Happy Saturday, friends!
It’s time for the weekend post with Elizabeth and Kim, our weekly roundup of inspirations and goings on. It’s also time for the next volume of Eyeing and Buying for the New House, and today it’s the patio season edition.
I’m beyond jealous of those of you who are sweeping patios, uncovering outdoor furniture, busting out the patio pillows and lighting your firepits. I. Want. To. Be. You. But, alas … there are at least four months to go before I dare to dream of these things, and a bit longer before there’s a firepit to light. Patience is a virtue I have never fully embraced.
If I can’t live it I can dream it … my Pinterest boards are working overtime to keep up. Our contractor is making a valiant effort to keep me focused on more immediate needs like paint colors, molding and trim, cabinet hardware and tile choices. But I have a wandering eye, which has led me straight to visions of summer entertaining and what our first outdoor table setting will look like. I know, I’m ridiculous.
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What I’m Eyeing and Buying for the New House
One of the features I’m most excited about at the new house is the covered porch. It’s not a large porch, but it’s big enough for my bar cart and a couple of teak rockers. Jim’s not sold on the rockers and would prefer the stationary version. We’ll see. I’m also eyeing a center ‘cocktail’ table like this garden stool or this one. I see many Cocktail Nights at the Folly in our future.
But before we get into porches, we need an overall outdoor space plan. Before selling Snowberry, the front garden needed a refresh and I worked with Yardzen to create a replanting plan. I purchased their Botanical (plants only) plan and was so happy with the results that I decided to work with them on the Folly.
Yardzen Design Plan
The Folly is starting with a blank slate, so I went all in on the Signature Plan … basically the whole enchilada. Front yard, back yard and side yard. Here’s what it includes:
“Our most comprehensive design experience, with expert guidance, day-to-night renders, and a cost advisor to help you build with confidence. For your entire yard, including front, back, and side yards.”
I uploaded our lot size information, photos and videos, inspiration images and lots – and lots – of notes about what I hope to achieve in our small outdoor spaces.
Not long after submitting everything, a Zoom call was scheduled with our project manager to talk through our ideas in detail.
This week we received the first pass at the design plan and are once again floored with the level of detail. The plan incorporates everything we want and need, and the backyard design in particular blew us away. Their configuration of the BBQ, dining and seating spaces was something we hadn’t considered, but now seems so obviously right.
We love grouping the three main backyard spaces together rather than scattering them around the yard. It opens up room for a small lawn which our dogs will love.
A highlight of working with Yardzen is their 3D renderings. There’s a big difference between staring at a one-dimensional blueprint and actually seeing what your space will look like in (almost) real life.
I’ve submitted our feedback on the initial design and am excited for the revision process. Stay tuned!
If you’ve considered giving Yardzen a try, use this link for $100 off.
Pots & Planters
I love the way pots and planters are incorporated into Yardzen’s design. Large and varying sized planters. They’re wonderful for seasonal color and for small shrubs and trees. Getting citrus into our garden plan is important, and potted dwarf lemon and lime trees may be the way to go. I’m eyeing these Pottery Barn planters and these West Elm planters.
And I adore these Terrain planters in two sizes.
Teak Dining Table
A good dining table is essential for making the most of our small backyard and we’re partial to teak. This one is a beauty … available in a set with either six or eight chairs.
Outdoor Lighting
Lighting is another essential piece of the puzzle. Landscape accent lights, overhead string lights, hurricanes and lanterns, and my personal favorite … life-changing rechargeable table lamps (with cute shade toppers) … all working together to cast a pretty glow on warm summer nights under the stars. The stars are important too.
Do I spy Serena & Lily’s Summerfield wicker lanterns in our Yardzen design plan? I had them at Snowberry, but like almost everything else, they were purchased by the new owner … who’s probably enjoying them on the patio right now. 😭
Lanterns and table lamps at Snowberry …
Speaking of Snowberry, my summer table setting from last year and a few summer entertaining tips from a pro.
Portofino Stoneware
Last but certainly not least, let’s return to the dream zone … the Folly is finished, it’s a warm spring or summer day, and I’m headed to the backyard with a pitcher of iced tea and a good book. Insert the Portofino Stoneware collection into this scenario although I can’t decide if I prefer the yellow or the blue … maybe a combination?
Of course, the tea must be consumed in something worthy. These striped glasses – the yellow ones – are chasing me via algorithm. My mother would have loved them; yellow was her favorite color. Is it a sign?
Jim says if I don’t stop spending like a drunken sailor I’ll be sitting sipping my tea from a red Solo cup while perched on a moving box. He loves to rain on my parade.
