Hi Everyone!
Long time, no see friends! Wow wow wow what a roller coaster of a past couple of months! So basically my dreams of blogging the process of this ORC went right out the window because COVID and becoming an overnight home school mom and having a SENIOR caught up in the middle of this mess who lost the final year of high school she hoped for and all the memories that come along with it and that was emotional and A LOT and also add in the fact that my sister got orders to CA and moved here mid ORC AND she bought a house around the corner from me but she also had to live with me while that was happening and now I’ve been tasked to design her whole house which is basically a big white box and and AAANNNNND. Notice how that was just one long ass run on sentence. THAT’S what 2020 feels like. Just one long ass ridiculous very grammatically incorrect run on sentence.
Anyway I say all that to say…. while I didn’t get a chance to blog the backyard progress as I intended I DID IG the crap out of it every step of the way so there are lots of highlights for you to go get caught up on to see how the space actually came together bit by bit. The space also took just a little longer to come together because it felt like something was missing right at the end of the challenge and it wasn’t quite ready yet. I finally got it feeling like its ready to make its debut so I’m here today to share with you how the space turned out and talk about all the lovely details. So without further adieu….
Let’s remember what we’ve been working with for years prior to this and where we left off when we started the ORC:
And here we are today…
I mean honestly I don’t even know where to begin! This space has been SUCH a labor of immense love, quite literally, as most of the infrastructure was built or tackled by me/us. We hired out the deck build, but DIY’d the paver and pea gravel patio, the pergola, and staining the deck. A lot of blood sweat and tears went into this friends. Ya girl is tired! And I also have a lot less money now lol!
We basically cleared this space completely out as if to take it down to the studs and start over. The only thing that stayed was the sycamore tree which is basically the crown jewel of our yard. The second we toured this house for first time and I saw it I dreamed of creating an entertaining space underneath its canopy. I could see lanterns hanging in it and dinners under it.
We are very fortunate to have a generous amount space to work with and when approaching the design and planning of the space I wanted to divide it into three distinct zones: an upper lounge area, lower patio area, and a dining area. I designed the deck in an L shape to accommodate each zone in a way that promotes a good flow from one to the other. Aesthetically and visually I wanted to do two things: 1. to really blur the lines between the interior and exterior of our house, and 2. to have it feel like you’ve somehow been transported to some exclusive resort or somewhere OTHER than a city backyard in America. I didn’t want this space to feel like you’ve stepped “outside”. I wanted to make the transition from inside to out as seamless as possible so that meant taking the deck from traditional deck boards to a rich chocolaty hue was on the list. I really wanted it to look and feel more like dark wood stained interior floors than redwood decking. For the stain I used Super Deck by Sherwin-Williams in semi-solid formula in the color Chestnut. Stay tuned for a blog post on that whole process! The deck added about 500 sq ft of livable space to our little house and I wanted to make sure it felt like a genuine extension of our home. I also chose furniture and accessories that could easily be used in an interior and that don’t look or feel like furniture specific to outdoor
THE UPPER LOUNGE AREA
This is zone is one I create specifically for Naomi and I. We have french doors off of our bedroom and I always envisioned a space for us right outside the doors to be able to have coffee or tea in the morning, and for relaxing together in the evenings. This might be my favorite area of the entire build!
Y’all let’s just take a moment to talk about this furniture! IT. IS. AMAAAAZZZZZIIIING. I originally wanted chaise lounges out here, but when I saw these Novel lounge chairs and ottomans from Stori Modern it was love at first sight! Stori Modern graciously provided the furniture as a brand sponsor for this portion of our makeover and there are literally no words to describe how fabulous they are. NO. WORDS. If I’m being honest, ALL of our furniture choices for this makeover are BOMB, but I digress.
Aside from the fact that they are GORGEOUS , they are SO incredibly comfortable friends. They come in several finish options and I chose the Beige weave for the frames and Sailcloth Salt for the cushions. I wanted a tone on tone vibe for them without the starkness of pure white on white, and I love the way they look against the dark stained deck.
