^^A flashback to a few weeks ago when we were sweating in 80 degrees. How naive was I to think it would last!? C’mon April!
The Backyard Patio Is Complete!
My patio is officially done, so I wanted to share some photos of it – especially before I start to plant things in the garden! Here’s the view from above. I absolutely love the shape of it.
You can see that I moved our deck furniture down to the patio, and up on the deck I now have a picnic table and umbrella. It’s so nice to be able to lounge below and eat above, just off the kitchen.
This 10′ umbrella and Heatherstone table came from Target and are both really inexpensive – $120 for the umbrella and $240 for the table. The table is actually metal made to look like wood so it should last and not leave splinters in little hands.
The San Paolo benches are from World Market and we had them at our old house’s built in picnic table. Now they make perfect food photography spots!
Our Patio Furniture
Back down on the patio, we have the Palmetto furniture from Pottery Barn, and the new navy blue cushion covers are fabulous. They actually came with blue pillow covers in addition to the seats, but I’m liking the blue + white vibe for now.
You can get an idea of what our yard used to be like from this photo. It was all sloped grass and there was a hill where nothing would grow at the top. Any fun in the yard had to be done standing in grass, and it wasn’t ideal for entertaining or sitting down while watching the kids play. Plus we always had to haul the furniture down for big events like birthday parties.
Our builder carved out that hill, built a retaining wall, and then leveled the spot for the patio. All the dirt was deposited down the hill, so the bottom of the yard is actually a little steeper now, but that doesn’t matter since the top is totally flat.
Here’s an in-progress shot:
I love the pavers they chose!
The retaining wall created the perfect opportunity for some garden beds, so I have planted a few bushes there (with help from my landscaping diva, Lauren!).
Rosebush waiting to go in!
I am waiting until that final frost to put a bunch of herbs in this front box –
I had the garden framed with wood and filled with organic soil. I’m all ready to rock when it’s time to plant any day now!
I took the stones that were on the upper landing and moved them over to the mulch area of the garden. I was glad to find a new purpose for them!
I bought this huuuuuge umbrella from Lowes for shade. The patio is in direct sunlight alllll day long, so shade will be a necessity in the summer. This guy provides so much shade, and he even tilts to follow the sunset.
I’m still waiting for the grass to grow thick, but it’s popping through the straw!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Wow, it’s gorgeous!! I love the shape of the patio as well but my favorite part may be those garden boxes! They look so beautiful on the space and I imagine they’ll be even more beautiful once spring finally allows planting to happen!
Kori says
It looks so amazing!! I love your style, and I’m happy this came together so nicely for you and Mazen. But I agree, the weather needs to get with the program!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
It’s beautiful! We have a deck off our house but we’d like to remove the lower part of it because it’s not in the best shape and replace it with a paver patio just like this. I’m nervous to find out how much it’ll cost! I think we’ll have to wait until next year for that project. I bet it’s so nice to have that space for entertaining now. 🙂
Tri-Oldman says
That looks awesome! We used pavers for our backyard remodel just a lighter color. Love the open look.
Dora says
So the company did this for free, right? Typically, if I’m paying for a project, I’m choosing everything. I have to wonder who is using whom, here.
KathEats says
Um, no?? I just let them make suggestions and approved it all.
Sarah Struckmann says
Kath is a paying customer just like everybody else. We loved working with Kath on her patio project. It looks beautiful and I’m so glad you all can enjoy it this summer.
Andrea says
What an odd comment. Part of their job as a landscape DESIGN company is to do the design…… of course, Kath should have veto rights. But that’s why you hire someone – so you DON’T have to research and choose every little detail. That’s the selling point for most people. 🙂
Danielle says
It’s turned out really nicely! I’d love to hear more about the herbs you intend to plant – what kinds? I want to grow some, too, but the only ones i’ve ever had success with are chives. A post on this would be really interesting to me. I live in Cap Hill in DC so I don’t have a lot of room to grow things, but we have a teeny, tiny backyard.
Emily says
I like that idea, Danielle! I have a small raised bed and am trying to decide what to do this year. I over planted last year = disaster.
The yard and patio looks beautiful, Kath!!
Ella says
Gorgeous!! You are such a go-getter with the home projects. I tend to be so lazy (even though I’m a go-getter in all other areas of my life. I just can’t when it comes to DIY and home improvement). Do you think an interior designer or contractor or just hiring jobs out to someone is worth it if you just can’t seem to do it yourself? Or really don’t care to? I find that I don’t want to spend the money, but then wish my house were in better shape.
KathEats says
I think it’s all about balancing between what you need, what you want and what your budget allows!
Stacey says
would you ever think about adding a pergola or something over the patio area? I bet it would look really neat covered in vines…. or hops!
KathEats says
Maybe!! But I like the open air too
Kate says
I love the dark mulch! Is it rubber mulch? I’m really considering it for my yard because I hear you don’t have to replace it for 10 years, but I don’t know anyone who actually has it, so I’m not sure how it holds up.
KathEats says
I think it’s just regular but dark in color
Christine says
I had the rubber mulch and it only lasted about 3 years before our beds started looking shabby and bare. We really thought it was last much longer and are disappointed we spent so much money on it. I guess it depends on how severe your snow and rain are where you live. And maybe animals? I have no idea where it all went! I’m in Update New York so we get a lot of everything.
aimee says
We have rubber, we have a small yard and actually filled the whole thing with the rubber mulch for the kids to play on. We’ve had it two years andoso far we love it!
Ashely says
Everything looks great! I love the pavers and the shape of the patio. Smart to get the huge umbrella to provide shade. The planters are neat too!
tess says
Nice! I hope the warm weather comes soon, I can hardly wait to start enjoying our back patio! We have no furniture (bought our first house this week near Boston- SO EXCITED!!), but I check craigslist every single day for a good deal. No moolah left over for new things after buying a house, but I can’t complain- it’s a huge dream come true! The realtor’s had staged the patio with furniture similar to yours, so at least we know what it COULD look like someday. haha. Congrats, I’m glad you have a nice place to de-stress with all your family is going through.
KathEats says
Congrats on the new house!!!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Oh wow it’s stunning!!!
Maryz says
Beautiful! Love the furniture on the patio to lounge and the picnic table above…great to have the separation!
Claire says
Lovely patio, bet you cant wait for some nice weather. Sure that grass will be through soon. I’m looking forward to seeing the photos of the first party
Linda @ The Fitty says
Are you thinking of perhaps doing some gardening in your backyard? I’m going to plant some plants organically!
Chris says
Beautiful Kath! Let’s hope our freeze warning is short-lived. I usually plant everything the first week of May, but you could try spinach, parsley and radishes sooner. Basil is always the last to go in!
Stacie says
Still thinking of you and sending strong, positive thoughts and hugs to all of you. (https://www.katheats.com/sharing-my-heart-out)
Long time blog reader here, but rarely comment. I love your blog, what you do and how you write. Keep up the great work! (P.S. love the new header/look of the blog) 🙂
Kathy says
A great idea for shade for the patio is to plant a deciduous tree along it’s south-western edge. In time, it will grow to provide incredible (green!) shade and in the winter you’ll still get sun.