Everything I’m eyeing and buying for the new house so far ~
And there you have it, everything I’m eyeing and buying for the new house Vol. 4.
Vol. 1-3 can be found here, here and here. And, on the blog’s main page, under the Home & Decor tab, you’ll find a drop down menu where I created distinct spaces for the Folly and Snowberry (yes, we miss her) posts to live. I’m still working on getting past posts properly categorized, but this is a step in the right direction.
Odds & Socks ~
- Local friends – do you have your tickets for the Lafayette Juniors Lifestyle Tour?! It’s next Saturday, April 25th 10am-3pm.
- Must read alert … overpacking from a man’s point-of-view. I laughed – nodded my head – and laughed some more the entire way through. A suspect the writer isn’t one of those onerous men who insists on “carry-on only” and baulks at overweight bag fees.
- After 30 Year and $100,000, I Finally Let Go of My Storage Space (gift link)
- A closet must-have (ok, I just discovered it) from the world’s oldest pharmacy.
- These slouchy twill pants are another hit from a favorite brand. They were gifted to me, and they’re pricey. Before you roll your eyes, the style is one that works for me and I wear a similar pair from the same brand constantly bringing the cost-per-wear (coughs … girl math) to practically nothing.
- Speaking of home and garden tours, AAUW’s Garden Tour tickets are on sale for May 8 & 9th, 10am-4pm.
Current Favorites ~
And that’s what I have for you today. Last week we talked about my recent makeup refresh at Bluemercury and a favorite new cardigan; catch up here.
Let’s see what’s inspiring Elizabeth and Kim.
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I love this post. Isn’t it wonderful how good landscape companies can do these 3D markups of plans? We had quite a challenge when we bought our house in 2023 on the South Carolina coast. House was built in 1995 and everything was original. Needless to say, we did a complete redo. Yard included. We had the original landscape plans, but it was so overgrown. Our landscaper did a great job. All of that is to say you will certainly enjoy your newly designed space. We have a lovely original patio on the back of the house, but last year I decided I wanted to add a small one off the kitchen. Now it seems we spend more time on the little one. It’s cozy – you will love your covered patio. I vote for the rockers. Ours aren’t teak, but that all weather “wicker” from Brown Jordan. We have so much humidity that mildew is always a potential issue. We love our rockers. We have a blue and white ceramic drum table similar to the one you showed from Ballard. Be sure that the top is completely level. Ours is not and we have to be mindful of rocking wine glasses. I have my herbs all in blue and white pots, forming a little kitchen garden. It’s a restful spot.
Sheran! Yes, the 3D is everything. I’m happy to have your vote for rockers and completely agree. Great point about the table top being flat … I know exactly what you mean and hadn’t thought of it. Sounds like you have a lovely home. Isn’t funny how the smallest spaces can make us the happiest. Wishing you a wonderful weekend. xo
Just a lovely post as always, and beautiful renderings… 3D is so very helpful. What material is the patio ?
Enjoy the process!
Lisa
Lisa! 3-D is everything. I can’t read a blueprint to change my life. No imagination I guess. Not sure the patio material yet. We’ll work that out when we start talking to landscaping companies. I’ll share as we go. xo
Always love to see your posts pop into my Inbox – so much fun following your progress. Thought I would mention that I own both garden stools – S & L, as well as the Ballard Designs. Great looking for sure, but neither one has a perfectly flat top!!! (Minor detail, right?). We love our cocktails here in New Orleans, as you do in Orinda/Lafayette, so needless to say I cannot recommend either one as a table, cocktail or otherwise. ( I use both to set books/mags on when reading in our courtyard and that is as functional as they get.) Perhaps going into the S&L store and testing theirs out would be a good idea. Mine were each ordered through the mail, so returning them was going to be a pain in the rear end. Seeing/choosing in person would be the ticket. Love your garden design! Y’all are doing a wonderful job.
Beth! You and Sheran bring up a GREAT point about the cocktail table tops. They have to be flat to be useful. And, having had several of the Ballard stools I should know better. I’m going to reevaluate, table top test, and report back! Cocktails in New Orleans sounds much more interesting and romantic than here in our little town. I’ve never been to NOLA and that needs to be remedied soon. Thanks for the great pointer and have a wonderful weekend! xo
Juliet!
The Folly’s yard!! So dreamy…
OBSESSED!
The next 4 months will fly by and then you’ll be enjoying it all forever!
Super excited for you!
XO kymmie
Kymmie! Thank you … I know you’re right. But it feels like. such. a. long. time. And I sound like such a baby. Happy weekend. xoxo
Just lovely!
