Making it Lovely

Category: Outside

  • Chain Link Cover-up?

    Last year, Brandon and I talked about doing something to screen our backyard from the alley. We have chain-link fencing, which of course offers no privacy but we’re not going to replace it anytime soon. The stretch of fencing we’re most concerned with is the section by the parking space in this sketch:

    Long-Term Backyard Plan

    I went to IKEA not long ago to check out their summer line and I liked their wind/sunshields, but I couldn’t think of a use for them. Today I suddenly realized that they may work well to cover the fencing.

    DYNING wind/sunshield

    The other idea we had was to use Put-in-Cups to create a pattern. They could be very cheesy (I know), but I think they could also be very cool. Check them out here:

    Put-in-Cups

    Nice, right? We had also considered fence slats as another option. When I talked about wanting to do something to the fence last year, a lot of people suggested woven willow, reed, or bamboo panels. I’m sure that would look good, but I like the idea of doing something more graphic. Everyone hates on chain-link but I really don’t mind it. I think it could be an opportunity to do something kind of fun…

  • Up for the Challenge

    And what a challenge it will be… I can barely waddle down the stairs these days. Still, even with a baby that’s due in nine days (yikes!), Brandon and I are always up for a good project. That’s why we’re thrilled to be participating in the Better Homes & Gardens’ 48-Hour Challenge!

    The 48-Hour Challenge

    We asked five of our favorite home and garden bloggers to create clever weekend projects for outdoor living, using $500 in materials from The Home Depot. Throughout April, they’ll be blogging about the process, from inspiration and design to shopping and building. In May, we’ll post the finished projects, and you’ll vote for the most creative. The person who created your favorite will receive a $5,000 bonus!

    Is that exciting or what? I’ve been thinking a lot about what to do with the front porch, so we’re going to work on it for the challenge! We’re going to create a little dining area and a separate lounging/relaxing area. We’ll be using plenty of green (since I’ve been obsessed with it lately), and of course I’ll have to bring in at least a little pink.

    You can head on over to Better Homes and Gardens to check out the other four bloggers that are taking part. I was excited to see that John and Sherry from This Young House will also be working on their front porch — how awesome to be participating in this challenge with friends! I’m really looking forward to seeing all of the finished projects.

    Of course I can’t wait to share more with you, but for now you’ll just have to wait and see… And wish us luck!

  • Hoping for a Vintage Porch Swing

    Hoping for a Vintage Porch Swing

    I found a porch swing on Craigslist that I really like, but someone beat me to it. It looks a little something like this:

    Porch Swing Sketch

    I’m crossing my fingers hoping the other person doesn’t pick it up! I’ve been looking for weeks and this was the first swing I actually liked.

  • Porch and Patio Seating?

    Porch and Patio Seating?

    Yesterday it was 65 degrees. Today: 27. Still, I keep thinking ahead to spring and all of the things I’d like to do outside.

    As cute as our front porch is (and it is pretty cute), I’m wondering if maybe it should be more of a lounge area.

    front porch

    Right now those chairs are on the patio in the backyard, mixed in with some other wooden folding chairs. The white ones are much more comfortable, so I’m thinking about picking up four more so that we can have a matching set. It bugs me that the chairs are all mixed up! I don’t think I could ever go for the artfully mismatched look, even though I think it looks great when other people do it.

    The Yard With My New Egg Chair

    But… I can’t decide.

    Option 1: Put the four white chairs we already have back on the front porch and keep it as a little dining area (it’s nice to sit there when it’s raining). Store the uncomfortable wooden chairs (we have 6) for extra party seating. Find 8 new matching (and inexpensive) chairs to go around the table in the backyard.

    Option 2: Keep the four white chairs on the patio and pick up four more (they’re only $30 each). Store the 6 uncomfortable wooden chairs for extra party seating. Find lounge furniture for the front porch. Maybe two comfy chairs and a little side table? Maybe a porch swing or a gliding bench?

    Any ideas?

  • I Want My House to Look Like This, Please.

    I Want My House to Look Like This, Please.

    Our House, but Better

    It’s much better than the current look, don’t you think? Here’s a detail:

    Our House, but Better (detail)

    You can look at the whole thing in a larger size here.

    The Photoshop File

    In case anyone’s feeling creative/bored, you can download a file for the mockup. Feel free to play around with it… I loved seeing what everyone came up with last time!
    [download#5#image]

  • Plants for the Front of the House

    I think these are the plants I’d like, though I’m not 100% committed to them yet. They all tolerate shade.

    Plants for the Front of the House

    Clockwise from top left: Karen Azalea, Ostrich Fern, Hostas, Green Velvet Boxwood, Astilbe, Asparagus Fern (an annual here), Hardy Cyclamen, and Pagoda Dogwood.