The cushions are Sunbrella fabric so they are virtually indestructible and super weather proof. They can be rained on, power washed, thrown in the dirt, sat in the sun all day, trampled on by a Great Dane, etc., and they are going to clean up easily and look as good as new. You can even throw the covers in the washing machine! The bases are made of all-weather HDPE wicker slats hand woven to a tubular aluminum frame. They are solid, yet also really lightweight too! They are an investment, but the quality makes them worth every penny. We’ve put them to the test and they 100% get my seal of approval. I would purchase them in a heartbeat. I paired them with the most amazing side table from Leisure Made. Samantha, the owner, and I have been internet and blog friends for years so I was so thrilled to FINALLY be able to get my hands on some of her beautifully designed furniture. These are also a sponsored product for our makeover.
Yall! This side table! It’s hand cast concrete and the photos don’t do it NEARLY enough justice. I also have the coffee table version in the patio lounge area and holy smokes is it a show stopper!!
It’s such a treat to have this space right off our bedroom. The first thing I do everyday is throw open the doors and enjoy the quiet stillness of the morning. The morning light is so pretty over here as well. Its become my favorite daily ritual!
THE DINING AREA
Ah the dining zone. This area was a big big deal for me and I wanted it to be the centerpiece of the backyard makeover. Those of you who have followed me for a while know how much our dining room is my least favorite area in our entire house. Its the one area where we REALLLY felt the downsize. Our last house had TWO very large dining areas, including a big area in the kitchen which could accommodate 8-10 people easily. This house has a tiny dining area which can only seat 4! I love to entertain so losing that dining space has been a tough part of our downsizing journey. When designing the deck I wanted a nice big dining area where I could accommodate at least 12 people. I also envisioned a big black pergola with flowering vines covering it and I couldn’t be happier about how this space turned out! I shared the pergola build process over on IG and have it all saved in a highlight so be sure to check that out if you’d like to see how we did it. I painted it Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams using Emerald exterior paint formula.
Do ya’ll know how hard it is to find an outdoor dining table large enough to fit 10 – 12 people that doesn’t cost an arm and both legs?! Yeah. Not easy. So I decided to purchase two 6-8 person tables and push them together to make one big table! It worked out perfectly! I chose the Sevilla dining tables from World Market and we purchased them at the beginning of spring during their big 40% off outdoor sale. We also purchased the Sevilla benches for one side as well. And while I was at it (because why not, lol!) I also purchased the tassel outdoor rugs and rattan captains chairs to go with it. I LOVE the combination of the lighter white wash wood furniture paired with the white chairs.
For the other seating at the table I chose the Dot chair from Article. Article provided the chairs as a brand sponsor for the makeover along with the sectionals for our patio lounge area! I originally had some chairs we own from IKEA over here in the dining area and while they looked great, they were really low and not functional at all for a dining situation. The Dot chairs were the perfect replacement and we really love them. They are very comfortable, super affordable, come in a ton of colors, stack for easy storage, are all weather proof, and they look great too!
Anytime anyone asks me where they should spend their money if they are looking to refresh their space, my answer is ALWAYS lighting, lighting, LIGHTING! Lighting can make or break a space and I always say go big or go home! Whether you are a renter or a homeowner lighting is so versatile and its the first thing you should examine if you are feeling like your space is needing something. The answer is almost always lighting.
I really really wanted to make a statement with th lighting for the dining area so I decided to hang rattan pendants and lanterns above the table. I started with two of these really big pendants from IKEA and my bestie Carmeon encouraged me to take it a step further and go for it with lots of lanterns instead of just the two! I’m so glad she pushed me to do that because this lighting situation is EVERYTHING! I decided to add in some of the smaller IKEA pendants as well, and layer in a couple of fab natural pendants from World Market. I then remembered I had a pair of beautiful rattan lanterns in the garage from one of my favorite shops in all the world, Tierra Del Lagarto. I had been holding out for the perfect place to use them and this was it! I also had a gorgeous metal Moroccan lantern from my fave local Moroccan goods retailer and dear friend, Kechmara Designs.
They look phenomenal all together. I’m so so happy with it!
THE PATIO LOUNGE AREA
The patio lounge area is the true hang out spot! I wanted to have a space where we could have lots of friends over to chill and relax. I’m so thrilled with how this area turned out! We love it so much!
At the heart of what makes this space really work for us are these AMAZING sectionals from Article. They are absolutely perfect! We got two and positioned them facing one another and they make such a great conversation zone.
