Sunday, August 28, 2011

Murphy's New Yard-- The Final Reveal!


Murphy is very happy with his new yard!
So are his parents, Maureen and Ward!
Let's take a look at the final result:

The cottage has a new life now! It was cleaned out and gutted, then new bead board paneling was added. Double French doors really open up the room, connecting it to the back yard.

I furnished it with "leftovers" from my garage, Maureen's attic and whatever else we could find.

The mirror belonged to Ward's Mom. She would be so happy knowing it found a new home!

The wingback is a flea market find. The table and burlap skirt is from Ballard.

A gravel path connects the cottage to the fireplace. Tiny boxwood borders the new lawn.
Ten white "Iceberg" standard roses border the back fence with Mexican Sage in between.
Pittosporum sits behind the roses and will eventually provide the privacy they lost when the old, diseased Myoporum were removed.

Another "room" to sit on a cool evening and enjoy a glass of wine!

The fireplace surround was faux painted to mimic stone, which was a huge improvement from the way it came out of the box!

New low-voltage lighting was installed front and back.
We're not talking solar here. These lights will last forever!
They are all on a timer to go on at dusk and turn off at a set time later.

The outdoor kitchen sits just outside the back door, making it easily accessible.

Ward built it from scratch!
It has a state of the art barbeque, a real sink and a refrigerator stocked with Diet Dr. Pepper!
The countertop is black granite with a leather-like texture.
Eventually, pink jasmine will cover the arbor.

Behind the outdoor kitchen is a shady, private area where the new spa lives.

The coat rack is ever ready to hold white robes!

New pink hydrangeas, white azaleas and ferns will thrive in this shady area with dappled sunlight.

Sitting in the spa, the trickle of the fountain can be heard.
Mexican Sage surrounds it, since this gets full sun.

An arbor leads you through a "room" which was created to be a potting area, hiding garden tools, etc.
The front yard is beyond the gate.

The pergola was the perfect place for the bridal shower yesterday.
More on that later. . .
Let's take a peek at the front yard shall we!

The house didn't need much embellishing as it has wonderful curb appeal already!

The chimney is magnificent, so my goal was to uplight it at night and plant Japanese maples on either side of it that would grow and soften the façade.

New foundation plants, grass, more tiny boxwoods and low-voltage lights went in.

Flagstone stepping stones are set in the grass, connecting the side yard to the back yard gate, where the gravel begins. We decided on gravel for the back because Maureen loves the sound when you walk on it. It also solves some drainage issues.

More Pittosporum was planted next to the two fences that border the home, eventually growing tall enough to create more separation and privacy. When the new bark went in, dressing all the flower beds, we called it a day and said "done!"

Murphy loves to sit out front, keeping track of the neighborhood!
He loves his new yard!

Stay tuned for more photos of before and during construction, a tablescape and the bridal shower that was held yesterday, catered by my son!

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31 comments:

Rebecca said...

Just beautiful! EVERYthing. You don't need to leave home to relax, to party, to meditate, to eat...can't think of ANY reason to be anywhere but THERE!

The cottage is sweet and all the plantings/lighting well throughout.

Congratulations on the completed project.

d e l i g h t said...

Stunning! Looks so lovely at night. A great job!

Burlap Luxe said...

Hi Delores
Its all so inviting and I would have loved to have walked the yard with you, I am sure it feels so more personal in person.

Tell that home owners Thank you for sharing there beautiful yard, a yard to love :)
xoxo
Dore

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Such a beautiful home and grounds both front and back. Everything turned out beautifully. Hugs, Marty

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Delores, beautiful home and grounds!! And Murphy is such a cutie! Martina

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Wow, I just love EVERYTHING! The little cottage is a dream, the fireplace came out beautifully, the front AND back yards are gorgeous! Can't wait to see more. You are really GOOD! Wish I were your neighbor:):) XO, Pinky

under spanish moss said...

Wow, it turned out so wonderful. They will spend so many hours enjoying the outdoor fire place.
What type of gravel did you guys use for the pathways and the gravel areas?
Angela and Renee

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

What a charming backyard. Great job on the faux stone. I would love a cozy backyard with all the trimmings like that.

Denise said...

How did you get my dream yard?!?
I love it! Great job!
Hugs,
~Denise~

maureen harber said...

