Patio Season Has Begun!!

Last summer got away from me and before I knew it, the snow was flying...I wasn't going to let that happen this year!

I got out my design magazines and this backyard patio/lounge in Style at Home Magazine has the feel and aesthetic that I am hoping to achieve...

My inspiration......

The clean lines, the simplicity, the greenery...

Hostas, cedars, herbs.....black, grey, cream and green...

I plan on also doing a similar fence with horizontal fence boards...

I love this gate/entrance way...I hope to also do something similar to this as well...

And with that......

My backyard makeover had begun!

A HUGE THANK YOU to my brother, Mike McDonald, of Toronto who has his own home reno/construction business (website is in the works) for putting together this gorgeous patio that I use on almost a daily basis (weather permitting).

Mike dug it out ...wheelbarrow load after wheelbarrow load....and I was able to use the sod in other areas and the top soil in the flower beds surrounding the yard.

We put down gardeners 'paper' to help prevent weeds/grass growing up through...It was a very, very productive first day!

Then came the gravel....I ordered mine from Dirt Cheap in Kitchener. Mike wheelbarrowed every load from the driveway, levelled and then tampered it. Then, the limestone sand went on before the stones were placed.

And......VOILA!!

The stone is pressed concrete from Rona in Guelph and they get their stones from Triple H Landscape in London. I had really wanted to try and source as much as I could from smaller, local companies...and was absolutely able to with great success!

Cheers! The first glass of wine on my new patio!

The monster fern is from a local nursery in Guelph.

The patio set (I'm still putting all the pieces together) is from The Bay. The coffee table is a rustic crate I found in my parent's neighbour's barn! I did the planters myself, with coleus from Meadowville Garden Centre in Guelph and planters from Home Depot.

This is what it's all about....a friend and I enjoying a summer evening (Canada Day to be exact) on the new patio....

Thanks SO MUCH again Mike...I LOVE IT!!

RR

Info

Comment

Rustic 'Eye-Candy'

After an afternoon of wandering around the Aberfoyle Antique Market today, I felt a renewal of rustic inspiration....and I also wish I had a much bigger house as there were sooo many pieces I would have loved to have brought home!

I would have LOVED to have brought this piece home! It needs some TLC but it has great character and detail and the colour is fantastic!

I did bring home these skis...yes, I'm already thinking of outdoor winter decor...but what really caught my attention was their brand name...SOOOO close to mine! They were also a great deal (and I'm always searching for a great deal) at only $8 (he even knocked $2 off the original $10 price tag)!!

While still on the wave of inspiration, I came home and searched the web and put together this blog based "inspiration board" of some stunning examples of rustic home decor and design. Just 'click-on' every picture and it will take you to the webpage so you can enjoy even further inspiration!

Enjoy!!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

RR

Info

Comment

Outdoor Living...

I spent my evening cutting the grass, weeding, watering plants...and letting my mind wander about landscaping possibilities...

I have so many ideas running through my mind about what I want to do with them...patios, extend the deck, fencing, raised beds, flagstone pathways, perennials....the possibilities are endless.

I then got out my measuring tape and let the brainstorming begin. I also made a few trips to local landscape stores to begin getting a sense for costs and what is available.

These photos from BHG and H&H are my inspirational starting points for my landscaping and yard plans.

Love the raised beds and built-in bench...makes it feel like an outdoor room! The fence below is exactly what I plan on installing...clean, simple lines.

Tulips, greenery and flagstone....gorgeous combination.

The crisp white and sharp texture of the gravel are a great combination...definitely something to consider!

What is there not to love about this room...great seating areas, shade and sun, mix of greenery, a variety of tones and textures.....this is definitely the feel I want for my back yard!

RR

Info

Comment

Warmth in a storm....

The combination of the snow filled wind storm, power outages and all of the tree branches lying on the ground got me thinking about fireplaces.....yes, fireplaces. I bet there are a lot of people in Ontario today, without power, who wish they had a fireplace to help keep warm on this cold March day.

Of course a fireplace serves a true, practical function in the home, but it can also serve a decor function....becoming the centrepiece of a room. It can be something that draws people together into one room to enjoy not only the warmth, but the beauty of the oranges, reds and yellows of the flames.

Whether it has a stone or brick or concrete facade, a mantel or not...a fireplace adds a rustic, earthy and romantic presence to a home. My next home will definitely have one....inspired by these....

I hope you are all able to stay warm this weekend through these storms.....and if you do have a fireplace, that you have the opportunity to curl up in front of it and enjoy.....

*images from Pinterest*

Info

Comment