These sectionals were a bit of a wild card for me in terms of style and are much more modern than I usually go for, but I LOVE them! The lower to the ground profile make them the perfect choice for this space as they keep the sight lines nice and clear to all the other areas of the backyard. The seat cushions are sturdy, but comfortable, and the back cushions are really soft. The frame is beautiful solid Acacia wood so its perfect for supporting lots of lounging. I particularly love the chunky arms which allow for extra seating if needed or a place to hold your drink. The cushions wipe down easily, but I wouldn’t advise you to leave them out in really wet weather or snow. They also shouldn’t be power washed.
My favorite thing about this zone has to be the beautiful carved concrete coffee table from Leisure Made. Its just so gorgeous and I love it as the centerpiece to the more modern sofas. I also brought in a collection of other little side tables I already owned for some interest and more function.
PLANTS, ACCESSORIES & DECOR
The aesthetic direction for this space started out with me wanting it to be super eclectic and layered and very much inspired by my love of more maximalist spaces, and then I had to pivot-a-bitch when things just weren’t feeling right out here. I started taking things away and then it all clicked. I really really fell in love with the high contrast of the dark house, black pergola and dark stained deck paired with the white furniture, natural rattan elements, hints of copper and terracotta, and lots of greenery and plants. Keeping things pretty paired back to just those elements felt so perfect out here so I went with it. I kept the pillows and accessories to a coral, yellow and teal blue palette as well.
I made a support for bougainvillea with some trellises and concrete composite deck box planters from Home Depot. I needed something to soften and break up the mass of wall space along the garage and I think they will be so beautiful when the hot pink flowers start to grow in. I added some jute rugs to help soften the huge “landing strip” walkway over here as well and I really love them here. They are soooo soft underfoot and the natural texture works so well out here. In our area where its hot and dry and not humid we can leave jute outside without much fear of it getting ruined. I wouldn’t advise this if you live in an area that gets lots of rain and moisture. Our rainy season is in winter and I will just store them away in the garage for the season along with other outdoor things I don’t want to keep out.
Naomi added her “design contribution” to the space by way of her beanie baby she’s had since she was a little girl. She begged me to let her keep it here so there you have it!
As I mentioned earlier I always envisioned the pergola to be covered in flowering vines so I planted Wisteria and red trumpet vine in big pots at the base of two posts and I cant wait to see them grow up and cover it one day. Purple and red are my fave color combo so its going to be such a joy to see.
One of my favorite moments in the space is the addition of my creepster succulent and cacti collection. This was inspired by one of my dear friends, Risa. She has a collection of old man sailor paintings she calls her collection of creeps and they are such a special and interesting feature in her home. I love going to visit and seeing any new pieces shes added to her collection. I thought I’d create my version here via the start of a living wall of interesting and unique prickly plants.
This guy is my fave right now…
I cant wait to continue growing the collection! I also added some galvanized metal wall planters for succulents from World Market that I spray painted black.
NIGHT TIME VIEWS
Outdoor spaces are the most magical at night, amiright?! So of course I had to snap some shots for you to see what things look like when the sun goes down and the string lights come on. We used a mix of traditional plug in string lights above the patio area and solar string lights along the entry gate and fence. We also layered in other lighting like fun Glo Globes, and a teak solar lantern from Les Jardin.
For the time being I’m using these super inexpensive and easy LED lantern lights hung inside the pendants. They are pretty and soft and ethereal and very romantic, but I’ve ordered some remote controlled led battery operated puck lights to go inside them that will be just a bit brighter which I think will be better for dining. They also dim and adjust so we can still keep things nice and soft as well when we want.
We still have one more thing to do out here and that’s to replace the battered garage door. We already have a replacement but it’s vintage and needs to have some of the glass panes fixed, which hasn’t been easy to find a vendor for during a pandemic. I’ll get it done eventually! Id also LOVE to get a Zellige tile Morrocan wall mounted water fountain out here. I want one soooooo bad and I just know it’s going to be the icing on the cake for the space. They are pretty expensive so I’m saving up my coins for one:)
The space has been six years in the making and so many hard long tiring days went into seeing this dream space for us come true. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be able to call this place home, especially right now when home is where we are all spending much more time. Its not a bad spot to have to shelter in place, but I do wish we could welcome our friends to enjoy it with us. Part of why I design our home is so I can share it with those I love and as soon as outside opens up again we are throwing a dinner party! For now I’m happy to share it here with you. Thank you to everyone who’s followed along from the very beginning and for cheering us on and being so excited for us. Big big love to you all!
