BACKYARD MAKEOVER: A Rustic + Modern Pea Gravel Patio
For the last few years we have been focusing on projects inside the house. I am CERTAIN I have an attention deficit disorder when it comes to design and an ever going 'to-do' list is the only thing that keeps me on track. However, now that spring is here I am starting to dream of our days spent outside so my inside projects will just have to wait.
Our yard has improved 100% since we moved in 4 years ago but it's still pretty (country) rough. In fact it was so overgrown with weeds and trees and fallen down fences that we were surprised to find out after months of clearing that a beautiful stone wall bordered almost the entire property (we knew it existed- and 50 % of the reason we bought the property - but didn't know the extent). I have been dreaming since those early days of having big gardens filled with wild flowers and vegetables, clematis climbing the sides of buildings and a comfy patio to sit with a glass of wine.
On our current list: a patio at the back of the house, a patio on the side and a converted guest house with attached garden (plus pool, garage....by that time we might as well just move). All of the above require a lot of thought and money, so we picked the area that needed the most attention, the patio in the back, and scoured the web for inspiration. We knew that this patio would be smaller due to space constraints with our back property line; we knew the larger patio off to the side of the house would be flagstone; we knew that this space would be mainly used when we were grilling dinner and because we like the casual look of peagravel...we started to scour the web for pea gravel patio inspiration.
INSPIRATION:
This last photo from Better Homes & Gardens became our inspiration for the firepit, which is also the focal point looking out from the house. Its unrefined, simple in form and pairs very well with our modern farmhouse in the making.
PROGRESS PIC .....and if the rain that we have had for days would let up we could finally finish. The patio and belgian block border are finished. The dry-laid fireplace is complete. Just a walkway and plantings to go! The BIG REVEAL will follow - I know you are all waiting with bated breath. But for reals - we are pretty pleased with the results.
