If spring ever decides to make an official appearance around here, it would be great to have some furniture outside to enjoy the warm weather. When we first got married nearly eight years ago, we had a tiny little table and two chairs and an umbrella for our deck in our first house. The chairs and umbrella disintegrated quickly in the weather. We still have the table but it is in bad shape. Since that time, we have never bought additional outdoor furniture.
Which is funny, because I would live outside if I could. Granted, Nebraska doesn’t have the greatest weather to enjoy time outdoors, but regardless, I will take the fresh air whenever I can get it.
I got a Ballard catalog a week or so back and found the look I am wanting in our courtyard.
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The prices are way out of my reach, not just for indoor furniture, but especially for outdoor furniture. But I love the x-back metal chairs, the blue and white stripes, the wall lanterns, and the boxwoods.
I had pinned this image a few days earlier and love the planters that hold the boxwoods.
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I’m thinking of using this tutorial and modifying it to make planters like the ones above and then fill those bad boys with boxwoods. I’m not sure how easy/difficult they are to grow, but I have always loved how they look.
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But back to the furniture. I quickly walked past a set that intrigued me at Home Depot a few weeks back when I was picking up paint. The set is called the Hampton Bay Barnsley and it comes in a variety of sizes, layouts, etc. I still haven’t decided if I want a dining area or more of a lounge area in the courtyard. I could see both getting used quite a bit. Anyone have any experience with this set? I love the neutral cushions and shape. Remember the courtyard is seen from nearly every room in our house so it needs to be simple and classic.
I think we’ll plan to head to Home Depot this weekend to give it a closer look. But, like I said, at first glance I was impressed. And it is all a small fraction of the price of the Ballard sets.
Eventually I would also like to replace the two lights current in the courtyard {they seem to small to me}. You can see one of them in the shot below.
I would like to replace them with a wall lantern. Most of way too pricey, but I really like this one I found at Overstock that is more of a mid-range price. It is 22″ tall and 12″ wide which is much more of the substantial size I am looking for given they will be mounted on two-story-high walls. I would still like to find something similar for about half the price though, since I will need two. A smaller version is available at Wayfair.
I also like this one from Ballard.
Honestly, there aren’t a lot of affordable choices out there for the look I want. The search will continue!
My parents arrive from Utah today, and they certainly won’t be getting a warm {weather} welcome. But I’m hoping my mom can still help me get all my planters with annual completed {even if I have to cover them for a few weeks}. I’ve mentioned it before, but this winter is getting ridiculous. It is beyond time for spring to arrive!
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