My Cottage Fantasy Land

Since I have no money to really work on big projects around the house I have slipped into what I like to call “My Cottage Fantasy Land.” In My Cottage Fantasy Land I have unlimited cash to complete all the projects on my to-do list in the way in which I would ideally like to see them done. This includes designing and implementing a plan to create my dream backyard.

The backyard in its raw and unfinished state

When I purchased the house the backyard wasn’t an area I was too concerned with. I appreciated the fact that it was a nice size and was fenced, and I thought I might throw down some grass seed, mow it when it needed to be mowed, and just be done with it. But now, after thinking about it more and discussing with friends I realize I am sitting on an area that, if used properly, has the potential to be a really fantastic multi-purpose space. It is a nice size, is very level and flat, and is shady thanks to all the trees hanging over from my neighbors’ yards.

If I had my perfect world, my backyard would have the following:

A patio with a built-in fireplace or fire pit

An area for a raised garden

A grassy area for future kids/pets to play on

A paved area devoted to extra parking

Pretty paved stone or brick walkways

An area for grilling (could be with the patio/fire pit)

Flower beds interspersed to add color and visual appeal

I’m pretty confident that my backyard is large enough to contain most if not all of the items on my wish list, now it’s just a matter of figuring out what bank I have to rob to get it done (kidding of course). In the meantime, thanks to a fantastic website called Pinterest I can continue fantasizing with the help of some inspirational images. What do you think?

I love this curving path with the planters

Really like the mix of grass and hard scape

Talk about fantasies--this would be it!

Love how cozy and warm this is

(all of these photos can be found on the Pinterest website with links to where they were originally seen)