Hello! Welcome to my first Summer Outdoor Living Tour! I’m so glad you are here. My name is Michelle and I am the person behind Diamonds or Pearls blog. I am so excited about this tour that showcases the outdoor living spaces of six other talented women.
There will be a variety of styles ranging from Traditional, Artistic Vintage Farmhouse, Lakeside, and so many more. I hope you get inspired and gather many creative design ideas for your outdoor space!
Summer Outdoor Living Tour
As I’ve mentioned before, we moved to Northern Virginia about a year ago from Hawaii. In Hawaii, outdoor space is available year round and you learn to use it as an extension of your home. We try to bring that same feeling to our home in Virginia, the outside of our home is just as important as the inside and, when styled into a comfortable space, it tends to be enjoyed so much more.
Our home is in a residential neighborhood and sits on a corner lot, which makes our backyard a lot smaller. Virtually the entire backyard is taken up by our deck. Thankfully, the previous owners and our neighbor grew an amazing hedge that creates the illusion of green space.
This spring and summer have been spent getting the yard and landscaping right and adding our own personal touches. We have a lot of big ideas for our yard, but we also have to exercise some patience. We plan to stay here for a long time and know that adding a little every year will get us where we want to be.
My home is very traditional but I’m still inspired by my time in Hawaii and I try to bring that Hawaiian color and character to my outdoor style by adding torches, a tabletop fire pit, and lots of light into our back deck. These pieces give it a laid-back feel, yet still functional for entertaining guests or just lounging in the evening.
Back Deck
Our back deck is our favorite place to retreat in the summer evenings as a family and we also love to entertain here on the weekends.
When planning out the furniture placement, I decided to break it up into three sections. It is divided into the grilling section [kitchen], the lounge area [family room], and then the dining area. The flow works out perfectly!
(Grilling Section)
This little area is just off of our family room. It is a perfect place for the grill since it is the closest door to the house.
Thanks to some of the other ladies on this tour, I got the idea to add this cute picture.
I just recently painted my doors Cyberspace by Sherwin Williams. I wanted to pull the color of the shutters to the back side of my home. It definitely warms up this space and I love how they turned out.
My little sidekick who follows me everywhere! Our 13-year-old Husky named Eagan!
(Lounge Area)
Our outdoor family room is the perfect spot for morning coffee or sitting after dinner.
I would eventually like to get a bigger rug but decided to go ahead and use the one I had in Hawaii. It definitely adds a pop of color to this space.
I find a lot of my planters at HomeGoods and Wayfair.
My weathervane was given to me by my father-in-law. I always wanted one and this one reminds us of where we came from, Missouri, which creates character and a little nostalgia.
(Dining Area)
When the weather is excellent, we love to sit outside and dine alfresco just like we did almost nightly in Hawaii.
We placed tiki torches all around to give it that cozy feel and keep away the pesky mosquitoes.
Tabletop firepits were common in ski towns throughout the American West. We were especially impressed by one we encountered dining in Telluride, Colorado and wanted to bring a little ski town to our home in residential northern Virginia. We use this tabletop fire pit often and Joseph loves any opportunity he can get to make s’mores, just like in T-Ride. To see this exact fire pit click HERE.
I always have a pitcher of lemon/lime water on hand during the summer months. It’s tasty and replenishes those nutrients lost in the summer heat.
I was on the hunt to find a swinging chair when we moved here and found this one at an antique store called Lucketts. With a little glossy paint, it looks like brand new!
I don’t always have the best of luck with flowers/plants, but I at least try…haha! My favorites are potato vines, ferns, and petunias.
Tip: If you feel like your outdoor space is lacking in personality, buy some pillows! It is such an inexpensive way to add a pop of color and texture to your space.
(Side Yard)
With our side yard being the largest outdoor space it is used a lot by the kids catching lightning bugs & playing games. My plans for the future are to build an outdoor firepit and rock patio that we could enjoy year round!!
It can take years to get a home exactly how you want and patience is the key. It is important to start enjoying what space you have now no matter the size or even if it is not exactly how you have it envisioned yet. I’m excited to keep adding to my yard/deck and making our outdoor space cozy & inviting. Thanks for following along on my outdoor tour; I hope you continue to gather ideas for your own outdoor space.
