Backyard Reveal

 The backyard project finally came together a month ago with the arrival of the outdoor furniture and rug.

 The wicker sofa and chairs are a little more traditional than a lot of the wicker furniture available.  

More of a Nantucket style.

 In fact, I could even use the furniture inside.  

Especially the chairs as they're wingbacks.  

The tent arrived a week later.

Needless to say, it was not easy to put together, even though the directions said assembly would take a mere 30 minutes.  

Right.  More like two hours!

Even Mr. A got involved!

Here it is all set up and ready for some serious summer relaxation.

Even though this area was fine without the tent, I love how the tent creates a room.

 Sitting out here in the evening is magical!

I can see why the previous owners built this elevated area.

It's been fun shopping for accessories like pillows...

...throws, plants and lanterns.

It's a private retreat to enjoy our morning coffee or a glass of wine when the sun is setting.

Sources:

Wicker furniture, rug, coffee table and side table from Pottery Barn

Tent from Safavieh, through Amazon 

Pillows and throw from Homegoods

Brass lantern from Pottery Barn a few seasons ago.

Other lanterns from OSH

Spring Projects

 Happy first day of spring, and do I ever have some outdoor projects up my sleeve!

I've been patiently waiting until I can start digging in the dirt and make the garden more to my liking.

Unfortunately, the playhouse has to go.

I thought about replacing it with a potting shed, but instead will plant a large olive tree in the corner.

The stepping stones will be replaced with white hydrangeas, while the planting area at the rear will be planted in white roses.

In the right corner of the yard is an elevated stone patio.

Now I wish I had brought our old outdoor sofa and chairs on the roof deck of our City house to put here.

But time for a new look!

So today, I ordered a wicker sofa and two club chairs!

I've had my eye on this style from Pottery Barn for a while, called "Saybrook."  It's a little different than what I've been seeing out there and it goes with the dining chairs that I've had for a few years.

I think it may be phasing out, so I got a deal!

 

I also ordered an outdoor rug.

It's a flat weave eco-friendly rug made from recycled plastic.

I think it will hold up to the elements.

To top it all off, I found a tent!

Not sure if it's going to work, but we'll see...

In the courtyard, I'll add a matching umbrella over the dining table.

New cushions for the dining chairs in navy and white will spruce things up a bit.

I've got my eye on some at Homegoods!

Speaking of Homegoods, I found a few blue floral and textured outdoor pillows last week that will look great on the sofa and club chairs.  

So happy that florals are making a comeback!

I can't wait to create this backyard retreat.  

I envision having coffee on summer mornings and wine on warm summer evenings while enjoying a yard filled with blooming white roses and hydrangeas!

Let the project begin!

The Hillsborough Antique Show

The Hillsborough Antique Show and Sale is held three times a year. I almost never miss a show, especially the first one of the year held in February.

You most likely won't find any bargains here, but if you are a collector, this is show!

You can find your missing sterling silver pieces here, as well as fine art and jewelry. I like to go just for inspiration and to visit some of my dealer friends, however this time I was on the hunt for another confit pot to add to my collection.

With my new Droid in hand, I managed to capture a few images of unique items on display, like this Hermes wicker covered thermos. Wow! It was very expensive though!

A lovely "squash blossom" turquoise necklace. Someday....!

I thought this would be perfect for that cabin in the woods!

I resisted though....

Loved this mustard jar from France.

The dealer had a few items like this. But which one to choose?

After much wheeling and dealing, I bought this wonderful old mustard pot from France. Not the confit pot I was looking for originally, but a new addition to the few bistroware pieces I already have.

Here it is on the kitchen island waiting for me to decide where it will live. I can see a huge bouquet of flowers in it!

I also found this three tiered victorian stand. Not sure what I was thinking!

It can be used for many purposes though. I put it beside this chair in the sunroom for now.

And finally, this wicker chest. When I saw it, I thought it would be perfect as a night stand next to the bed in the pool house bedroom in Asti.

Southern Living

I had saved this photo as inspiration, so when I saw the wicker trunk, the lightbulb went off! Question is, should I stencil black letters on the front or just leave it? Either way, don't you think it will make a great night stand?

With one last weekend of warm weather, we're heading up to Asti with a new mattress strapped on the roof. Yes, we will look like The Clampetts! But finally, we can set up the bedroom in the pool house. I can't wait to put it all together! I wrote about the pool house bedroom back in June here.