Until next time friends….
*Thank you so much to my amazing brand sponsors: Stori Modern, Article, Leisure Made, and Les Jardin for helping make this space come to life. And Thank you all for supporting the brands who support my work and help keep me creating content that I love. All sponsored product has been noted above. All opinions are my own.
Sources Not Linked Above
Jute Runners– World Market
Jute Round Rug-World Market
Copper Exterior Wall Sconce-Rejuvenation
White Rattan Dining Chair-World Market (not currently available)
Outdoor Pillows-World Market, Home Goods, Jungalow
Black Modern Planter-Home Depot
White Self Watering Planters- IKEA
White Deck Box Planter-Home Depot
Terracotta Pot Planter Console Table- Home Goods
White Candle Holder Lanterns-World Market
Throw Blanket-Home Goods
String Lights- Costco
String Light Wiring Kit-Amazon
Midcentury White Planter -World Market (legs come in gold, but I spray painted them black)
Tassel Umbrella Cover-World Market
Black Umbrella Stand-World Market (from two years ago)
Black Umbrella Base-Lowes
Solar String Lights– Amazon
Copper Rain Chain-Amazon (have had for several years so there’s a nice patina to it)
Pavers– Lowes (I have the slate grey colorway)
Pea Gravel- purchased in bulk from a local gravel and rock company
Laureen says
WoW! I am so glad I stumbled upon your page. Lovely work! Would you be willing to share basic plans for your simple pergola? I am trying to create something very similar! Thank you for the inspiration!
Mary Streber says
love the entire space… how did you get the wicker lights to be water proof?
Courtney says
Just came back here to peruse this beautiful outdoor oasis as I am longing for spring and summer 🙂 this is my favorite before/after EVER! I am curious to know how your tables and other furniture held up after a winter. Thank you!
Kathleen says
Magical, congratulations!
Susan says
Late to the party, but this is gorgeous! I live in Northern MN, the land of 9 months of winter. But I would love to recreate that dining area inside my home. The light collection under the pergola just slays me. Iove it all, and love how many there are hanging. Magical. Simply awesome
Marie says
Beautiful outdoor space! I believe I missed what SW paint you used on the siding of the house. We are looking for a gray like this. Thank you!
Shavonda Gardner says
Hi Marie! Our exterior was painted years ago and we actually used Kelly Moore paint for that since our paint contractor recommended it. The color is Evening Hush by Behr color matched in the Kelly Moore formula.
laura says
I’m still wowing that you decided to stain the deck a color that would allow for continuity with your interior flooring. It makes total sense and a reminder that interior designers know allllllllll the things to think about and how, together, they enhance or detract from whatever the goal is.
But really the whole thing is amazing. The hard work shows in the vision and the execution. That fountain — wow! That will be a beautiful addition as well.
Nicolette says
Shavonda this space is so damn inspiring! I loved watching it all come together on IG but seeing all these pics, especially the night time, wowwowow. I am trying to plan my outdoor space and its so hard to visualize! Do you know about how big your three zones are (upper lounge, lower lounge and dining space)?
at home with ashley says
There are so many show-stopping moments in your backyard! It’s so gorgeous, love it all!
Kaiulani says
This is turning into one of my all-time favorite backyards, especially at dusk/night. Well done.
Sara says
Hi Shavonda – I just cannot get over how dreamy, functional and downright BEAUTIFUL this space turned out! Thank you for walking us through the process on IG, I anxiously clicked through every photo and video. I look forward to when you get a photo of a full group of friends and family enjoying the space with you! xoxo
Amanda C says
Absolutely stunning. And it has been a pleasure to follow you through the process. The attention to detail is incredible and it all came together so lovely. It is the most inviting backyard. I hope you and your family enjoy it! Thank you for sharing.
S says
This looks lovely! Do you remember where the various large terracotta planters came from?
Shavonda Gardner says
Hi there. Thank you so much. They are from HomeGoods and the grocery store:)
E E Deere says
Wow, what a wonderful, well designed, appealing space. I admire and respect that you sized up the demands on your time and prioritized. Good you. It’s beautiful.
