Oh dear! Is it the second week already?
This week was all about gathering inspiration and making plans for the space. My goal is to create a little retreat to get away to at the end of the day. My own little staycation destination. I often feel inspired by color, pattern, and lots of living elements. This space is going to provide exactly that, a fun and colorful spot filled with plants galore.
I created a little inspiration board to keep myself on track, as I tend to change direction multiple times a day based on something new I was inspired by. I wanted the overall area to feel cohesive and pulled together.
Approaching summer has me feeling all sorts of tropical vibes.
I started with navy as my base color. I have used navy in most of the rooms in my home. It is the tying element that keeps things consistent throughout my home. I threw in various shades of pink, turquoise, and green to really liven things up. I am currently obsessing with all things flamingo, so that was an obvious choice for me.
side thought: is it turqoise? teal? aqua? someone please explain the difference of these colors to me. It drives me nuts.
Now back to your regular scheduled programming…
I have plans in the works for some additional seating, big shots of color, cozy texture, and extending things out into the yard! As I continue to search for inspiration, the ideas keep pouring in. Here are a few more images that are inspiring the space.
Pop of blue…and ,well, just everything.
String lights..
I suggest you go ahead and check out everything else on that link above…notice my other pictures there? Ya..I spent a great deal of time drooling over that collection of images.
All of my backyard dreams in one picture.
Funky chairs.
Yea… that’s not inspiration. We’re back to reality friends.
There are a few problem spots on the deck that need to be addressed as well. The first is the deck paint. When I bought the house the deck and fence were already painted an orange-red color. It was fine for last summer, however, through the winter the paint has chipped in several spots. I’m hoping the weather will cooperate during the challenge so I can strip the paint from the deck and fence for a darker stain color. I’m thinking this will bring in some of the warmth and coziness that’s currently lacking. Daunting task. I’m cringing thinking about it. But it needs to be done and I think it will make a massive difference in the right direction.
“Missouri weather..please, just give me this one win.”
In addition, there are a couple boards on the stairs to the yard that have rotted and need replaced.
Finally, the step from the upper section to the lower section is easily missed and is a hazard. I’m hunting for a solution to emphasize the step down. …runner? stenciled design? big caution sign? thoughts? Do, please, weigh in.
Hopefully next week’s update will have some progress done to share with you all! Thanks for checkin in!! If you missed week 1’s post you can find it here. I have linked back up over on Calling it Home, so be sure to check out the other participants progress there too!
Tara Danei 
Love your inspiration pictures and the color palette! I have a thing for flamingos 🙂 The step is a tricky issue…maybe a couple of large flower pots would make people look down?
Thank you! I’m definitely a little stumped on that step right now. I was originally a runner along the edge would give separation between the 2 levels but haven’t found one I love yet.
You are creating my dream deck! Flamingos…Palms…..Vibrant colors…I wish it were summer! I still have snow on my deck, boo! I can’t wait to see how it turns out!
Thanks! I’m anxious for summer as well! I love in Missouri so I wouldn’t be surprised at all if I ended up with snow during some portion of the challenge! Fingers crossed though!
Oh, all the pretty colors! My sun room is on my hit list after the ORC is complete. I’m looking forward to seeing how your deck goes. Maybe it will inspire me to get to work.
I love your color choices! Maybe for the step down, painting it in a different color will help. In my house, the stairs are tan carpet and the tile is white, so in the dark, they look the same. I’ve missed the bottom step a few times. Contrast would help.