haleyo's Profile

think it's tacky, if not I'm planning to move :) need some new junk for the house!!

First, you have a lovely base to start from! Here are my ideas:

Fence - Perhaps on the side that faces your neighbors you could use bamboo or willow. At are local hardware store I've seen rolls of bamboo wired together to make a kind of fabric/screen. Something like that could easily be wired to the existing fence. It's a natural color and would let light through, while providing a little more privacy.

As other commenters have suggested you could place tall potted plants along that edge to break things up as well.

I can't tell if there is a gate on the left side next to your house, but you could put an arbor there. Think it would give the feeling of a more formal entrance (even if it wasn't used that often. With some climbing plant, wisteria?

Living Space - We use our backyard more than the living room. I think it's a good idea to break it up into sections, maybe an area for morning coffee near the backdoor. An area for sun bathing and relaxing next to the garage.

Agree with you on moving the fence by the barn back - you could buy/build a large wooden dining table (craigslist?) to sit under the tree. Hang some lanterns from the branches and edge of the barn and it would be ready for a party.

Rocks - Moss seems like an excellent idea for those areas with a few big rocks to sit on like AmandaJC said. Moss requires no mowing and if feels nice! Another idea would be flag or river stone, depending on your taste.

Concrete - Think painting/sealing is the best idea. You could buy or make a few canvas rugs for the sitting areas. Something that you could throw in the wash when dirty.

Hope that helps - please post pictures when you're done!! And invite me for the 4th of July!! ;)

Really I don't think it's so bad - the floor is the worst part... Agree with finding a rug or floor covering that works - you could even make/buy something like this to tie in the black and white.

http://adventuresindressmaking.blogspot.com/2010/01/i-am-so-proud-of-my-diy-zig-zag-rug.html

Being lazy I wouldn't paint or do anything to the cabinets. As others have suggested use a few pictures or paintings to personalize the space. Perhaps something you really enjoy looking at above the sink to inspire daydreams while you do the dishes.

Contact paper might be a good idea over the appliance next to the sink (compactor?). Just cover the door, you could also work in the black and white theme here.

Finally in the space above the cabinets (hate that space, have it in my kitchen as well) display a collection of some kind. Preferably easy to clean because the grease dust combo up there can get pretty gross.

Good luck!

Polaroid film might not be dead after all - http://www.the-impossible-project.com/

First, I think it's important to consider the grout (which you could change) and the tiles w/ pictures. I have those in my kitchen, they're very limiting - I should probably get some AT advice on what to do about that...

Maybe it's just me dreaming of spring, but I think yellow, green, floral colors? with plenty of white. plants, the window above the shower is dying for some green.

Good luck, look forward to seeing what you make of it! :D