Awhile back I shared some inspiration for an outdoor space I wanted to work on, and now that Spring is very near in California I’ve finally started work on our outdoor space. With that comes lots more planning, and refining the look that I’m going for. I think I’ve settled on something with a modern tropical vibe, which to me means it’s inspired by both a tropical and desert (a.k.a. water friendly) vibe. The warm woods and large-leafed foliage both feel tropical, while the pavers outlined by spanish sedum and combined with the white cushions feel more desert to me. Hopefully I can achieve a balance of both.
Dining Area
We already have a pretty established corner of our yard, but our dining set is not in the best of shape. We already have a dyning canopy from Ikea that we use seasonally when it’s warm or we’re dining outdoors.
 |
IKEA Dyning Canopy We have a few of these canopies to hang around the yard in the Summer. The fabric has a UPF rating of 25+, which means it blocks quite a bit of UV radiation, and the price is right! SHOP NOW |
| WORLD MARKET Praiano Outdoor Dining Collection This set is crafted from eucalyptus wood with a natural finish. I’m pairing the table with a couple of benches and the hairpin chairs below if I can get my hands on them (please be in stock soon!). SHOP NOW |
|
|
|
WORLD MARKET Amara Hairpin Stacking Chairs Mid-century-inspired iron metal chairs stack for storage. Will place at the ends of the table. SHOP NOW |
| WORLD MARKET Antique Zinc Cargo Lantern A couple of these cute lanterns would make the table feel a little more inviting, especially with candles inside (citronella maybe?). SHOP NOW |
|
|
|
WORLD MARKET Neutral Tweed Indoor/Outdoor Rug An indoor/outdoor rug like this would be perfect to help define the dining area. SHOP NOW |
Sitting Area
This area needs the most work. Our side yard has been a pretty blank slate since we moved in, with bits of random projects here and there. I’m excited to formally finish and enjoy it this year.
|
|
WORLD MARKET Clear Bulb String Lights Our side yard where the sitting area will go is very narrow, so I’d love to string these lights back and forth to add some ambiance. SHOP NOW |
| WORLD MARKET Small Assorted Succulents I have a few small succulents arranged in an oversized bowl. It will be the main focal point of my outdoor coffee table. SHOP NOW |
|
|
|
WORLD MARKET Praiano Outdoor Collection I love the slatted wood and warmth of this set. I might pick up an extra lounge chair to help complete the seating area. The coffee table even has storage inside of it, perfect for storing covers! SHOP NOW |
| WORLD MARKET Fringed Hermosa Outdoor Pillow This outdoor throw pillow is made from woven fabric made to look like raffia fibers. The fringe border adds a little texture and makes it feel more tropical, perfect for my space. SHOP NOW |
|
 |
HOME DEPOT 12 x 12 Concrete Paver I plan on using the pavers to cover the ground, in a grid pattern. In between them the sedum (below) will grow and fill in, like grout between tiles. I’m about halfway done with this project and really excited to see how it turns out. SHOP NOW |
| UNDER THE SUN SEEDS Sedum Spanish Stonecrop This is a very tiny, drought tolerant, low-growing, low-maintenance ground cover. It has blue-green succulent foliage, and it only reaches a few inches in height. As the weather warms, the foliage turns to a blue-grey color, and it has a soft feathery feel to it. In late spring to summer it has clusters of small whitish pink blooms. Sedum Stonecrop is a tough ground cover plant that tolerates some wear and tear. SHOP NOW |
|
Garden Space
|
|
NICE PLANTER Corten Steel Square Planter I’m removing my wood garden boxes because after a couple of years, they are not holding up to the elements well. I’m replacing them with a couple of these. If we move, these bad boys are coming with me, ha. SHOP NOW |
| BELHAM Danbury Trellis This 39″ metal trellis will be perfect to help support the sweet peas I plan to plant in my garden. I plan to put it closer to the fence than the walkway so that it’s not obstructing the line of sight. SHOP NOW |
|
Kid Stuff
 |
IKEA Lattjo Play Hoops These hoops are beautiful and made of natural materials. They obviously can’t be left outdoors, but they’re my 4 year olds favorite. SHOP NOW |
| IKEA Resö Children’s Picnic Table Made from acacia and for the outdoors, I’m not sure if they carry this in the US, but check your store. Ours is from last year and I saw one in mine (Palo Alto, California) last week. SHOP NOW |
 |
Shop the Post:
What is your favorite part of an outdoor space?
Leave a Reply