House updates – outdoor living space

If you’re living on the east coast or in Sweden I know this time of the year you can’t wait for spring to arrive, so I thought I would share some updates to our outdoor living space.  Since we are so blessed with incredible weather in southern California making the outdoors space livable is key.

The deck we added outside the master suite really extended the terrace and has become a favorite spot to hang out. It now has hanging electrical wicker lanterns which add a romantic light at night. (I’ll share a roundup post for best lanterns in another post).

When we moved in it was nothing there just a bunch of scraggly trees and it looked like this…

If you followed along then you might remember I was really hesitant about removing the scraggly trees and plant a wall of banana leafs instead.

But the trees came down and the wall of banana leaf plants created the perfect vibe.  Now we can also really see and enjoy the pretty olive tree outside the bedroom door.

This has become a favorite work spot of mine and a nice extension of the bedroom. Small changes that you think might be nothing can often have a large impact.

When I tested out a bunch of lanterns for the olive trees I came upon this solar powered JC Penny lantern that I now have scattered about around the back yard. They light up the garden around the pool at night.

I now see this looking out my bedroom window.

The banana leaf plants are now taller than the fence. Behind it is a magnificent mountain view.

We planted a yew hedge along the edge of the pool on Terry’s Landscape designs suggestion.

It has grown and has added a nice framing to the pool and some protection while still allowing for a great view above at a 5′ height.

Thankfully we kept the red hibiscus hedge that adds a little tropical vibe.

The loungers are from CB2 and cushions from Martha Stewart.

Outside the kitchen window next to the pergola it looked like this…

I designed iron brackets and added a foot of the quartzite stone top we used in the kitchen to create a great little drink and serving area outside the kitchen window.

I added four Parisian bar stools.

This sits next to the pergola which is awaiting a new carpet before I can photograph it. Here is a snapshot from this morning, I’ll share better pictures of this area in a later post.

Next to the kitchen by the end of the terrace is the best view and when we bought the house it was just an empty space with an odd fountain.

I decided to use this area for a BBQ and outdoor kitchen.

Now it looks like this.

A simple cement top with white stucco so it just blends in with the house.

We still have work to do but this is basically where we spend our time when we are home. I hope this gave you a little California sunshine to survive the rest of the winter.

Hope you have a great weekend!

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