Jen says
Wow, Shavonda! This space is magical! I’ve loved watching it on IG but seeing it all finished – it’s so good. Especially the before pictures. Mind blowing! Hope you are enjoying some time off in your new space.
Shavonda Gardner says
Thank you Jen!!
Tania says
Hi Shavonda, congratulations on this epic creation. I think you are amazing and absolutely inspiring. An amazing space ?
Jennifer says
Hello, Shavonda! I have so enjoyed watching your progress on this amazing backyard ORC. I especially love it when you share your thought process with us, when something isn’t working and you end up pivoting. We, your followers,learn so much from that!
This space is wonderful looking, and I can tell it feels welcoming and comfortable. Thanks again for sharing your journey with us!
Shavonda Gardner says
Yes Yes Yes friend. Always gotta be ready to pivot if need be:) Thank you so much.
Heather says
This is just incredible. The photos of the lanterns just coming on at dusk are just so good. Chefs kiss good! Bravo!!
Shavonda Gardner says
Thank you so much!
Jodi says
What an amazing space! Shavonda, you are so talented, your vision of what this could be is really mind-blowing!
Holly says
Just beautiful Shavonda. I particularly love how you created separate spaces through the use of levels, Flooring material and the pergola, all the while keeping everything open and airy. There are too many great moments to pick a favorite, but the carved tables have stayed in my mind since you first shared them on Instagram. Congratulations.
Shavonda Gardner says
Thank you so much Holly. I LOVE a space with varying levels. It makes for such an interesting experience and I really wanted to make that a feature out here. Im so glad that came through:) The tables are literally EVERTHIIIIINNNGGGG! Ugggh. They are so good.
Sally says
Amazing.
Laura says
Love? Love?
Now I want to get to work!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Beth says
Shavonda, what an amazing job you did. What extraordinary vision you have to bring something like this to life. It ABSOLUTELY feels like being transported to a luxurious resort just looking at it! It’s phenomenal- and I’m strangely emotionally overwhelmed by how amazing it is. Absolutely gorgeous.
Shavonda Gardner says
Thank you so much Beth! I’m so proud of it.
Crystal says
Hi Shavonda! I am in love with your outdoor space. There are so many little moments happening—the lanterns, the scattered tables—the terra-cotta pots, the plants everywhere! I can’t pick a favorite. It’s all good!
M says
Wow! This is such a transformation! And I love all of your explanations of the thought process that went into it all! Time to enjoy your hard work ?
Angela Martinez says
I am in complete awe of your creativeness, your talent is exponential and has no limits. I CANNOT wait to see what you do next, your ability to put do yourself each and every time is mind blowing! Congratulations friend on another stunning creation.
Shavonda Gardner says
Thank you so so much birthday twin! I appreciate you so much.
Christina says
Shavonda, it is so lovely and textured and inviting!!!! Everywhere you look, your eye rests on a new pretty little moment. Congratulations x a million!!!!! xoxo
Carla Bethany says
The night views just make my soul smile. I love everything and enjoyed watching your process.
Lisa says
Wow, Shavonda! You have really made your backyard a destination at your home! The One Room Challenge sponsors are lucky to have such a beautiful showcase for their products.
Kimberley says
Shavonda! It is stunning. So beautiful yet accessible. I have never before wanted to invite myself over for a moscow mule to someone’s home, but I’m about to! That whole gorgeous space is going to be so awesome for entertaining. I am incredibly jealous of your lovely greenery. I’m in the beginnings of trying to plan that out and I love how yours looks fresh and yet still mature. So so good!! Congratulations! Those blood, sweat and tears were worth it!!
Shavonda Gardner says
Thank you Kimberley! You’re more than welcome anytime.
Fatou says
This space is incredible!! Watching you work through this design from dream to concept to execution has been brilliant! Just wow!!
Karen says
Have Mercy !
Beautiful beyond belief. Everything is just right.
What an accomplishment.
Lizz says
Oh my goodness, it is so incredible!!! Congratulations! What beautiful spaces.
Brittany says
OMG.. one word inspiration! So dreamy and relaxing!!!
Breckell S. says
Wow, Shavonda! This looks amazing. I would spend all day every day out there if I were you. I’ve loved following along on your IG. Great work!!
