Hey Everyone!!
Happy Friday to you all!
I’m so excited to be sharing our back deck with you guys today! It has taken us quite some time to get to this point! We have lived in this house for 8 years now and it seems as though each year we have worked on and/or added to this space. It has always been a work in progress, but this year, I think we have finally reached the point where we can say that the back deck is DONE!!
Well, what do you think?! Do you love it as much as I do?!
Are you ready for a little tour?
We basically have the back deck split up into two separate entertaining areas. The first, is the one you see in the picture below.
This space is mostly used for lounging & relaxation. It is the perfect spot to sit & enjoy a glass of lemonade or tea, read a book, and/or visit with family & friends. I love how cozy this spot is!
We have had the loveseat & the coffee table for several years now & added the two chairs last year. In addition, we also added some throw pillows last year as well. All of the pillows that you will see in this space were purchased at Lowes.
One major addition to our back deck was this outdoor fireplace that my husband bought me for Mother’s Day…..LOVE him!!
It is also from Lowes. I have been wanting one for quite some time now & I am absolutely smitten with this one! It is the perfect size for our space! I just love sitting by a fire on those cool spring & fall nights! 🙂
The biggest addition that we made to the deck this year was the pergola!! Oh, how I have been dreaming of a pergola on this back deck for years now! I am ecstatic that we finally managed to mark this project off our to-do list! It really made such an incredible difference to the space!
My dad & my husband worked so hard on this project & I am thrilled with the results! If you follow along on Instagram and/or Facebook, you know that this project was actually started back in May. After the construction part was complete, we took about a month off from the project & then just recently (in the last week or so) went back and painted it. Let me tell you….painting this thing was a nightmare!! So many little details! I’m so happy to have it finished!!
If you read my post on Wednesday, then you know that my mom & I made these outdoor curtains for the pergola. I shared a complete tutorial HERE. I absolutely love the way they turned out. They add a little drama to the space & really make the second entertaining area, the dining area, feel more like a room!
The dining room table we have had for quite some time now. Last year, we replaced the chairs & added the rug. Both the rug you see here & the rug you saw in the first space are from the Better Homes & Gardens line at Walmart.
I added a little window box to the center of our table to serve as a centerpiece. It was a different color when I first bought it, but I just spray painted it to match the decor. I filled it with soil, added some petunias, & filled in all the gaps with succulents. I am obsessed with succulents right now!
Can you blame me? Aren’t they are just perfection?!
Here is a closer look at our chairs. We purchased them at Garden Ridge last year. The throw pillows, again, are from Lowes.
I shared these adorable Monogrammed Succulent Place Settings on the blog earlier this week as well. Each table setting has a different potted succulent with a monogrammed chalkboard. You won’t believe what I made the chalkboards out of! For a tutorial, click HERE.
And now that I’ve walked you through all the little details of the space, I’m just gonna quit talking and let you enjoy pictures. Sound okay?
Here is a look at our little backyard shed. This thing has undergone a couple different makeovers. You can read about the first one HERE. I re-painted it last year to coordinate with our deck. This little shed has so much character & really is one of my favorite things about our backyard.
This little “window” on the side is actually a mirror that has a shelf on it. I always add a few potted plants to the shelf each year. I just love the way it looks and how it gives the illusion of a real window!
I also adore these little lanterns hanging on the front of the shed. They looks so cute lit up at nightime.
And just for fun, I thought I would include a little “before & after” photos of this space. Here is a look at our back deck from two years ago and a shot of what it looks like today….
And here is a shot from last year…..
This year….
Quite the improvement, right?! It’s so neat to look back at previous photos to see how far we’ve come!
I’m so excited to use this space & do some entertaining this summer! Now, who want to come over for a little barbecue?! 🙂
I hope you enjoyed the tour of our backyard space! Have you made any updates to your deck or patio this summer? If so, leave a link in the comments section below! I’d love to check it out!
As always, thanks so much for stopping by!!
Have a fabulous weekend y’all!
Linking up here….
Tutorials & Tips Tuesday at Home Stories A to Z
Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Creek Cottage
Hookin’ Up with HOH at House of Hepworths
Inspiration Gallery at Design, Dining, & Diapers
Weekend Wrap-Up Party at Tatertots & Jello
Best DIY Projects of July at Beneath My Heart
Before & After Party at Thrifty Decor Chick
It’s beautiful, Tonya! Your backyard looks so inviting and a great space to hang out and enjoy the summer. I need to update my backyard also. Thank you for the inspiration!
Thanks so much Brandi!!!
