This week, I’m joining a phenomenal group of bloggers for tours of our outdoor spaces! This Garden Party blog hop is hosted by the fabulous Ursula of Home Made by Carmona, and I’m excited to help kick things off today. At the end of the post, you’ll find links to the other outdoor tours, and I promise you are not going to want to miss these {I’ll be adding more links as the week goes on}!
Last year, we saved up all our pennies and hired a landscaper to build a retaining wall to level out the backyard. By having the wall faced in the same stone that’s on our house, it truly looks like it was always meant to be this way. Adding the retaining wall and new fence also allowed us to create a much needed enclosure for our trash, recycling, and compost cans back along the alley.
It’s a small yard – but it’s actually not too bad for an urban neighborhood. The stone rectangle that you see at the bottom center of the photo is an indoor/outdoor fireplace that is shared without kitchen. It was a major selling point when we first toured the house, but after we moved in, we realized that the tiny concrete patio in front of the fireplace wasn’t big for any furniture to actually enjoy the fireplace.
We immediately knew that we’d need to expand the patio to create plenty of space for dining and entertaining, but we also wanted to preserve some space for the “future kids” {who are now very much real at three and four years old}.
And here’s a look at the our backyard in it’s current state. It’s come together bit by bit over the last seven years, and I finally feel like we can call it done!
I love how the pops of orange and pink contrast against all the blues in the backyard!
Stephanie -Casa Watkins Living says
So colorful and fun! Great use of the space. You have every bit of your yard maximize and styled to perfection
Shonee Smith At Hawthorne and Main says
Angela what a beautiful space! The added lights really make it look so fun. I love all the pops of color that you added. I love your modern house too. Wonderful tour, thanks!
Melissa @ Polished Habitat says
Wow, I can't believe how tall those Elegant Feathers have gotten already. They look so great along the bench. Love the addition of the rug too!
Anima says
It is so beautiful- and the changes are so dramatic- I am pretty sure this space is brimming with people through summer ??
Ursula Carmona says
Wow, you have a really cool house, and an equally awesome patio! What a great photo from above!!
Jen @ The Striped House says
Hey girl 😉 Is it strange that I'm crushing on your fence? It's such a fresh and contemporary twist on boring privacy fences – love it! Your lounge space in front of the fireplace is my favorite 🙂
UptoDateInteriors says
Such a great space and so many AMAZING diys!! I want to crash your garden party!
Jenn @ Loveland Lodge says
Love your backyard! We to live on a slope and have dreams of what our yard can be some day – seeing yours come to life is fantastic! What a wonderful space to enjoy the outdoors.
This Design Journal says
You have a truly inspirational space , it fulfills any imaginable functions of a backyard – And the work you did on the fence – just wowwwwww…..
Jenny N says
Your back yard is so beautiful. Great place for family party
Heathered Nest says
I don't think I've ever seen the exterior of your house, and I LOVE it! So modern! It's gorgeous! Great tour, Angela! Super great outdoor spaces.
Chelsea Coulston says
What a beautiful backyard! I love how colorful the decor is! And all that seating is great for entertaining, isn't it? I really enjoyed your tour, Angela!
ashley@biggerthanthethreeofus says
You have one of the best outdoor spaces ever! Love it so much!
Jen Woodhouse says
Wow what a transformation! I love your patio grid – what a fun space!
Aniko Levai says
What an amazing outdoor space you have! Just beautiful and looks super cozy at night! Love it.
cherished bliss says
Such a gorgeous space!! I love that little playground area you created too! So smart!
Iris Watts says
Wow, I absolutely love everything about the yard! Wonderful job on making what seemed unusable space so functional and beautiful!
Debbie says
I love the pavers and how you leveled your yard. We have the same issue with our backyard with it not being leveled. We're planning on getting that fixed after we save up enough money. So expensive to do a landscape design and re-do the yard.
Emily McCauley says
So pretty Angela!! Love those pops of color against the white stucco and beautiful new wood 🙂
Corey @heytherehome says
I'm a huge fan of your yard! I agree that the retaining wall to level out your backyard was worth every penny and I bet your sweet boys are loving their new play space! I might just have to make my way to CO someday!
Gary says
It definitely is worth spending the money on your outside recreational areas, you get so much value out of it over the years.
Michelle@Sustainably Chic Designs says
I just came across your blog & I LOVE your backyard space! Can I ask where you got those beautiful throw pillows? Thanks! 🙂
Angela, Blue i Style says
Thanks, Michelle! The floral pillows came from Lowe's last summer (I think they have the same ones again this year). The smaller teal ones came from Target a few years back.