Erica P. says
It’s gorgeous and magical! ✨
Dimara Almeida says
An amazing space and I really enjoyed watching all the IG stories of how things came together. Wonderful!!
Neysa says
GASP! (Hand on heart, hi Shavonda!) It’s absolutely gorgeous. Whimsical at night, and just a dream in the daytime. My eyeballs are in love! Bravo!!! Terrific job!
Richele says
Shovanda it’s so stunning! I love those lanterns so much! Amazing work so happy for you guys
Alicia says
I absolutely love it!!! There are no words!!
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
I’m just so in love! Like I said those lounge chairs are amazing but so is the rest. I love that you have two big tables and that planter bench is so cool too.
So awesome that you have your sister living so close to you now and you are right 2020 is one long ass ridiculous very grammatically incorrect sentence. To top things off for me after all this 24/7 forced togetherness, my husband now had to have surgery and is out for the count for 8 weeks at home on the couch which means I am cleaning lady and servant at all times. ??
Kristen Bombardier says
Every time I think I can’t love one of your projects more, you do it again. What a stunning result! I loved following the process on Instagram, and the wait was worth it!
Alexa says
Shavonda!! This space is just all around WOW! I’ve been waiting to see the full reveal and you delivered as always! I’ve been particularly waiting to see what deck stain you chose and all the final touches with your plants/succulents! We are in the process of buying our first home, so I’ll absolutely be coming back to the blog and insta for inspo!
Ashlee says
WOW
Aubry says
It’s beautiful, Shavonda! Well worth the wait.
Luisa says
Oh WOW!!! It is breathtaking!! Wonderful work!!!
Jennifer says
Shavonda, I don’t have the words! It’s simply magical. Beautiful work!
Anna Atterfors says
Amazing! I hope you all enjoy that space thoroughly!
Bayley says
Shavonda, it looks beautiful! I love how it’s so layered. It looks like you’ve collected all the perfect pieces for the space. I love it ❤️
Denise Adele K says
This. Is. Stunning! Congratulations on a BEAUTIFUL project. I will be envious of this for months to come 🙂
Mary Beth says
This is such an incredible transformation! I can’t believe you saw that original backyard and were able to envision this space. Now I’m googling how to install a pergola for my own backyard!
Kate B says
Shavonda, it’s beautiful. Such a labor of love! There are so many interesting and thoughtful moments throughout. Hopefully you get to relax and enjoy it now. ?
Cynthia says
Shavonda girl! Wow! I can now get off those darn pins and needles. ? You have outdone yourself! What a spectacular transformation and the nighttime views are goals. Enjoy your new space.
Leanne says
Congratulations!!! I’m in awe of the time, effort, planning details and execution. The space is absolutely gorgeous! It’s been so fun to watch your progress on IG but to see it all complete is truly amazing. I just love the dark/light/natural wood combo with the greenery. Thank you for taking us along on this ride! ?
Julia Huffman says
Shavonda, this is one of the most inspirational backyard makeovers ever! My backyard is a hot ass mess right now, but seeing yours makes me feel as though I start improving it. If mine ended up even a fraction as beautiful as yours, I’d be happy.
Erin says
Wow, just wow. It was worth the wait because you nailed it, of course. It is amazing.
Celeste says
Shavonda,
What an ah-am-zing space! I’ve followed along obsessively on IG, but this styling is just *chef’s kiss* perfection. And reading through the entire project reminds me that pivot-a-bitch is just part of any design process! It looks so welcoming and relaxing and lush.
Also obsessed with Naomi’s contribution! In college, I nannied a toddler with the same beanie baby. He was called Bokie, and the kid needed it to quell his anxieties. We had backup Bokies in the cabinet just in case OG Bokie disappeared! It warmed my heart to see his cousin hanging in the bougainvillea. ?
ENJOY your hard work and gorgeous space!
Brandy says
Your so talented. This is a whole resort in the backyard. I love the way you mix styles and texture, but those whote loungers are my favorite. Oh and the tassel umbrella. Fanstatic job Shavonda.
Abby says
Hi Shavonda! This transformation is absolutely exquisite! Job well done!!!!
S Dugar says
This is absolutely AMAZING! Wow. Such a beautiful transformation. Very inspiring. ?