Tonya, it’s wonderful! Wow, what a great job y’all did! I love the way you divided the space into two different areas and then layered on the details to make it complete. And your basic furnishings are so nice and neutral that you could completely change the look just by choosing different throw pillows. You’ve really inspired me!
Aww! Thanks so much Richella!
it looks amazing! what a great place to relax!
Thanks so much Cassie!! Xoxo
WoW! This is gorgeous!
Thanks so much Bernadette!! 🙂
That fireplace I can’t even! This whole look is exactly what I would love to do on our lower deck! Pinning for dreaming and hoping some day! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you Susan!! Here’s to hoping your dreams come true!! 🙂
Hi Tonya! The reveal is gorgeous! I just love the pergola and the curtains. I’m also totally in love with the fireplace – what a wonderful gift. Thanks so much for the inspiration! Cheryl
Thanks Cheryl! Yes, the fireplace was a wonderful gift!! I’m really looking forward to using it this fall!! 🙂
Love this Tonya! Fingers crossed this is a gas fireplace!!! We can’t have wood burning in our neighborhood (or most of the state)!
laura@imnotatrophywife.com
Thank you Laura! Unfortunately, this is a wood burning fireplace! 🙁
Tonya, you’ve outdone yourself! I love the transformation. It truly feels like an outdoor room. Happy for you!
Thanks so much Sharon!! And thanks for sharing on FB earlier!! Xoxo
It’s absolutely fabulous! Great job on every little detail. Your neighbors must be dying for an invitation! Lisa~
Thanks so much Lisa!!
This is gorgeous, Tonya. I especially love the curtains, I too have been wanting a pergola for quite some time. I keep hinting to my hubby! We are planning to move in the next year, though… sooo. we will probably wait! I LOVE the succulents and that fireplace is SOOOO big! I bet it is so nice and warm and cozy and perfect for smores!
Thank you Carrie!! Yes, the fireplace is amazing! I love it!
This looks amazing! I love how your pergola turned out! Definitely worth all of your hard work! It is all so beautiful!
Thanks so much Emily!!
beautifully done. Most posts make me feel like I will never have “that:. But this one gives me great hope. We have a similar type of deck and I think I can do some great things. I would love to know what made you choose to paint the deck over staining it. Or is that an Opaque stain. My husband prefers traditional cedar type stained look. I would love something more solid. What we put on the deck last year was supposed to be semi transparent but turned solid and is now peeling 🙁 Would love to know what you choose. It looks great.
Hi Andrea! Thanks so much for your sweet comment! The deck was stained with a solid stain. You can read more about it here. https://loveoffamilyandhome.net/2012/05/power-washindeck-stainin-kinda-weekend.html
so beautiful! I really love the sheet curtains…they look so perfect! Everything is beautiful
Thanks so much Courtney!
Beautiful spaces! I love your pillows, your fireplace (I have to go to Lowes!), your pergola and the way you add the potted flowers and the hanging lanterns to your shed. Fabulous job!
Thanks so much Lauren!! Xoxo
I love how your pergola has transformed the look of your outdoor space. So beautiful! We recently had a pergola installed this past spring and immediately it changed the entire look, too. You can see it here: http://plumperfectandme.blogspot.com/2013/05/pergola-transformation.html I am so loving the new pergola! Enjoy yours,too!
Thanks so much Gail! Heading to check out your space now! 🙂
I LOVE IT!!!!! It looks SOOO good! I have been begging Josh for a pergola, but he doesn’t see it as an investment like I do! He also sits in an office all day and not on the back patio in the sun with kids! Ha!!! Maybe we will compromise soon! 🙂
Thanks so much Jennifer!!
It looks great!!! You did a wonderful job!!
This makes me want to drink lemonade and read a great book!!
Have a blessed and wonderful day!!
Thanks so much Karianne!
Oh I love the reveal Tonya! I had so much fun following along on IG. The pergola is gorgeous, the fire place is AWESOME, and all the little touches, just beautiful! I know your family will really enjoy that wonderful outdoor space!
Thanks so much Chelsea!!
Tonya – this turned out amazing! You have done a fantastic job creating an outdoor living space… Love!
Thank you Rhonda! We are thrilled with how it turned out!!
Perfect! Pinned to the Better hOmes and Garden home project board 🙂
Thanks so much Jessica!! You ROCK!! Xoxo
My, what a lovely space you have created. I especially like the fact that you did it over time, and the last year/this year photos were amazing to compare. Kudos to you and your DH. Whoops, Kudos also to your Mom and Dad for their contributions to this space. Have I done anything to our outside spaces this year?…Nope…Because we live on a golf course. I know, the dream of many, but you literally take your life in your hands when you are outdoors. We have a fairly large covered deck which sits empty. You’d think the cover would offer protection, but not so. Golf balls have still whizzed by our heads at speeds that could kill or seriously injure, so we choose not to risk our lives or the lives of our guests, and just enjoy our open views from inside our home.
