Today we’re going to take an inside look at how the Mohr’s turned their ordinary, small outdoor space into a warm, lively, inviting space to relax, entertain and enjoy the open air.
Watching their new home being built from the ground up was an exciting time for Ashley and Joshua Mohr. Like a lot of young buyers with a brand new home, they wanted to make the most of every space, indoors and outdoors. So, of course they wanted to create a relaxing, personalized outdoor space to share with friends and family. With summer just around the corner, they were excited about being able to comfortably invite guests over – for outdoor dinners, fun get-togethers, or just to hang out and relax. As they mapped out their vision, they took all of these different elements and created a truly magical space to enjoy any time of year. Here are some of the details on their inspiration and outdoor choices.
Patio Area – Working With a Small Space
The backyard area is more important than ever to homeowners. Creating an outdoor design that maximized the space was important to Ashley and Josh, especially since their home included just a small concrete patio area in their backyard. First, they decided to extend their concrete slab to give them more area with which to plan their outdoor entertaining space. This addition gave them the added room they needed to create both a dining and seating area for their guests. Ashley even managed to add a small gardening bench and work station to satisfy her love of outdoor flowers and plants. As you can see in the before and after pics, the Mohr’s made the most of every inch of space available.
Going Green with Plants – Gardening for the Small-Space Green Thumb
A key thing to remember, especially when working in a small outdoor space, is to work up when you can’t work out. Ashley made the most of her outdoor space by thinking “UP.” With the additional concrete in their backyard, she knew that she’d have to get creative when adding plants. She started with picking up 4′ x 8′ lattice panels at the local home improvement store. Setting these up alongside her patio area gave her plenty of space to hang small galvanized planters to accent the area with plants and flowers, without overwhelming her space. Not only were they able to utilize these to add pops of color with seasonal flowers, they were also able to mix in herbs like mint, basil and thyme.
Lighting – Ambience on a String
There’s nothing worse than having to call it a night because the sun goes down. String lights are on trend and better than ever. String lighting gives your space instant warmth and are offered in a wide variety of styles, but all of them give your outdoor space a warm glow so you can keep your party going into the evening. In a smaller space like the Mohr’s, lighting is a great way to create the grand effect of having a pergola, gazebo or trellis. With a few hooks and a couple of sets of string lighting, Ashley created a space that glows with her creativity. Not only does it bring sparkle to her outdoor space, it also adds interest and creates a glow that maximizes the beauty of her plants and outdoor furniture.
Make Yourself at Home – Furniture
Ashley and Josh definitely made the most of their outdoor space. And to truly transform their backyard into the fun, relaxing atmosphere they were looking for, their outdoor furniture had to meet all of their needs. Apricity Outdoor made their vision complete. With a dining and sitting area, the Mohr family decided on an Apricity collection that included a beautiful mix of pieces that are elegant, comfortable and inviting. The dining group, with both dining chairs and bench seating creates a functional dining configuration, allowing more space when entertaining. With its rust-free aluminum frames and all-weather wicker seat backs, the Mohr’s new area is low maintenance and can be kept outdoors year around. The slatted tabletop has the cozy look of real wood, but will last for years without fading and cleans up like a dream. And with seat cushions made with UV- and fade-resistant Sunbrella® fabric, Ashley might have a problem getting her guests to leave.
Rely on your creativity and set your sights on creating a beautiful space to enjoy your home and your time outdoors today. Just like Ashley and Joshua Mohr, you have the ability (and Apricity) to make every season your best one yet.
Follow along on social media @agiofurniture as we continue to reveal all the all of the wonderful ideas the Mohr’s come up with for their outdoor oasis.
@ agiofurniture