Sometimes I think I enjoy gardening even more than decorating. I love puttering in the yard, planning small changes, and watching a space evolve over time.
Although our house is inside the city limits of Seattle, it never feels crowded. We’re far enough from downtown that our neighborhood is peaceful, with quiet streets and no heavy traffic. From our property we can see water and mountain views and enjoy beautiful sunsets each evening.
We have plenty of room for all the gardening we want to do. Since moving in we’ve added a lovely deck, created a side patio where we sip our morning coffee while birds sing, and established a fragrant flower bed we call “Lily’s garden.” Container plantings fill corners and add color throughout the seasons. Our neighbors recently added a water feature that carries a gentle sound across the yard—it makes afternoons feel even more tranquil.
Over time we’ve continued improving the landscape, and now I find myself dreaming about the next round of projects. I picture pea-gravel pathways winding around new vegetable boxes, flower borders framing a white-painted shed, and more planted areas to invite pollinators and color. The list of ideas keeps growing, and I know we’ll have projects for years to come.
For now we’ve decided to stay put and keep putting down roots. I imagine this as our long-term home and look forward to refining outdoor spaces slowly, enjoying each season as the yard matures.
One thing I miss from our previous place is a proper fire pit. We had a simple DIY pit years ago that created a warm gathering spot. Today we still have a built-in water feature that we enjoy, but I’ve been thinking about adding a second gathering area farther out in the backyard—beyond the Trex deck—centered around a real fire pit with a circle of Adirondack chairs.
Even though the kids will likely be grown and away by this fall, I’m picturing them returning for an evening of roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. