Baby got Back(yard) - Outdoor Space Consultation

With most of us sheltering in place, that forgotten, seldom used backyard has become valuable real estate. So baby, if you got back(yard), use it!

It’s right outside the kitchen window, the sliding glass door, or like my client’s situation yesterday, they can see it, but can’t get to it - the Backyard. With most of us sheltering in place, that forgotten, seldom used backyard has become valuable real estate. So baby, if you got back(yard), use it!

I hadn’t worked with this client since 2011, and although we couldn’t hug, it was great to see her and again help her with her home. This project outside is perfect for socially distancing. Most people think I can only help with the inside, but my consultation services can be used for your outdoor spaces too. This consultation was about planning a new deck. Their current deck has no stairs, which doesn’t allow them to get down to their yard. With our home truly a shelter from the storm, and summer on the horizon, why not make your outdoor spaces as usable as your indoor space?

Here are a few tips we discussed yesterday about utilizing your backyard.

1.) Consider how you get out there. What space on the inside gets you to the outside? Are there multiple options? A door out from the breakfast area, and from the family room? Can you easily walk around to the back yard from the front yard? These traffic patterns may determine how each usage area of your backyard is planned out.

Connecting indoors to outdoors (photo: source)

2.) What do your want to do out there? My client had grand plans for her outdoor space: Hot tub, firepit, gazebo and dining/cooking. With those needs, which areas of your backyard are suited for these activities.

3.) How big do these areas need to be? The stuff you need to use for the activity determines the size of the space. If you want a fire pit area - the key element is the firepit . Size that, then add in the seating around it with correct safe distances from the heat and flames.

Establishing activity areas (Photo:source)

4.) What surface hosts these activity spaces? Grass, concrete, decking, paving stone?

5.) What are your backyard existing assets or hindrance? Do you want to use that tree as part of the design, or will it need to go? Take advantage of a great view, or not block a view? My client had a beautiful pond in her back yard, and wanted to make sure that gazebo wish didn’t block her neighbors from the great view.

Lastly, have fun with your backyard. You can be inspired by your indoor space color theme, but that’s not a rule. There are oodles of ideas to peak your patio design, but if you need a keen eye, or extra ideas, there is help a phone call away.

Julea - Reinventing Space 708-448-7500 B 708-543-8597 C Julea@Julea.com

Julea Joseph 4/8/20 Julea Joseph 4/8/20

Decorating Ideas to Refresh your Space While We’re Staying in Place

With home the focus of our daily life right now, it’s a great time to rethink some of our spaces.

With home the focus of our daily life right now, it’s a great time to rethink some of our spaces. Whether re-styling a bookcase, seasonally decorating, up-styling something we already have, or leaping into a bigger project - here are ideas to refresh your space while we’re staying in place.

Paint. -A new color can give a room a fresh look. From spring greens or trending blue hues, paint packs a big punch to giving a space a new view. Most paint stores will let you phone in, order on-line, and offer curbside pickup. From painting an accent wall, up-styling a bookcase by painting the back, or painting a piece of furniture - infusing a new color into a room can really reboot it.

Rearrange. -Spring has arrived! It’s a perfect time to rearrange a room for a new season. Give your space a new perspective with a new furniture arrangement. Perhaps swapping pieces from other rooms. Try switching a chair, a table, art; they’re all good swapping ideas to give a room a different look. Lighten your space by removing heavy rugs to simplify a room. Change the sitting area to a new focus from the fireplace view to taking in the nature from the view out the window. By giving your space a new perspective, it gives you one too.

“Give your space a new perspective with a new furniture arrangement. By giving your space a new perspective, it gives you one too.”

— Julea Joseph

Pull out that Sewing Machine. - If you have forgotten how to use it, YouTube has hundreds of instructional videos on how to sew and use your machine. Sew up a new pillow cover, table runner, or add contrasting fabric trim to a ready made window panel on the edge, top or bottom. Re-purpose table clothes, napkins or tea towels into usable yardage. Fabric can too transform a lampshade, or cover an ottoman.

Discover Your Styling Skills. After you’ve painted the back of your bookshelves, you’ll need to fill it back up. Refill it with accents from other spaces, organize your books by color, or even recover them with bright papers. Small art that was lonely hanging on a wall, can find a new home on the bookcase back, or perching on an easel decorating a favorite table. Style an entry table with accessory, or seasonal odds and ends to tell a story - books are great to add height, color and interest to a vignette.

Need additional inspiration or help with styling and decorating? We now offer consultation remotely.

-Julea

RESOURCES

https://www.acehardware.com/onlineorder

https://jclicht.com/jc-licht-open-coronavirus-response/

https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/special-offers

https://www.lowes.com/l/store-pickup.html