You will have your fire pit. Just in time.
Tell me or show me about the min. Lemon and lime trees.
Details, please.
Nan! I will tell you everything! xo
Hi Juliet,
The back yard is going to be so gorgeous!! Just so beautiful and easy and stunning…love it all. How exciting to see it all laid out digitally. I bought the white Quince skirt thanks for reminding me as it is back in stock, yeah! Love the striped tableware so mediterranean and fresh.
Have a lovely weekend.
Francesca! Good morning, I hope you love the white skirt as much as I do. Such an easy breezy piece. Thanks for your kinds words about the backyard. We’re excited! xo
I belong to AAUW in Healdsburg. Attended a “wine and dine” dinner last night that was magical. It is a wonderful organization that supports women’s education and life-long learning. Thank you for spreading the word.
Cristi! That sounds like an amazing event … so fun! The local garden tour is always a highlight. Happy weekend. xo
Great post – love seeing the house come together. Why can’t you both have what you want: one rocker and one stationary that match for the porch? Then you are both happy. Best of luck with all of the choices.
Terry! Ha! Great solution. I’ll run it up the flagpole. I would love Jim to give the rocker a try before dismissing it out of hand. Stay tuned. In the meantime, happy weekend! xo
Hi Juliet,
I’m sorry you got food poisoning, no fun. Glad you survived it.
Everything is coming along well.
Jim is funny about spending money like a drunken sailor etc. .
This is what happens when you are starting over and have outstanding taste.
I understand you are getting antsy. Hopefully in about four months your outlook will be much better.
The back yard rendering looks beautiful, the lay out is excellent. Your fur babies will love the grass. It’s all they asked for right?
Katherine! You’re the best. I’m marching up to Jim right now to let him know, “this is what happens when we’re starting over and have outstanding taste.” That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. We’ll see how it goes over. 😉 xoxo
Solve your teak chairs dilemma and buy one rocker and one stationary.
Janelle! Great idea! xo
I love most of it…but feel the chairs and sofa are too far apart and the fire pit too high.
Eileen! Yes, the firepit is too high. I want it to be coffee table height like at Snowberry. I think we’ll use the same sofas from Snowberry too … it was a pretty sweet set up over there. xo
The renderings are really beautiful. You will love your new space and I hope it makes your dreams come true
Karen! Thank you. xoxo
Really enjoyed your backyard and your new home. We sneak by it every now and then (leave in WC and Alamo).:)
Cathy! Oh my gosh, that’s so funny … it’s coming along, right?! xo
WOWOWOWOW! I am blown away by the Yardzen design! It looks amazing Juliet! I can just imagine cocktails, bbqs’ and quiet morning cocoa under the covered patio. And the grassy area is perfect for the pups! I cannot wait to see everything finished.
Love all of your patio furniture, dishes and the rest.
Off to check out the links. I am intrigued by the 100,000 storage unit. My sister had one for 15 years after her fiancé died and it took everything we had to get her to clean it out.
Have a wonderful week and a fruitful week at the Folly. So happy that you are on the mend and recovering from the food poisoning.
Elizabeth! I think storage space addiction is rampant. I hear so many stories and there are even TV shows about it. Crazy. We rented a storage for the year but it will cleared out and shut down the minute we get the go-ahead to move. Anyway, glad you enjoyed our 3D renderings, lots still to work out but so fun to be able to actually see how it might look. xoxo
Is Yardzen a strictly design planner and then you source the design out to a separate unaffiliated crew to build it out? Thank you.
Your plan includes so many wonderful features.
Peyton! Yes, that’s exactly it. They provide the plan, and you find a local contractor to do the work. They will recommend local contractors who they’ve worked with successfully in the past. if you’d like that. Also, in our experience, your contractor will look over the plan and advise on tweaks based on your local situation. Also, some recommended plants may not be available at nursery depending on season, and contractor recommends options, or waiting until they’re seasonally available. But the plan is gold … and so affordable in comparison to have full blow landscape architect production. Also, the 3D makes all the difference to me. I need to see it! Hope that helps. xo
Juliet, thanks for the scoop about the Lafayette Juniors house tour. We’ve lived in SF our entire lives and have never been to Lafayette, if you can believe that! So we got our tix and are looking forward to the “field trip” tomorrow. Will say hi if we cross paths on the tour.
Monica! Oh my gosh, I love this and I hope you love Lafayette. If you plan to have lunch, Pizza Antica, Social Bird and Sideboard are wonderful options. I hope to see you along the way! xo