Today I’m featuring my lovely friend Julia’s amazing backyard makeover. Julia and her husband Bob rent a charming ranch style home in Northern California. They used outdoor lighting, pavers and clever landscaping to bring a dash of Parisian chic to their backyard and make a large space feel intimate and inviting. As renters, they invested in pieces (and plants) they could take with them when they go. So smart! (All images courtesy Julia)
Julia describes the “before” of their backyard as looking like a “partially plowed wheat field.” When she and her husband got tired of dealing with the unruly field and having to pick thistles out of their cat’s fur, they decided to tackle the backyard and make it into a livable space.
Here’s what they did to get the look:
1) Installed raised planting beds for tomatoes, strawberries, herbs and flowers (these float on the soil below and can be easily removed when they move).
2) Removed a rectangle shaped piece of sod and replaced it with easily removable patio pavers.
3) Planted foundational bushes and chic trellis screening to add architecture and detract from the “barn fence” surrounding their yard.
4) Purchased cheap patio furniture but splurged on decorative pillows in a bold print to bring some texture to the space.
5) Strung up market lights surrounding the area for ambiance and magic!
Julia’s backyard overhaul reminds me of these Parisian-inspired patio spaces from Domino Magazine several years back:
Great job Julia, and thanks for sharing. As always, you are a constant inspiration!
XO, Heather
P.S. Julia and Bob are having a baby any day now. We’ll be seeing them (and new baby) in November and can’t wait to share more of their beautiful home and some of the amazing projects they’ve completed to transform their ranch rental into a true gem!
