So, I am going to admit something....every time I look at the likes of my back door, I envision what is to be, what can be.. all the while sometimes feeling a little let down because it is so not in the budget....yet.
It will come though. Patience is not only a virtue, it is a treasure from God! I know that when we want something and can wait on it, once granted..it is that much sweeter and enjoyable..not to mention...with something like this, you end up really having the time to perfect the vision and budget..and it can be exactly what you want..not what you "settled" for.
So enough of my ramblings...on with the post!!!
When it s time...the planning for an outdoor living space will happen and it will look something like this.
In modern outdoor design you find what landscapers call "hardscapes"..basically...alot of rock and stone. Also, you will find simple plants in their own space with no fuss around them. Either in a planter of their own, or if in the ground...just simple!
Adding a modern pergola will provide not only relief from a hot day under shade, but more of the living space feel outdoors. We have plans for one of those as well, adn adding outdoor fabric panels to it.
Water features and firepits as this one above are a standard feature as well when going more modern.
You can find more on this firepit at www1.firerock.us/

After much thought and research, we have decided to go with stained concrete flooring for the kitchen as the last thing needed to complete the look! We are throwing ideas around as to if we make it a DIY project or not. It's all still in the air, but the fact we are going green with the concrete, that is a sure thing.
If we go with someone to do it for us, we may have to wait until next year and save from a few photo shoots (smiles)

Here is a great site for info on the flooring itself:
www.moderncrete.com

* The raw materials used in concrete are abundant making it a sustainable building material and an integral part of a successful “Green Building” program.
* Lower utility bills – Because of a phenomenon known as “Thermal Mass,” concrete helps maintain a constant temperature year round.
* Concrete floors produce minimal waste unlike carpet, laminate, or tile, all of which continually contribute to landfill waste.
* Concrete floors are not as susceptible to damage by water, fire and mold as many other types of flooring.
* Practical and naturally durable. With minimal maintenance, it never needs replacement.
* Easy to maintain and clean.
* Hypo-allergenic – does not store dust, dirt, pollen and other allergens.
* Made from natural, earthy elements rendering each flooring or countertop design unique.
* Transitions well with other natural materials such as granite, marble, wood, glass & metals, allowing easy adaptability to any setting.

Really cannot wait!! Maybe we will still try it as a DIY, but we still have some research to do and find the exact stain color we know we want...as some DIY product does not have the color variations we are envisioning.

Thought this carton of egg candles was just too cute, and the timer I LOVE. Hope to have the blue one in my kitchen sometime soon! Found it on Wrapables.com