I'm really excited to share my first before and after on this blog! This project is actually my own backyard. Redoing the backyard was always something we wanted to do from the moment we saw this house. We absolutely fell in love with the porch and could totally see ourselves entertaining out there (which we do frequently), but the orange paint color on the fence and porch and the patchy grass had to go! It was a lot of really hardwork, and we still have paint touch ups to do, but well worth it. I can't even describe to you how different it feels in person and has truly transformed into a very Zen space for me and my husband. So here are the Befores:
What we did:
1. Tilled the whole backyard to get rid of all the patchy grass and leftover sand from previous owner
2. Layed out metal edging for our new grass island, planted St. Augustine sod
3. Got 15,000 lbs. of med. sized pea gravel (yes you heard me!) for the dry scaping
4. Gathered a bunch of brown sandstone stepping stones from a friend's land out in Llano (for free!)
5. Powerwashed the fence and porch.
6. Painted the fence a dark chocolate brown color (Valspar "Deep Earth" flat finish, Duramax for exterior)
7. Painted the porch to match the exterior trim (semi gloss finish for exterior)
8. Painted porch floor the same as the fence.
9. Created a storage area with the left over brick and stone squares in a cool design.
10. We did ALL the work :)
And the Afters!
I do have to give credit where credit is due. My husband and I knew we wanted some type of path with a planting area around the tree, and new grass. A friend of mine, Robby Lee, who has experience in Landscaping Design, stepped in and told us how to bring our ideas to the next level by creating a grass island with a dry bed surrounding it. It really breaks up the rectilinear shape of the backyard and adds some more organic lines. I loved the idea of the rocks surround the grass because it's easy maintenance and it gives a more modern feel to the landscaping.
Things to come:
1. Plants! Especially a Red Bud tree in the empty corner.
2. Furniture and outdoor fabrics, reupholster dining chairs
3. Outdoor lighting
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
POP!
I am really excited to share my photos of a baby shower I had the privalage of co-hosting with two of my best friends, Kristen Tan, and Lisa Khong, for another one of my best friends, Jenny Carroll. Our theme, (thought of by the brilliant Ktan) was, "She's about to Pop!". I think the inspiration for the decor was first inspired by the fabric from the table runner I saw at Hobby Lobby of all places! I just loved the pattern and the colors. It felt girly, yet modern and fun.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Looks for less!
I'm really actually trying to post about a baby shower I had the opportunity of hosting, but I'm having technical difficulties for some reason with the picture files. In the mean time, couldn't help but share these beauties with you! Good looking + Affordable= A happy girl ;)
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| Modern Console |
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
I really really want....
This rug for my Dining Room!! ( In a bigger size, of course)
I also just noticed the open cabinets with the backs painted black. I love this.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Eat in Kitchens
So this idea is a little outside the box, in my opinion. Eat-in Kitchens. Ok, I guess it's not that different from an island, but the concept is cool. It seems like a great idea for houses with limited space, but enough room inside the kitchen to set a table and chairs. I've always loved the look of an old rustic dining table and rustic wood islands, so this is kinda like combining the two. I think it's an interesting idea for casual dining. Can't decide if I'd want to pull this look in my own home, but it looks good in pictures! What do you think?
Picture this with chairs around it...
Small breakfast area attached to the cabinetry.
Friday, March 4, 2011
I got the Blues...
Man, it's been awhile since I posted! Sorry about that, I've been busy at work which is good. After flipping through the most recent issue of Traditional Home, I was informed that Navy is the new trend color. I used to think of Navy as being kind of boring and preppy, but mixed with more modern fabrics and furniture and the right accent colors, you have yourself a pretty happenin' room! I've personally never been a fan of blue blue, but I am drawn to aqua and turquoise which is obviously a shade of blue. I also thought I never really liked Navy, but after seeing some of these pics, I may have to change my mind. I don't think I could do it in my own home, but I would love to see it in someone elses! A friend of mine is planning to incorporate Navy in her interiors and specifically her Kitchen cabinets. I can't wait to see the finished product! I think it will look great contrasting with her warm wood counters. I am especially drawn to the Navy interiors that have shades of orange and rust as the accent colors. It's such a warm contrast and really help evoke a more earthy vibe.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
S-C-O-R-E!!
I'm so excited about my new purchase that I just have to share! While doing my routine stop by at Next to New on Burnet, I found this modern rustic dining table for less than $100! This table is transitional in style and can be used indoors or out, and with a glass, stone, or wood top at variable sizes- so many possibilities! I am going to use it outside on my covered porch with those bronze painted bamboo chairs I blogged about a few months ago here. SSOOOO much better than the unoriginal table I was looking at buying from Target :) Just goes to show you that with a little patience you can stumble across a gem!
Kind of reminds me of this, only with a more rustic appeal...
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