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Shine Your Light

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Before and After: Our Deck

When you are fixing up a house, taking a lot of photos is key to keeping the enthusiasm going.
Sometimes it feels like our progress is at a snail’s pace……
I mean, we will have lived in this house for 4 years this summer, and bologna countertops are still in the abode.
BUT……
…..when I look at some of our before and afters I feel a bit more encouraged that we are making progress. Slowly but surely.
This time of year my very favorite space at our house is the deck and backyard. Our landscaping has eons to go, but considering where we started I am happy to be looking out onto a grassy yard.
When we first moved here, the backyard, all the way up to the deck, was a forest. The former owners were nature enthusiasts who had a lot of animals and half the backyard was a fenced in pen for them. The other half was filled with pine trees and was very shaded.

Now the back of the house gets a ton of natural light thanks to the clearing of the trees.
The house came with a roll out awning that is simply awesome.
I would have chosen a different fabric but at least this one is green and I can work with it.
Before….
and today, a sunny spot.

The view from the deck once looked like this…..
….and is now a great place for the kids.
The deck needed a ton of work and I’m so happy we’re finally able to sit out here and just enjoy our outside space.
I just finished restoring our teak furniture and will give you the scoop on that next week.
In the meantime, if you need me this weekend, I’ll be drinking a fun summer cocktail right here……
Have a wonderful weekend my friends!

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Comments

  8. Holly Gruszka says

    What a beautiful spot Lisa! Reminds me so much of our back deck that desperately needs to be redone. I'm going to have to do a little pinning to remember yours for future reference. We also get tons of natural light in the back of the house in the afternoon (=HOT). Our neighbors actually have a retractable awning and we are strongly considering adding one as well. Enjoy your beautiful deck this weekend, cocktail or magazine in hand 🙂

  9. Nancy {at} powellbrower at home says

    Lisa, this is beyond fantastic! I can't believe that teak is NEW again! It is a beautiful outdoor space and I know you will enjoy it so much more. Happy weekend! xo Nancy

  10. Vel Criste says

    Oh lisa, your deck is so bright, green and inviting, just lovely! I love the awning too and have seriously wanted one for a long time in a small part of our deck right off the house(still have to convince my hubs of this)! You will have many happy summer days here for sure!

  11. Jenny says

    What a beautifully relaxing space to enjoy the summer days! I love the awning too – perfect for when the sun is blazing!

  14. Dana Frieling says

    I seriously can't believe that's the same furniture! You're a miracle worker! You're so right about pictures being the key. When I need a shot in the arm, I always go back to pics of move in day. Hope you have many, many happy memories out on your gorgeous deck, Lisa!

  16. pam {simple details} says

    What a gorgeous spot for you to enjoy with friends and family! I love the flexibility of a retractable awning. I can imagine how beautiful it is in the fall, too! Hope you get to sit back and enjoy all of your hard work!

  17. Tiffany says

    What a beautiful deck! It's so nice to have an inviting outdoor space to go to. I imagine your summers and falls are just gorgeous from your deck. Have a great weekend:)

  20. Kelly says

    Wow, that is absolutely beautiful and SO inviting! I could totally prop up my feet and hang out on your deck for hours. Like, for way too long and it would get awkward. 🙂