Our backyard is not quite finished, but I thought I would share the progress so far!
When we first looked at our home, the backyard was one of the main reasons I fell in love with it. There was just something so charming about it and I envisioned having parties, BBQ’s, a morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine. However, each time we attempted to hang out there, we realized that it needed some work. The area was quite grassy, a bit dirty, buggy, very uneven and there was just something that felt uncomfortable about it. But, we just moved in, had a baby and everything, aside from Nate, took a back seat.
A little over a month ago, we finally got the ball rolling! Here’s where we’re at:
*We opted for bluestones (rather than keeping it grassy) to make it more “hangout friendly.” The team came in and leveled out the ground, so now it feels nice and even and we don’t feel like we’re sinking into the ground.
*We kept a couple inch border around for some plants, herbs and veggies.
*We went back and forth on getting a pergola and I’m so happy we did! We got ours from Wayfair . This is the one we went with.
*We (and when I say we, I mean Keith….) added lights to the pergola that we bought from Costco.
So that’s what we’re up to. Of course I’ll be sharing the final photos here, but thought it would be fun to share where we’re currently at!
PS: I’ve had some questions ask what our plan is come winter. Here’s what we’re thinking: we’re planning on getting outdoor wicker furniture which we’ll cover for the winter. We’re getting an outdoor rug that we’ll roll up and put away for the season. Some plants will come inside and others, we’ll have to replace with each season.
Edited to add: I’ve had a few questions asking me what our plans are as far as Nate is concerned. We most certainly plan to have a little “garden” area for him. It’s going to be an area he can dig and play around in and an area that is his. Also, Keith has a massive green thumb, so that’s going to be their father and son thing that he plans to teach him along the way. We also got him a little sandbox and pool for summer months, so hopefully that’s enough to keep him busy and happy! If not, we’ll learn as we go and make necessary adjustments. Thank you all for your comments and feedback!
33 comments
La Bijoux Bella | by mia
Simply beautiful … a space for relaxing and chill after a hard day’s of work … very lovely and a great use of space. 🙂
??LA BIJOUX BELLA ??| By Mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
July 25, 2017jenn from much to my delight
That looks amazing! Our backyard in Queens sits against our driveway, so it’s been interesting to plan around so much concrete. Your space is lovely, and I really love the pergola!
July 25, 2017fatou diaw
I love the setting!
July 25, 2017xx
https://www.closettostreet.com/
Mireia
Absolutely love it!
Mireia from TGL
July 25, 2017https://thegoldlipstick.com/
Caitlin
I think your backyard looks awesome! Other adjectives that come to mind? Enchanting, inviting, and definitely your own personal oasis!
I would love to learn more about your house, too! I’ve read through your house tour post(s) but would be interested in hearing about your hunt and final decision. What neighborhood are you in? Is it a brownstone? Do you own the whole thing? What’s the front look like? Is there a little front yard that you are sprucing up? Sorry if you feel it’s nosy…I’m just really curious! 🙂
July 25, 2017Sel
Beautiful Helena, simple and elegant. Just out of curiosity, is there space for cutie-pie Nate to play outside? Being a Mum of a boy (albeit a young man now), my son loved to play outside – especially digging in dirt with his toy trucks and watching bugs and frogs. As a toddler and pre-schooler, he would rescue snails (and other creepy crawlies) from his Granddad’s veggie garden and release them in our garden (I didn’t have the heart to say no).
July 25, 2017Helena
Hey Sel,
you’re absolutely right and we definitely plan to have an area for him. I just edited the post to include our plans for him!
July 26, 2017faith
It looks great. Can’t wait to see the final photos.
July 25, 2017Luci's Morsels
How stunning! Love the simplicity and elegance of the pergola. Such a beautiful outdoor space!
Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.
July 25, 2017TUESDAY 10 | Atlantic-Pacific
[…] eight // My friend Helena has just completed an amazing backyard renovation at her house in Brooklyn and I can’t wait to visit! Check out her post on the progress here. […]
July 25, 2017Andrea
Oh wow! It’s amazing what you did with this backyard! It looks so beautiful and cozy with the lights… Amazing Job!
July 26, 2017Andrea
Pebbles and Blooms
Sharon
i just love it! It’s beautiful and you should be proud of all your hard work. I love the pergola, do you think it will hold up in the winter? I was thinking of getting one too but ended up getting a large tilted white and navy striped umbrella. I also just put on a patio, this past spring it made such a difference to our backyard dinners, other than this last week or two we’ve had the majority of our spring and summer dinners outside. Its rally fun! Thanks for sharing!
July 26, 2017http://www.forthewonderer.com
Margo
It looks amazing! The perfect urban oasis. Enjoy it!
July 26, 2017Happywifeisahappylife
What a wonderful transformation! Such a charming and inviting space you both turned it to. Can’t wait to see the final photos and transformation per season!
July 26, 2017Alexa
I am absolutely loving the process. It’s so boho chic and the lightssss!! Major Pinterest goals 🙂 This inspired me to redo somethings in my living room & dining room area. I’m determined to make it look and feel how I want it to be. Thanks for sharing your process!
Xo, Alexa
July 26, 2017http://www.muselifestylestudio.com
Vitri
Really love it! It looks amazing, so cozy for fun summer nights.
xo, Vitri
http://www.vanillalash.com
July 26, 2017Kristie
It looks awesome! Really like the seating you used.
https://www.bluelabelsboutique.com
July 26, 2017Kat
Very cool backyard. I know New York is super cramped so it is great that you are transforming this space into a cozy backyard. The tiling is also very nice.
July 26, 2017xx Kat
http://www.satinandpeachblog.wordpress.com
Kritsida
So cute! Great job on the renovation! Home projects are always so rewarding!
July 26, 2017x. kritsida
http://aperfectcanvas.net/
Brooke baIley
I love this, however, as a mom of a boy also, what do you plan on doing for him? I’ve learned, having a kid, it’s not my house anymore, it’s his. Pergola is beautiful, make sure you protect it in the cold months.
July 26, 2017Helena
Hey Brooke,
You are right! I just edited the post to include our plans for him – because we definitely have some! 🙂
Thank you!!
July 26, 2017alexia
This is soooooo cute! OMG!!
See my latest post:
July 26, 2017// stay put
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Annie
Oh my goodness, this is a dream backyard! NYC goals!
July 26, 2017XO Annie
New England Romance
Ashley w
It looks great! So cozy and inviting!!
July 27, 2017BarBara
I like this! 🙂
https://ordinaryblondie9.blogspot.hr/2017/07/rosegal-wishlist-tie-dye-dress.html
July 27, 2017K. Elizabeth
Love the pergola and the stone patio! We’re in the process of improving the landscaping for both our front and back yards. I can’t wait until we have an official patio/bbq area.
July 27, 2017Marthine J Angrand
I love it!
July 28, 2017Silje
Love the vibe you’re creating! So beautiful!
x Silje
July 28, 2017http://www.pentupstyle.blogspot.com
Liz
This looks like a boutique hotel!!!!! LOOKS AWESOME and I love it!
August 4, 2017Animeyt
It looks great. Thanks
August 8, 2017Lauren
Wow, this looks INCREDIBLE! Morning cups of coffee and evening glasses of wine will certainly be enhanced by this space!!
August 10, 2017Tasha G.
Wow!! it coming along beautifully.
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September 9, 2017