Now that we can all exhale a deep sigh of relief that we’ve officially made it to 2021, I’m getting all the January organizing and house project jitters. Kate here, and today I’m excited to share a little progress on our backyard and patio!

This stucco outdoor fireplace was hands down one of my favorite things about this place from the jump, and I’ve been so excited to dream up what we want to do with this space. I’m feeling extra grateful this winter to live in a place like LA that has that indoor/outdoor lifestyle thing going!

This area is pretty much the main part of the backyard, although there’s also a little nook around the corner that I’m hoping to turn into a small edible garden. I’ll share more on that soon as it’s something I’m really excited to dive into this year!

The main space is really great because it’s roomy enough to have a big, conversational seating area, but still feels cozy and manageable. I can’t wait til we can have a bunch of friends back here and maybe even configure some kind of projector for outdoor movie nights!

One of the things i’m really looking forward to creating back here is a sort of cactus garden. I have always loved succulents and cacti so much and I can’t wait to grow our collection. One major must-have for next holiday season for me is a giant cactus that I can string Christmas lights on back here!

As for the fireplace, I’m thinking it would look really cool to fill both of the sides with wood. The shelves need a bit of extra paint and to be styled out with a bunch of plants, but for now it’s been fun to change up the decor on there with the seasons. We’re almost sure that the fireplace itself works, but will need to get someone to come over and confirm that no additional work needs to be done before we try it out.

As for the faux greenery that lines the perimeter, that’s definitely one of the things I’m excited to see go. We’re not sure just yet what we’ll replace it with, but I’m thinking that horizontal dark wood panels (with the option to hang plants from the slats maybe?) could be a nice and subtle option.

The biggest thing that I’m excited to change is the patio itself. The color of the concrete is kind of this weird mauve-y pink (which is also really dirty right now from a rare crazy storm last week) that I don’t love. The ultimate goal for me would be to tile this entire space out with a cool patterned tile, BUT I’m also considering attempting a faux tile DIY with stencils because it’s about a million times cheaper. Thoughts??

Here are some images I’m pinning that are giving me major inspiration to get going on this project:

I’m so in love with the way the stucco fireplace and patterned tile mix in this space. The lanterns and white leather chairs add a gorgeous touch too. This photo is actually of the patio at La Sirena in Palm Springs where Courtney got engaged last year

Emily Henderson’s tiled patio is so incredibly pretty. I love that she went for a statement pattern and color but still managed to keep the space looking like a calming oasis.

When it comes to all things bohemian and plant-related, Justina Blakeney is truly the GOAT. I absolutely love everything she does and this tiled floor in her backyard is another big inspiration for me. I’m also insanely jealous of that outdoor shower situation! I’m not sure if that’s in the cards for us but this photo definitely makes it look tempting.

This dreamy cactus wall is so beautiful! I love all the different shapes and textures so much. Hoping to grow my collection to something like this over the next year.

So that’s where we’re at with the backyard and patio right now! Even as it is, it’s been amazing to have coffee or drinks out here to change up the scenery and enjoy the 70 degree January weather (sorry to everyone getting snowed on right now...I’m an Ohio girl at heart and I will never stop celebrating the warm weather in California lol)

I’ll be posting updates as we start figuring out what we decide to do back here, but I’m still in major need of ideas and inspiration! Have you ever tiled or painted and stenciled a patio before? Which do you think I should go for??

Kate's Backyard Patio Progress and Plans