Backyard Inspiration - Part 5

Although it has been simply frigid here for the last week with only a slight reprieve forecast for next week, I have decided to move on from winter. I've had enough! So that said, I am now planning out phase 2 of our backyard makeover. Here are a few pictures that have inspired me of late.

I love the segments of wood decking and grass. I find that it not only adds visual interest but it creates little rooms in the back yard which I like. I also find wood much warmer than stone so I am partial to this type of a look.  

I really like the way the wood has been created to form a dividing wall here and I absolutely have to have a gas fire pit. After converting our non functioning wood burning fireplace into a gas fireplace this year, I just can't get enough of the look and feel of them. Marshmallows anyone?

all pics via my Pinterest

Karen Bertelsen's Backyard Makeover

This is how Karen Bertelsen's backyard looks now after she completely transformed it. Lush greens co-exist with square-cut flagstone and contemporary furniture. A Pond completes the look and feel of the space. The transformation took many weeks but was well worth it. Check out the before and afters below.

Backyard Inspiration - Part 4

Well, it's that time of year again and I have been feverishly working on a new outdoor plan after my deck plans were kyboshed by the city......(don't go there, I can't even talk about it I'm so mad!). So, after much deliberation, my husband and I have decided on a very simple scheme that contains a lot of black, green and orange-brown like in the picture shown above. The transformation has started but it will take us at least another month to finish if the rain ever goes away. I will post the pics as soon as they are ready. 

All photos are from my Outdoor Inspiration board on Pinterest. 

Wood & Concrete Patio

Modern Patio by San Francisco Landscape Architect Arterra LLP Landscape Architects

I am totally smitten with this concrete and wood patio complete with fire pit. I happen to be a big fan of wood and concrete in almost any context but I really like it combined with all the greenery. It looks very unobtrusive. Given that our local planning committee has nixed my deck plans it looks like I will be implementing some of this in my own back yard. 

Secret Hideaway

Secret Gardens of Sidney Australia has taken outdoor design to a whole new level. I was attracted to this particular design for it's Zenness but their website contains a virtual plethora of examples, each one more beautiful than the next.  

Secret Hideaway

Secret Gardens of Sidney Australia has taken outdoor design to a whole new level. I was attracted to this particular design for it's Zenness but their website contains a virtual plethora of examples, each one more beautiful than the next.  

Secret Hideaway

Secret Gardens of Sidney Australia has taken outdoor design to a whole new level. I was attracted to this particular design for it's Zenness but their website contains a virtual plethora of examples, each one more beautiful than the next.  

Backyard Makeover

This backyard was featured on "Turf Wars - Before and After" and I think it's just beautiful. Designer Ryan Crabtree turned this lackluster backyard into an outdoor oasis fit for both entertaining and relaxation. Crabtree designed this backyard using most of my favorite elements - see the 2nd photo in my previous post backyard inspiration - Part 3 so I am just thrilled to have found it!

Before

After

via 

Backyard Makeover

This backyard was featured on "Turf Wars - Before and After" and I think it's just beautiful. Designer Ryan Crabtree turned this lackluster backyard into an outdoor oasis fit for both entertaining and relaxation. Crabtree designed this backyard using most of my favorite elements - see the 2nd photo in my previous post backyard inspiration - Part 3 so I am just thrilled to have found it!

Before

After

via 

Backyard Inspiration - Part 3

I no sooner came to the conclusion that I wanted to have a pea gravel patio in my back yard (see last photo in backyard inspiration - part 2) when a wind storm quickly changed my mind. I had forgotten how annoying it is to pick up leaves (not to mention helicopters) off of the little stones, and seeing all the bits and pieces of leaves etc. flying around in the wind and landing all over my little yard, I suddenly remembered. So now I'm back to square one and looking for more inspiration (see also backyard inspiration post). Here are a few photos of what is inspiring me at the moment. 

I love the sound the grasses make in the wind so I will definitely have to add them to my garden.

I love the mix of grasses, stone and wood.

I love this whole look except for the grass between the stones.  

I love everything about bamboo and so creating my own version of this design using bamboo poles (it's too cold here for real bamboo) would be really nice against the horizontal wood backdrop. 

Can you smell the lilac? 

Backyard Inspiration - Part 3

I no sooner came to the conclusion that I wanted to have a pea gravel patio in my back yard (see last photo in backyard inspiration - part 2) when a wind storm quickly changed my mind. I had forgotten how annoying it is to pick up leaves (not to mention helicopters) off of the little stones, and seeing all the bits and pieces of leaves etc. flying around in the wind and landing all over my little yard, I suddenly remembered. So now I'm back to square one and looking for more inspiration (see also backyard inspiration post). Here are a few photos of what is inspiring me at the moment. 

I love the sound the grasses make in the wind so I will definitely have to add them to my garden.

I love the mix of grasses, stone and wood.

I love this whole look except for the grass between the stones.  

I love everything about bamboo and so creating my own version of this design using bamboo poles (it's too cold here for real bamboo) would be really nice against the horizontal wood backdrop. 

Can you smell the lilac? 

Backyard Inspiration - Part 2

As you know I'm working on my back yard design (see Backyard Inspiration post). Our shrubs are finally planted so our next step is to decide if we go with a pea gravel patio or with a wooden deck.    Here are a few more photos that are inspiring me right now. 

The Japanese-Inspired Garden 

The Contemporary pea gravel patio

photos 1 & 2 via

Photo 3 via

Backyard Inspiration - Part 2

As you know I'm working on my back yard design (see Backyard Inspiration post). Our shrubs are finally planted so our next step is to decide if we go with a pea gravel patio or with a wooden deck.    Here are a few more photos that are inspiring me right now. 

The Japanese-Inspired Garden 

The Contemporary pea gravel patio

photos 1 & 2 via

Photo 3 via

Backyard inspiration

I am presently working on designing my backyard space. Given that my house is a semi detached and has many levels, two of which need to be included in any backyard plan, it is posing quite the challenge. My neighbors all have big decks off their kitchens and nothing down below. I however, find that this offers no privacy and completely ruins the remaining green space on the main level. I have to come up with something more private and more interesting. 

Here are some of the photos that are inspiring me at the moment. 

1. http://www.designattractor.com/2011/11/urban-oasis-in-melbourne.html

2. http://www.elledecor.com/image/tid/4633?pause=0&page=2

3. http://houseandhome.com/design/outdoor-living-10-looks?page=27

4. http://houseandhome.com/design/photo-gallery-small-backyards?page=0

5. http://www.felmiatika.com/deck-flooring-for-indoor-and-outdoor-design-ideas.html