June 27, 2021
I am so happy that I can finally say that I completed the One Room Challenge and that I now have this accomplishment under my belt! Trusting my gut and pacing myself definitely helped me see the project to completion.
My idea for my One Room Challenge space all started with the fire pit that we built at the beginning of the pandemic. At the time I didn’t really know the direction I was going with the space outside of there being a fire pit and some sort of seating. I definitely credit the “One Room Challenge” with giving me the motivation and inspiration to take our backyard plans to the next level. Had it not been for the challenge, I'm pretty sure our backyard would have remained this lackluster space that was functional but not aesthetically pleasing. Now however, I'm proud to say that our once boring backyard is a beautiful oasis that I'm looking forward to enjoying with my hubby and family.
Before
After
If you read my last blog post, then you'll know that I wasn’t too sure if the swing that I was envisioning would make an appearance for the big reveal as my hubby felt that the skill set needed to properly build the frame was way above what we could do. Thankfully, I was able to find someone to handle building the frame for me while I was in California. I was super ecstatic to come home and find this new addition to our firepit area built just how I wanted. The builder truly went above and beyond what I could have imagined with such short notice. I love how it is such a great intersection between the firepit and the boulder and how it allows for whoever is sitting there to interact between everyone. I honestly think that it's the best seat in the house!
In the end I'm glad that I trusted my gut with the accent walls on the patio. For a minute(actually a few) I was feeling a little unsure about my design decision. However, the addition of the orange color and DIY stenciling really makes the space and speaks to the amount of change that paint can make. Since I already had the table, chairs, and the base for the pendant light, I really didn’t have to buy much to complete the space. I did end up purchasing two majesty palms and placing one in each corner to add more texture and give the space a more tropical, breezy, and relaxed feel. Initially, my plans were to hang the framed palm leaves on the patio wall, but I feared that the space would look too busy. After a quick video call with my aunt, who, confirmed my reservations, I switched to Plan B. This consisted of me hanging the palm leaves above the plant bed on the outside wall instead. It’s so amazing to see how much the plants have grown and filled out the pots since the beginning of the challenge. Being flexible with my plans truly made everything come together.
Flower Bed After/Before
Overall, I am thankful to have completed both this challenge and our backyard. I jokingly mentioned to my husband that it only took us 13 years( the time the we've been married) to finally have a nice backyard! It was definitely worth the time, effort, and sweat! Now all that's left to do is figure out who will be our first guest!
Be sure to click on the One Room Challenge icon below to get a peak at all the other wonderfully completed spaces. A big THANK YOU goes to all that have followed along on this journey and offered some encouraging words along the way. You all are much appreciated!
