With summer coming to a close in the next couple of weeks, it's time to finally share our best finished photos of the back yard at the Murray Bungalow!
But first, let's head down memory lane and look at a few "before" shots of the back yard.
EXISTING
But first, let's head down memory lane and look at a few "before" shots of the back yard.
EXISTING
THE PLAN
Our primary goals in the back yard were to clean things up visually, create a designated zone for outdoor entertaining, and accentuate the property's green features (pretty ornamental grasses, mature trees, and expansive turf). The back yard, after all, with its wealth of possibilities, truly sets the Murray Bungalow apart from so many other properties in the neighborhood. We wanted to capitalize the property's generous lot size, while leaving plenty of room for imagination :).
The sketch below depicts the major design changes. For further background on the landscape and hardscape design for this project, head to this post right here.
The sketch below depicts the major design changes. For further background on the landscape and hardscape design for this project, head to this post right here.
Most of the items set out in the design plan were ultimately implemented. Two exceptions are (1) we scrapped the idea of creating a plant bed on the far east end of the yard in favor extended lawn space, and (2) we installed a non-permanent 6' x 10' storage shed on the extended parking pad.
The shed is a custom design from Tuff Shed, and can be relocated in the future should the owners decide to use the space differently (i.e. build a garage). For now, the addition of the shed brings so much functional value to the property -- it provides a secure resting place for bikes, outdoor gear, garden tools, etc. Aesthetically, it helps to better define outdoor living area centered around the new patio. And it cleverly blocks sight lines to the utility pole and waste receptacles. Somehow we neglected to capture a head-on shot of the shed, but you'll be able to catch a few glimpses in the photos below.
REVEAL
Please note: when we snapped these photos mid-summer, the newly seeded grass still had not reached it's full healthy state. With TLC going forward (a more regular watering schedule being the key!), the lawn should spruce up quickly. Still, the transformation at 80%/"work-in-progress" level feels pretty remarkable.
The shed is a custom design from Tuff Shed, and can be relocated in the future should the owners decide to use the space differently (i.e. build a garage). For now, the addition of the shed brings so much functional value to the property -- it provides a secure resting place for bikes, outdoor gear, garden tools, etc. Aesthetically, it helps to better define outdoor living area centered around the new patio. And it cleverly blocks sight lines to the utility pole and waste receptacles. Somehow we neglected to capture a head-on shot of the shed, but you'll be able to catch a few glimpses in the photos below.
REVEAL
Please note: when we snapped these photos mid-summer, the newly seeded grass still had not reached it's full healthy state. With TLC going forward (a more regular watering schedule being the key!), the lawn should spruce up quickly. Still, the transformation at 80%/"work-in-progress" level feels pretty remarkable.
SOURCES :
|1| ornamental grass, |2| wall sconce, |3| door color, |4| siding color, |5| stone patio pavers,
|6| wood siding (original), |7| turf, |8| cedar fencing (original).
|1| ornamental grass, |2| wall sconce, |3| door color, |4| siding color, |5| stone patio pavers,
|6| wood siding (original), |7| turf, |8| cedar fencing (original).
Even with some work left to do on the grass, this outdoor transformation was easily one of our favorite parts of the Murray Bungalow project. What began as a weedy and unruly space is now clean & green & filled with potential.
What would you do with this "blank slate"?
Maybe ....... a BBQ & outdoor table for six, with string lights overhead? ....... Or, a pair of lounge-y adirondacks & wood-burning fire pit for cozy evenings under the stars. ....... At the far end, a raised garden for herbs & veggies? ....... Or a rope swing for the kiddos?
It's fun to dream up possibilities :).
What would you do with this "blank slate"?
Maybe ....... a BBQ & outdoor table for six, with string lights overhead? ....... Or, a pair of lounge-y adirondacks & wood-burning fire pit for cozy evenings under the stars. ....... At the far end, a raised garden for herbs & veggies? ....... Or a rope swing for the kiddos?
It's fun to dream up possibilities :).