Carrie says
Ahh! I am so inspired!!!! I might hang some succulents on my deck today. Wow. So good. Did I miss the link for where you purchased your stand for the creepster pots of succulents? Thank you.
Kate says
?? Omg Shavonda! It is *insanely* gorgeous! ???Amazing job! And when I thought it couldn’t get any better you showed us the night view. ? Omg. Dead! ☠️ Amazing job! ??????
Jill says
Absolutely stunning. I admire your vision – hard to believe the before and after!!!
Liz W. says
It turned out beautifully, Shavonda!!! I want to say, I have SO much respect for you for waiting to formally reveal the space until you felt it was truly ready. I don’t think things have to be perfect or finished to be worth sharing, but I do sometimes see designers posting reveals of spaces that they know aren’t there yet, without acknowledging that they’re still a work in progress.
Clarissa says
My Goodness!!! Shavonda!! You WIN every time!!!! Those night pics of the space are AMAZING!! The vibe is heavenly and it shows even through the pics!! Wow!
Kimberly says
What a beautiful, eclectic and well thought out space. Congratulations. It is magical. Now go make a drink!!!
Danielle Corrick says
WOWOWOW!!! Amazing. You are amazing. This is amazing!
Peyton says
Shavonda, this space / these spaces are gorgeous — I have gooey heart eyes after taking it all in. I have so enjoyed following this process and have especially appreciated glimpsing your process to make it just right. It sings! There are too many loves to name, but I will say that pulled back shot of the lower lounge and dining area had me scrolling back to it multiple times. So lovely! Please go enjoy it!
Jennifer Ravey says
Shavonda!!! This is jaw dropping. You’ve inspired my own backyard journey (we bought a year ago, and it was ROUGH) so much, and everything about this is pure perfection and goals- SO unique. Aside from the amazing plants, the lounge chairs, concrete tables, and Moroccan lantern are my absolute favorites.
Thank you so much for sharing with us!!
Brenda says
Congratulations, Shavonda! I’ve enjoyed watching the process, and the reveal is magical! I’m amazed at how transformative it was to stain the deck. It’s rich and does look so much more finished. Of course, the furnishings, rugs, lighting, and plants are incredible, but it’s details like the deck stain and limiting the color palette that make the space more refined and classy.
Julia says
I loved following along on instagram! It looks so beautiful especially the night glow!
Elle says
Oh my goshness! I’m in heaven, Shavonda! I swoon for that night time lighting it’s simply the most magical and inviting look. This was absolutely worth the wait and I’m so excited for you to have this amazing extension of your loving space!!
Rae Cook says
Beautiful transformation and absolutely worth the wait! There was so much love put into this space and it shows! I’m also excited to think that you’ll finally be able sit down and enjoy it. Congratulations!
Jen says
I can’t. This space is just SO FREAKING GORGEOUS. Every choice where I was like “hmm is that necessary?” to myself scrolling through Insta is just so perfect and intentional and I need to learn my lesson and never ask that when you’re designing LOL. Incredible work!
katie says
i was shook. and then the night shots. i’m deceased. shavonda. this space is so beautiful.
Shelley says
Good Morning Shavonda! What a wonderful treat to wake up and see this fantastic blog post. Your backyard transformation is next level awesomeness!!! Every detail is perfect. Love it so much. You’re so talented! We have a similar layout with our backyard, house, and garage. You’re giving us so much inspiration. Thank you! Hope you, Naomi, the kids and Callie can sit back and enjoy this beautiful space this weekend.
Jacqui says
Oh Shavonda it is so so SO good. I’ve been waiting for this backyard reveal for what feels like weeks and it has totally delivered! So dreamy. I absolutely love the night shots ?
Anna says
Shavonda this space is AMAZING!! I also have to say that your home exterior is spot on… I just picked a stucco color yesterday for my house in Oak Park and it’s pretty much the same dark dark charcoal and I kind of got scared that it’s too much?? But I just saw this post and wow I feel so validated in my choice!! ??? thanks for being such an inspiration!
Elina says
Hi, this looks amazing! Would you mind sharing where you got the table for the terracotta planters from?
Samantha says
SHAVONDA! Your backyard is STUNNING! I’ve loved following along with your progress on Instagram but to see it all tied together is amazing! You are so talented and such a joy to follow!
Whitney Leigh says
GASP!!! ?