Name: Jacquie
Location: Silver Lake — Los Angeles, California
My outside space is quite small at about 500 square feet. When I bought my house it was just a concrete slab, poorly installed red fence and a retaining style planter filled with dirt.
I rescued the 60's fire pit form a vacant lot, constructed a fountain from a 4' tall pot, moved the 16 x 16 pavers from the side of the house, added 4" river rock and finally trenched out the planter and added fast growing bamboo. I now use the space each and every day and it's really become my favorite spot in the entire house. I've learned that a girl CAN transform an entire outdoor space by herself with a vision, investing many weekends and a great deal of hauling.
The only item I hired out for was my galvanized and Douglas Fir fence. My father flew in to help me build the pergola — the rest of the patio I completed by myself. I wanted the space to bring the inside out and have a outdoor lounge feel.
Thanks, Jacquie!
Inspired to Share Your Own Outdoor Space or Outdoor Party Photos?
Send us 5 images and a brief description of your garden, deck, yard, terrace, balcony, patio or outdoor party: OUTSIDE SPACE SUBMISSION FORM
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Flatwa...
On Saying No to Paleo: Why Eating Isn't One Size Fits All
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
Cool!
WOW...NICE!!
Really nice work. I love the pavers surrounded by river rocks, the modern fireplace, and the flowy curtains... altogether a fabulous combo.
www.postmodernhostess.com
I am so impressed you did this yourself! You have created a truly amazing transformation and a very inviting oasis; there's not a single aspect that seems haphazard or poorly executed. Take a bow for a job well done!
It looks great! What a perfect place to lounge. I bet your friends love to come over!
Great job. Looks like a wonderful place to relax.
Lust and envy.
Excellent post. I am so impressed by your creativity and motivation to do almost all of it yourself. Lust and envy, no kidding.
I would like to know more about your would and galvanized metal fence. It looks quite functional (private!) and quite attractive.
Oops! Spell check on the mac doesn't read minds. I meant WOOD and galvanized metal. I should preview before submitting.
Wow!! Color me impressed and add a tinge of jealousy in there for good measure. ;) What a fantastic transformation! I'm so inspired by the fact that you did most of this yourself, too. Well done. Well done indeed.
I don't like it. It looks cramped and messy. With a couple of tweaks i think it can be turned in to a far more comfortable space. I feel like after a few drinks a lot of people could easily trip on the flooring. Smaller stones would have offered more support.
So nice. You have great vision, and taste!
Beautifully done!!! I wish I were your friend so I could come over! :)
I just adore this, it looks gorgeous. One question, how easy are you finding it to walk around on the rock/paver combo and/or place the furniture on it?
i just bought place with small patio that is covered with very unattractive and uneven flagstone, i am wondering if i might be able to find a way to utilize this as a less expensive solution than tearing it all out.
Fabulous job though, I would never go inside!
Gorgeous (though I'll be the squeaky wheel who points out that as a city dweller I'd kill for 500 sq ft of outdoor space -- and don't have much more than that indoors).
Jacquie... Whatja think you can do with an 80' x 40' foot backyard/dirt pit???
; )
This is an amazing transformation, it's a really airy oasis. Although I do think the combination of paving and stones makes it look a bit cluttered, otherwise I love it. A job very well thought out and executed.
Can I move in? I'll bring the citronella or whatever you may prefer as a eco way to repel bugs!! I bet you have really great parties back there
flagstone can be leveled with pea gravel, addicted... and time-consuming projects that improve your outdoor space can be a very zen experience
that fireplace is to die for
how did your neighbors feel about the galvanized metal, or is that installed on the inside only?
The rocks are great & not difficult to walk on. They can be kept clean much easier than pea gravel- just a once over w/a shop vac & it's perfectly tidy.
As for the galvanized metal, the neighbors loved it.
To view the whole transformation & where I'm @ w/the house right now click the link below
http://web.me.com/jacinc/May_2009_-_May_2010/Photos.html
Thanks so much for all the wonderful comments!
This looks great! Nice work :)