If you read the Local Living section of the Washington Post you may have seen a little design project I helped out a reader on this week.  The paper contacted me about reader that had a townhouse with a tiny backyard and she wanted to make the space more usable.

A couple tricks to the project 1. It was a tiny space 2. she was on a tight budget.  Here is the BEFORE picture of her backyard that she sent in to us.

She was hoping for a sitting and an eating area for up to 6 people with a relaxed country feel.  So now the trick was how do we fit all of this into one little postage stamp (on a budget!).

The largest splurge was investing in flagstone for the entire backyard.  I know it seems sad to get rid of the grass however; to really get the most usable space this was my recommendation.  In an effort to balance the flagstone I included tons of potted plants to soften the edges.  This opens up the area and allows for an easy flow between sitting area and eating area.

As for furniture on a budget my go to shops were Target, Pottery Barn and Ballard Design.   The home owner said she was a bargain hunter so I’m guessing she will know enough to buy items on sale at the end of the season and or check craigs list for some lovely gently used patio furniture.  Good patio furniture can be expensive so it pays to shop around.

The artist that did the illustration goofed up on the dining area a little bit. I actually deigned the wicker chairs to be at the head of the table, the ladder back chairs to go on the side against the fence and a bench to go where the wicker chairs currently are at the dining table.  I also originally put the umbrella in the table 🙂  Here is the illustration of the design and a link to the article if you want to take a look online!