Outdoor Spaces

Apr 1, 2014

It's the most wonderful time of the year! For enjoying outdoor spaces, that is. Alfresco meals, doors and windows thrown open to let the breeze in, heated pool for the kids, and margaritas on the patio at local restaurants were the highlights of my weekend. We are beginning the best season for weather in Houston and I'm planning on taking full advantage of it before summer hits. One of the things I love most about my house is the number of outdoor spaces I have to enjoy this great weather.

The front porch

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The pool







And the balcony off the master bedroom

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That's a lot of outdoor spaces for a fairly small home. How small? I'm not sure if I've ever revealed this before, but my home is just under 2300 square feet. When you have three boys, an escape room is important. Outdoor areas are perfect since the yelling from inside is muted.

Besides the plants I killed, the front porch and balcony are in pretty good shape. I never really got to finish the pool area last year since most of the décor was sold out by the time our pool was finished. Here are a few things I have my eye on to finish it off.


9' Auto Tilt Umbrella

I really wanted this black and white striped umbrella last year from Ballard Designs, but considering I needed two of them I could not justify the cost and went with plain red ones. I'll be watching these at the end of summer for a good sale and a coupon. I have to at least get two seasons out of my red ones. Isn't the black and white so chic?

Pool loungers are at the top of my list!





I've also decided to put in palm trees behind our waterfall. I feel like the rocks need a bit of softening. Have you ever priced palms? They can be insanely expensive and it's so hard to decide which ones to buy since there are so many varieties. I'm leaning towards the Mediterranean Palm because they're pretty. We'll see what my yard guy says tomorrow about these. I hope he doesn't burst my bubble by telling me they shed or won't grow well in this climate. He'll be planting the trees for me because I don't trust my planting skills. Painting, yes. Planting, no.


This is probably my first project that doesn't require woodwork, paint or any elbow grease at all on my part. I could get used to this!







6 comments:

  1. I JUST asked my husband yesterday of we could have palm trees and he said no because of the climate. I really hope you can have them!! Your outdoor spaces are gorgeous. I have had outdoor cushions for years and they actually last really well - just fyi :)
    Stacy

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  2. Jennifer, I am drooling here! First, I am so envious that you are enjoying the outdoor life! We're still pretty chilly up here in NJ. Second, everything looks lovely! Your red umbrellas are so pretty and vibrant, and I am in love with your balcony off the master! Enjoy!

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  3. What beautiful outdoor spaces - like being on vacation all year long…adore the balcony off of the master bedroom - the perfect escape!!! Happy weekend and enjoy the beautiful weather!

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  4. Your back yard came out so good! Your family is going to enjoy it so much through out the years!

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  5. So jealous of your outdoor space right now! We're still getting snow! That black and white umbrella is gorgeous. I'm on the lookout for a new one, as well as cushions for the lounge chairs we purchased last year. (Hope you'll share some of your outdoor projects at the Outdoor Extravaganza in May- details coming soon!).

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  6. What a wonderful house you have! Love the outdoor space - wish I could have a pool... x

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