!
Angela, Blue i Style says
Thanks, Jennifer! I can hardly drag myself out of the backyard to get anything done.
Domicile 37 says
This is such an awesome dreamy space! It literally looks like something you only see in magazines!!!!! I love how you tucked the kiddie space behind the wall. Love it!
Angela, Blue i Style says
Ahhh, thanks!! We've had a few BBQs so far, and the space really functions well for adults and kids, which is going to make for a good summer!
Kathy Baugher says
This is my dream back patio! Love the color palette, the built in bench, and string lights. Gorgeous photos.
Angela, Blue i Style says
Thanks, Kathy! I'm so happy to have the patio finally looking the way I've always envisioned it!
Carol @ CAD INTERIORS says
You have an awesome patio/backyard! So much practical function packed into a beautifully-done space. Your space is serving as great inspiration for our own backyard transformation.
Angela, Blue i Style says
Thanks so much, Carol! I feel like we've finally got the backyard just the way we've envisioned it since we moved in. I can't wait to see your backyard transformation take shape!
Arielle says
Angela, this is amazing! I love love love how you break the space up. Perfect outdoor living. It's what I want to do in our yard when we get our act together. And the colors are great!
Angela, Blue i Style says
Thanks so much, Arielle! I can only imagine how gorgeous your backyard will be when ou get your hands on it!
ashley@biggerthanthethreeofus says
The whole space is fabulous but I LOVE the concrete bench area and the patio lights. I would live out there if that's what our space looked like.
Tricia says
I can't get over what an amazing backyard you have. I LOVE everything in it including the concrete bench, the fireplace and the privacy of that gorgeous fence! I'm looking out at my sad sad backyard. Maybe I need you to come up and give me some pointers!
Tricia // Suburban Bitches
Prettypracticalhome says
Holy Wow, I love your backyard! The colors are so fun and I love how much thought you obviously have put into all areas. I appreciate how much fun and function you packed into an urban lot. I would live outside if my backyard looked like that!
Krista thehappyhousie says
Such a FANTASTIC outdoor space, Angela! I would love to come see it in person and have a glass of wine with you out there – that fireplace!?!? Wow! Thanks for sharing it at the Outdoor Extravaganza – featuring you tomorrow.
Benny Jill says
What a fantastic family space. The colors are gorgeous. I love the intimate areas that are carved out. Great use of the space for the kids play set bty. Thanks
Sarah says
Wow, I love your decor! The throw pillow and lights are my favorite parts! I can’t help but notice how cool your fence looks in the background of these photos. The horizontal look really seems unique and stylish.