Summers are for Sipping & Soirees!

How exactly does one accomplish that in a small urban back yard??

Well by getting creative of course!

Ikea Bondholmen Dining Table with white wishbone chairs set for an outdoor dinner party with white dishes. Petunia and herb planter decorates the outdoor dining table
When looking at any space in our homes, it is so easy to fall back on the prescribed, the "see-it-everywhere" obvious answer.
But friends!
Planning to create the expected is NOT where we should start our design planning journey!
2 words:
NEED and MOOD.
That is how we start.
For #myoasisinthecity the need was obvious, become the go to destination for all my friends (and ALL their kids) for stunning summer soirees. Start at 2 bed by 7 is our motto! 😂
The NEED was dining seating for 12+,  that would fit on my teeny-tiny 12' x 24' deck. OH! I still need to fit the bbq and walkway from garage to back door!
Perfect fit?  A banquette! 
If you follow me over on instagram you know I love a good banquette! They are just so practical when space is at a premium, and even better when the bums are tiny! ( I counted 7 on that bench on Fiona's birthday WINNING!)
Ikea Bondholmen Dining Table with white wishbone chairs set for an outdoor dinner party with white dishes. Petunia and herb planter decorates the outdoor dining table. Black and white awning stripe umbrella over grey outdoor dining table
Call in the handy husband, remove the sad builder's railing that was once there, add saws, cedar and screws and BAM! ( okay Chris's side of that story is a little less fast and easy).
The bonus!?!  was the best seat in the house (or should I say yard?) was ALSO created by the bench, where it butts up against the fence! The stretch your legs out and enjoy the view lounge! When the gathering is more outdoor cocktails than casual dining alfresco, the bench has been known to become stadium seating (? LOL) with guests facing into the lounge area of the back yard (double win).
Going with NEED rather than the expected ALWAYS takes you to good places.

 

 

Rae Dunn napkins paired with white dishes on a  Ikea Bondholmen Dining Table with white wishbone chairs set for an outdoor dinner party . Petunia and herb planter decorates the outdoor dining table

 

Next on the backyard design planning agenda? MOOD

We got REAL lucky when we purchased this house in that we were able to work with the builder to guide the outdoor finishes (and fully customize the interior, but that is another post).

These inner city semidetached (duplex) infills can get BAD fast. In my opinion there is nothing worse that trying to fit all the details of a sprawling suburban home into a tiny facade. My inspiration has always been London row houses.

The aesthetic goal : TIMELESS, CHIC & CASUAL. 

Working with my homes classic grey exterior, all the cedar we would be using and the greens of the plantings, bold black and white (timeless) decor was the obvious answer. The mix of stripes (hello UMBRELLA!) brings all the chic and beautiful prints (I'm looking at you outdoor rug) have a boho vibe that keep the whole space chill.

PS. yes your outdoor rug ( assuming the quality is lovely like mine) can be kept outside all summer long! Maybe tuck it away when the snow flies :)

Outdoor dining room mood board featuring  Ikea Bondholmen Dining Table, white wishbone chairs  and an outdoor area rug you can keep outside in all weather.
Ready to make your backyard outdoor decor more than you could have imagined?? I have 3 ways to to help!!
Cheers!

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