Spring finally arrived, the grass is growing again, and the flowers splash color under the Old Walnut Tree. As warm weather creeps closer, our little cottage by the creek feels slightly more cramped. Brett, John, Hank, Harper, Snow White, and I need to expand. We need to step outside, fire up the grill, and enjoy the ambiance our creek provides.
In my head, I have been designing the perfect outdoor remodel. Perhaps it’s a wishlist or a vision board or a brainstorm. Regardless, I’d appreciate your input… what do you think of these ideas?
Outdoor Kitchen
Brett is a wizard on the grill. His steaks are divine and his brisket is world-class.
The kitchen should be covered for rainy days or the hot sun. A dining table under the cover for entertaining will complete the perfect space for outdoor entertaining. Grab a cold beer and a rib eye and meet us by the creek!
We would love to create an area outside for his magic to unfold. Something simple should suffice: built-in BBQ, mini-fridge, and a sink.
Patio
While Brett grills dinner, I will be toasting s ’mores by the fire. There are so many beautiful outdoor fireplaces on the market.
On clear nights in the winter or summer, Brett and I could snuggle-up to the fire and listen to the creek babble past. Maybe a hot tub in the back yard? Life is good when you are soaking in a hot tub on a cold night.
Underfoot, I would like to see decorative pavers to match our slate foyer and indoor fireplace.
Bringing it all together!
On clear nights in the winter or summer, Brett and I could snuggle-up to the fire and listen to the creek babble past. Maybe a hot tub in the back yard? Life is good when you are soaking in a hot tub on a cold night.
Underfoot, I would like to see decorative pavers to match our slate foyer and indoor fireplace.
Bringing it all together!
Driveway
Parking has been a concern since we moved under the Old Walnut Tree. The narrow driveway can complicate using the ramp on the van. And someone always feels the frustration of being double-parked. In the alternative, our guests often park on the street, then step directly into a gooey mud pit.
A possible solution is to relocate our parking. We do not access the front yard, so let’s utilize the lawn. I’ve pondered pouring concrete in the front yard to create additional parking. The new parking area could be jazzed up with flower pots or boxes. It would minimize the need to mow the lawn and showcase colorful blooms.
The existing driveway could be fenced and accessed by an adorable gate. Thus, providing more utilitarian parking and a secluded patio area.
The outdoor remodel will take time, money, and hard work to realize. In the meantime, it’s fun to dream. Do you have suggestions for our dreamy outdoor entertaining area?
(Just dreaming...)