My one tip would be to have great outdoor lighting! I love for guests to relax with the glow of the torches, hanging lights, and blazing fire pit.
Tomorrow on the tour is Lisa Brenneke’s Home and be prepared to be wowed! She has a farmhouse filled with vintage collections and some of the most creative planters I have ever seen. Trust me, you are going to be inspired after seeing her outdoor space.
You may also like to get inspired by 20 Beautiful Porch Planters Ideas.
Linda Hites says
Michelle it looks beautiful! I love all your different planters and all the wonderful colors. Back door looks amazing. Paint and pillows can sure change up a space. You have a lovely home sweetheart!
Michelle Whitener says
Thank you so much! We are really enjoying our deck area this summer. Love you!
Gail says
Your outdoor space is beautiful and so inviting!!! Dining outside would certainly be a delight.
Michelle Whitener says
Thank you, Gail. It has been so much fun getting settled in this home and making the outdoor area inviting was top of my list.
Keli Rudge says
Your space is so cozy and inviting! The tiki torches and hanging lights are my absolute favorite!
Michelle Whitener says
Than you, sister! I’m glad I got to see the tiki torches at your home! Thanks for the inspo!
Mary Kay says
Everything looks inviting and comfortable, Michelle.
Michelle Whitener says
Thank you, Mary Kay. That is such a sweet compliment.
Cindy says
I loved the all the different plants you used! Beauitful colors! Did I see you sneaking some jadeite cake plates in there or are they a stoneware? So pretty! I enjoyed your tour and I can’t wait to see the other homes this week!
Michelle Whitener says
Thank you and Great eye! Yes, jadeite cake plates were added to the bar cart to add a little color to that area.
Donna Jean says
You have a beautiful home, Michelle! Your outdoor areas look so inviting! I love all the colors and textures that you used!
Michelle Whitener says
Thank you so much! I’m really looking forward to showcasing your beautiful home.
Sharon Wallace says
Beautiful outdoor living !! Love your accent colors. As always, your home is amazing.
Michelle Whitener says
Thank you, Sharon. I appreciate you checking out the blog!
Paula Nicholson says
Michelle your outdoor spaces look so inviting! I see you did some sun coleus which looks very pretty. I think my favorite area is the dining. I love the idea of a tabletop firepit! You also inspired me to paint the exterior of my French doors leading out to our deck. Yours looks beautiful! Thank you for the inspiration! Keep up the good work. I always look forward to reading your blog!
Michelle Whitener says
Thank you so much, Paula. That means so much coming from you. I think painting my doors to the deck was the best thing I did for that space.
Amy says
Your outdoor space is so inviting! I love the three sections! I think the tug size is perfect. Your many planters add so much charm! So fabulous!
Michelle Whitener says
Thank you, Amy. We have really enjoyed our outdoor area this summer. Thanks for following along on the tour!
Ashley Arcand says
Patio goals!! The swinging chair and table fire pit are my faves. I’m going to try that patience thing you talked about as I’m sitting here dreaming about our next house— An awesome outside area is going to be a must!
Michelle Whitener says
Awe! Thanks, Ashley! I have a hard time with the patience thing too! My project list is always filled up but it is always fun staying busy around the house.
Charlotte Harris says
Your outdoor deck is beautiful Michelle! I’m in love with the tabletop firepit. I could be mesmerized watching it in the evenings. A perfect saying on your outdoor picture, and it matches the newly painted door!
Michelle Whitener says
Thank you, Charlotte! And thank you for the outdoor picture inspiration,I would never have thought of that! I’m looking forward to seeing your home go live this week!
Debbie says
Just now had some time to browse through the outdoor spaces….beautiful areas! Each and every one have their own uniqueness, beauty and style. I so enjoyed the relaxing, peaceful atmosphere of each space! Great job Michelle!
Michelle Whitener says
Thank you so much, Debbie! I enjoyed seeing all the spaces too! I am already looking forward to the Christmas tour!
Gina says
Michelle,
I love your back deck! So inviting!
Quick question on your tabletop fire pit (which is absolutely adorable). Do you store the propane gas tank underneath your table?
Thanks!
Gina
mwhitener says
Thank you, Gina. We do store it under our table and pull it out when we use it. I wish we had a better place to hide it, but we don’t.