a desert fete

Sadly, we don't use our yard as much as I would expect. I think it is a result of a poor environment. It's just not as comfortable out there as I would like. I am slowly gathering some ideas on how to make it more livable, focusing in easy fixes and furnishings, nothing big and permanent and expensive.

First up is this patio from Copenhagen. I like it. And it reminds me of our physical constraints (up against a blank wall). I really like the way the canopy was made, I could easily mimic that.

But what worries me is that what really makes this patio nice is the wild, kind of over grown and lush landscape that flows into the organic hardscape. Not our situation, at all.

Next I spied this sitting area that Lily posted. Ok, so, no decking. No ocean views. No mid century fire place. (Would you beleive that I saw one for sale at a crappy thrift store in the middle of the desert where my mom lives, which is *not* the desert where people value mid century things and mark them up, and DIDN'T BUY IT) But still, thought it should go in the inspiration files.

And finally, the other Lily shared her outdoor living space, and this is really brining it all together for me. The "outdoor living space" phrase being the key.

From all of this I am taking, a large shade covering, which will help define the space I think. Plants, a rug, and a variety of seating* and table types. I think I can do this.

So, I'm going to sell our ugly patio furniture. Cause, it's like, a big table with regimented chairs all around it. And, who wants to sit at a formal table area when you are sitting with a book and a glass of wine in the evening sun after work?

*wishing my best friend decided her place was too small for that butterfly chair after all, then I could buy it back from her, have a real pair, and move them outside, where they belong. (unless I could afford a leather cover, then they would belong inside)