We are honored Delo. Everything turned out as beautifully as you promised. Murphy and I are eating the leftovers from Tourshi Catering, sitting in the yard and looking at these pictures. Love you all.

Anonymous said...

Just downright stinkin' adorable! yep, no reason to leave home! cozy as can be.

Pink Hugs,
Dee

Mariette's Back to Basics said...

Dearest Delores,

That is an absolute class job! Everything well thought out and turned into a practical romance.
Great post.
Love to you,

Mariette

Sarah said...

Beautiful, Delores. I know they are going to enjoy these new outdoor spaces. Love the look of the front too!

Toni said...

Just beautiful, no detail left out. My Mister would sure love that outdoor kitchen.

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

GORGEOUS!! Absolutely stunning!!

Lou Cinda

Unknown said...

Love the makeover!
Oh, tell Murphy to move over, I'm coming to join him! LOL. Hugs Loretta

Marlis said...

Due to our extreme heat this year, we realized we might have spent 2 evenings outside this spring and summer. No additional landscaping was done, some that was there withered. But now I'm inspired by the beauty you created in the lushness of this backyard, the lovely outdoor room, the crunchy walkways and for showing us how to makeover a prefab fireplace! I have enough ideas for the next spring and beyond. thanks for sharing, xo marlis

Taylor Greenwalt said...

What a lovely yard. So many little seating areas. You did a great job. You don't have to leave to feel like you are on vacation.

Margaret Lukens said...

You have made your client very happy - and that's always a great reward!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Everything is just beautiful!!
Great garden spaces!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Becca Bertotti said...

This is fabulous ... I would be out here every night! I'm sure your clients (including Murphy) are beyond thrilled!

Victoria said...

The finished product is stunning. I love the little "cottage" and the outdoor fireplace worked out well with faux-painted stones. Ward did a splendid job on the outdoor kitchen. This yard now has everything anyone could want for entertaining or relaxing.
Best, Victoria

Nancy said...

Stunning and fantastic! Stellar job done by all! Now, we can't wait to be out there enjoying friends under the pergola!

Marsha said...

Just LOVELY! I know you are going to enjoy every bit of this blissful creation.

the girl is craftee said...

Wow, you did a great job Delores! Everything is perfect!

Lizabeth said...

Delores- you did a wonderful job on the layout, function and asthetics! I love the perimeter pathway- keeps all the functions on the perimeter and leaves a nice big green space to enjoy! The lighting near the fireplace is very attractive and I love the white iceberg roses! Seeing how well they do at your home I'm sure they will love them too! The little boxwoods following the inner backyard is really a neat look, I can't say that I've seen that done before! Love the hidden garden work area..smart! This yard should be easy to take care of and last a very very long time! Kudos! Liz!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

OK, in my previous comment, I said you are so smart. You're brilliant! This is amazing. When can you come to Ark. and "do" my yard? I love every single thing you did. laurie

Blooming Rose Musings said...

Delores, you have created a beautiful backyard living space. Your friends will never want to leave their home. I love how you have transformed the prefab fireplace. The pergola and kitchen and cottage are all magnificent. And the plantings and pathway that connects everything is beyond wonderful. Congratulations! Beautiful space.

Karen said...

Delores,
That was an amazing tour...you really did a beautiful job! I am saving this post for a revisit for inspiration for our own back yard which is currently receiving a face lift. Thanks for sharing.
Karen

Cyndy's BEACH HOUSE said...

LOVE IT! I always said I should of married a contractor or one who hobbies in building. And to have a BFF like you to have the vision what a double treat ;).

Wanna come play in Southern California....visions of a front yard deck & entertainment area to replace our back yard due to lovely eminent domain for 3 years. Yup, no swimming, entertaining all the while keep the sunroom closed up due to dirt, dust and noise.

Time for a re-mix, change up and serious re-organization needed to keep my creativity flowling, energy level up & the store thru the holidays. Know of a great organizational-stylist? LOL, Yeah me, asking for help. But when it hits all at once you learn to ask for HELP!

Bonnie said...

It is all so great Deloris! I think you might have a magazine contact you on this project to publish. Beautiful job. I love the cottage! Her chimney is divine. Can't wait to see the bridal shower. All the landscaping looks great.

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