Landscape Dreaming

So the big project at Lola (what I affectionately call my home) right now is my backyard. Its pretty much a bare canvas for me to do whatever I want. This project will be DIY for the most part but so I can't see it being too elaborate. But with enough HGTV and wine, you never know.

So here's my yard. The grass needs work.






So one of the major things I want to do, that's going to have to be professionally done, is expand the patio. Right now the patio is really small and the table is pretty much taking up the whole space.





The right side of the yard is lined with trees so its hard for grass to grow underneath. So I'm going to section of that side with some type of brick border and plant greenery and flowers from front to back. I'm so excited!!

I also plan to get a shed to go against the back fence and I will plant some small tress on both sides. There will be a gazebo somewhere in the yard for extra seating and decor but I'm sure exactly where yet. Its important that my dog still has plenty of space to play so lots of grass is a must.

Here's my first mock up. I'm sure I'll be adding/changing stuff as I go along.



And a little inspiration. All of these photos are from HGTV.com.


This pergola is gorgeous and I love the decor.


I love love love this gazebo!


Hostas are my absolute favorite. I plan to have a lot of them.


And flowers of course.


My goal is to have the yard complete by memorial day 2012. I'll have a big cookout to show off my hard work. That seems realistic right?


Do any of you have any experience with landscaping? Any suggestions?

My Office

So its time for me to start working on the laundry list of projects that I have for Lola (my house). I'm used to living in one bedroom/one bath apartments that I couldn't/wouldn't do much to because I was renting. Now I live in a 3 bedroom/2.5 bath house and I am OVERWHELMED! Well I was, I finally have furniture in every room and the whole first floor have been painted and furnished to my liking, I'm just waiting to find the perfect pieces of art to take it to the next level. My bedroom is also furnished with art on the walls but its just lacking paint. I bought my home brand new which allowed me to have a blank canvas to do whatever I want. Which takes me to my office:



Yes I know the paint is HIDEOUS. I called myself giving the paint a faux finish to make my walls appear silver. It was complete FAIL and it has to be fixed before I go any further with decor (I swear HGTV really makes you believe you can do anything LOL) but in the meantime I decided to unpack the boxes that have been hoarding my closet and move some furniture around. Here's how it turned out, I think I like this layout much better.

Things I need to complete this room:

A new paint job. I will have my faux silver walls professionally done this time
A chic chair for my desk
A cute chandelier for lighting
Art (I'm pretty sure I will be hanging some of my work from my portfolio)
Something to cover those wires and boxes
Accessories

Any suggestion?

Ughhh I am so embarrassed by my walls they don't look as bad to the naked eye LOL!