WOW! It looks so great. I look at the picture and I just want to go and sit by the fireplace and have a glass of that lemonade. I really love how all the black pieces seem to anchor the whole scene. Good job! Bonnie
What a GORGEOUS space!! I ADORE the fireplace (and thank you for the link – I NEVER would’ve guessed it was so affordable!!). The pergola made a WORLD of difference! GREAT JOB!!! Looks fantastic!
As usual, you never cease to amaze me with your talents. I really think you should start a new segment where you come to local homes and do projects for a before and after. Just so happens, I am just a short jot away here in Marion 🙂 I have plenty of projects I could use you for. I have plenty of ideas but just too scared to proceed. HELP!!! Anyway, beautiful job you all have done again!
LOL!Thanks so much Jessica! You are too sweet!!
I love how beautiful it is. The black and white and neutrals are perfect for an outdoor space!
Tonya, this is so stunning! Beautiful, beautiful job! I popped over from Home Stories A to Z and I’m so glad I did! Thanks for sharing!
~Abby =)
Thanks so much Abby!!
Your back deck looks gorgeous! I love your fireplace, maybe I can talk my hunny into getting one for our patio! =) Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely gorgeous! Love the two different areas, the pergola and the outdoor curtains!
OH wow! This is absolutely gorgeous Tonya!!!! I can see where all of your hard work paid off. I love the little succulent planters on each place setting and that fire place looks really cozy. I feel like my whole house has been a ‘work in progress’ for the past 5 years. Maybe that means I’ll just have a bunch of reveals all at once 🙂
I LOVE the transformation on the deck! I want one of those fireplaces…wonder if they still have any? The outdoor shed is adorable too. Thanks for sharing your backyard space. I’m coming on over from blogtalk and will be sharing your post. 🙂 Love your site…am newest follower. I am just across Lake Michigan from you. I’m waving…can you see me???
It’s so beautiful! LOVE!
This is absolutely stunning, Tonya! I’m featuring it on my fb page tomorrow. Beautiful and usable, too!
Thank you Marty! And thanks so much for sharing!!
love LOVE Love!! You did an awesome job! I like the color scheme and the fireplace is great!! We are working on outdoor areas in our new yard and it is taking some time!! But,,,,maybe one day it will all come together! Enjoy your awesome outdoor space!
Thanks so much Dawna!!
I love this transformation!! We have the same fireplace and love it. Although it is sitting alone on our patio just surrounded by plants. I would love to have a seating area like yours. And your shed looks cute too. Have you had any trouble with the fireplace cover? Ours was so flimsy that it ripped the first time we put it on and with one windy day it completely shredded. I have had no luck finding a heftier one, so for the past 8 months the fireplace has sat un-covered. So far so good, but I have a feeling it won’t always be that way!
Amazing job! So homey and inviting. I am in love with pergolas and yours really gives your deck the feel of an additional “room.”
Wow! What a transformation. Found your blog a couple weeks back, but first time commenting. Love your outdoor space. It’s beautiful!
Thanks so much Andrea!!
I love the clean lines and simplicity of your newly finished deck and pergola. It looks so homey and comfortable without a lot of excess. This will be my first year of decorating my new covered patio, (that I’ve wanted for……all my life). After seeing yours, I have a better idea of what I want to do. Love the fireplace! We were going to do a fire pit offsite, but I think I like your fireplace better. Thanks so much for being so inspirational!
Shut the BACK door!! Your back deck look so amazing:). I realize this comment is a bit late but I like DIY projects even if they happened awhile back. I love the look of the pergola and my favorite part of this is the wood stove. It really looks like a magazine pic. This is a project to feel very proud of:).
Thank you Andrea! We love our little space! 🙂
How is the fireplace holding out? I am interested in purchasing one and see bad reviews on Lowes.com…
LOVE THIS! Can you tell me the dimensions of the deck?
This is just beautiful, you have given me so many ideas. I am supposed to get my fireplace delivered from Lowes today looks almost like yours. I have a little out building that I was trying to screen from my patio, never thought about painting to match my deck. I saw a little mirror window like yours the other day now I am going to purchase it. Wow it is unbelievable I have been working on my backyard for about 10 years now don’t know if I will ever get done. I am so glad I come up on your post. I love it all such an inspiration. Can’t wait to put your ideas to work on my patio. Thanks so much for sharing. God Bless.
What color did you paint the shed? It looks amazing!