the great outdoors…

well, we’re almost finished with our very first BIG renovation project here at the gatch house… a brand new deck to replace our sinfully boring & unusable back yard!! it was on a hill, we couldn’t get grass to grow, only weeds… it did not feel homey nor provide a suitable place to entertain. actually our concrete patio was barely enough room for a table & 4 chairs. we moved the deck to the top of our project list once we realized that fall was right around the corner & we just knew it would be something we’d both really enjoy. we LOVE to sit, eat & relax outside plus adding square footage to our tiny living space won in the race against hardwood floors. so those will come later…

it’s been fun having a building permit in the front window & i’ve loved seeing the progress each day when i get home from work. but now that it’s almost done i’ve been obsessed with finding inspiration to make it look & feel amazing back there. i can’t wait to furnish it, plant tons of things & really make it feel like an extension of our home, french inspired & all.

i’m kinda bummed that we’ve missed all the outdoor clearance sales but it will come together eventually. home decor patience is not one of my virtues… alas, there are a few must-haves on my wish list:

-a couch of some kind {i’d really love to find a great sectional that’s not $7 grand.} or chaise lounges?!

-a fire pit

-string lights a la paris

-small trees, i’m thinking a fig or lemon tree & a few others too

-a grill {we don’t have one. YET.}

-gil wants some kind of cool large outdoor rug

-a raised herb garden

-& lots of pillows.

here’s what i’ve been pinning lately… take a peep.

love the rug & the black & white stripes… right up our alley.

can you name this tree?! if so please tell me, it’s perfect!

i can’t wait to use these barrels for planting & drink sitting…

these lights remind me of our wedding… & paris. love, love love.

lately i’m loving greens way more than flowers.

wait, i wish i could afford this furniture for inside my house! love the mirrored table & all neutral pallette.

i’m thinking if i can’t find the perfect couch, my dad & i could build one out of pallets right?!

not sure if our HOA will approve a pergola, but we might try next summer. oh so homey!

what’s your favorite part about your outdoor space? please share! can’t wait to show you all the final product soon… be curious!

all photos via my pinterest board… click here to find the links.