Backyard Oasis

I finally, finally, FINALLY completed the final touches on my outdoor sitting area this weekend, complete with my newly painted rug!

I spent all of yesterday out here, happy as a bird with a french fry, soaking in the sun, peace and happiness this place gives me. And this little guy, let's not forget how happy he was to explore the backyard for the 1st time. The pool, was particularly intriguing, but the bird house, and our very active hummingbird feeder both got their fair share of attention as well.

Image source: My Instagram

One of the new additions to this place this year, besides the rug, are the double curtains. Last year, I only used sheer, white curtains which looked beautiful, was very functional for adjusting the shade and gave great atmosphere at night. This year, I'm putting this place up really early in the year, and I realized I needed to weather proof it a little bit, so that when it rains (and it rains a lot here this time of year) I can still sit out here. I love listening to the rain, but I don't really love getting soaked. So, I added some shower curtains.

Say what? Shower curtains???

Yup. Shower curtains. The Husband, upon hearing my plan, quickly proclaimed "You're crazy!". (As if that was news...)

I know, I know, shower curtains sounds a bit nuts, but I figured it would be the easiest way to add some protection from the rain. So, I ordered 12 white, fabric shower curtains online (1 for each corner, & 2 for each doorway). Upon their arrival, I realized they had subtle striped pattern. The stripes weren't really part of the plan. I had wanted plain white curtains, but I was way to impatient to exchange them, so I kept the stripes.

In order to be able to move the outer curtains independently of the inner ones, I hung the shower curtains on a wire, on the outside of the canopy frame, hidden under the edge of the roof. It looks like it was made this way, with the added benefit of being able to easily remove the waterproofing later in the year, when I won't need it anymore.

A few days later, it started raining. Much to my satisfaction, my new curtains did their job, just as planned! I sat out there, rolled up in warm blankets, with my Kindle and a cup of tea, listening to the rain pouring all around me, literary beaming (one or two "HA! I told you it would work"'s to the Husband may have been involved). And, the stripes really add to the overall look, so I'm glad I kept them.

Some more of the specifics of this place:

1. Parrot pillows - I love these colorful parrot pillows, from World Market last summer (can't remember price though). I picked them for their tropical feel, and their colorful feathers inspired my color choices for the rest of this space as well.

2. Blankets - a must for cold evenings & pre-summer hangouts.

3. Lime tree, lanterns, and poufs - The lime tree smells lovely, and the green leaves really add to the tropical feel. I always keep a ton of lantern out here, for light and great ambiance, and this particular one casts pretty patterns all over the curtains, which is beautifully at night. I also keep a lot of poufs out here, for extra seating and tired feet.

4. Bamboo wind chime - It sounds like vacation. When sitting out here in the summer, with the sun on your face, listening to its gentle plink-plonky music, it is easy to imagine you're on a beach in Thailand.

5. Höstö hanging flower box - $15, from Ikea. These are great for storing blankets, books, and other bits & pieces you might want within arms reach. Planned laziness at its finest.

6. Painted rug - Look, it fits in perfectly!

Now, if you'll need me anytime in the next 8 months, you'll know where to find me.