Dexter Backyard: a space for summer
THE DEXTER HOUSE
With summer officially kicked off, it seems appropriate that todays post is about the Dexter House backyard.
We've been working on this 700sf-ish space sporadically through the Spring, and luckily it's coming together in time for Summer. If you've ever been to Seattle in the summer, you know how magical it is. The weather is 80s or so and the city comes alive with pale, friendly faces, float planes and ferry boats. Plus all that rain in the winter means green everywhere. Yeah, so this family of pale faces is pretty happy to spend time in our little Seattle backyard.
You may have noticed that the Dexter house is really urban (at least by Seattle standards). There are houses and apartments and balconies looking into our little property from every angle. That's just how it goes in the city. But because of that, I really wanted this outdoor space to feel private, like a reprieve from the hustle and bustle, a space to escape and relax. So we built the fence 8' tall (the maximum allowed) and topped the back section with an arbor, which will have wild, purple wisteria blooms weaving around it in a year or two.
Once we realized that the old fountain was broken beyond reasonable repair, we converted it into a planter. And I really dig the mix of flowers and green in the center of the yard. You may have noticed that we left a "hole" in the fence for our peek-a-boo of the lake. You can see a teensy tiny boat waaaayyyy down there.
Did you see it?
We call it our view. Yeah. That's just how we roll.
We found some furniture from Craigslist for this backyard. First came the small table with four chairs a couple months ago. I may still pick up an umbrella for a little shade to help on those few days above 90. But either way, this is a great spot for alfresco dinning.
As I mentioned last week, I also found the wicker couch on Craigslist. And although it will not likely stay in this spot for long (I have a much better spot for this one, just wait...!!!) it's been nice to have a cozy spot to hang out back here for now.
Up next we're going to build a narrow shed on the side of the house. Plus we have a few more plants to put in. And it would be fun to find a cool wind chime for out here (I loved this roundup of modern wind chimes from my friend, Joanna!). And then there's the small matter of that fresh growler of beer, those golden string lights, and that cozy new couch. I'm looking at you Garrett!
Happy Summer to you all!
Previous posts on the backyard project here and here and here.
xoxo
-Cathy
p.s. There are just so many amazing backyards. Seriously! So I've pinned a bunch of them and compiled them here.
p.p.s. This brownstone renovation is stunning. Add in the fact that that house was built in 1804 and I have big heart eyes all over it!
p.p.p.s. one thing that I'm loving in kitchens right now is shelf rail like in this kitchen. How lovely is that?! You're with me, right?!
**post updated 7/11/19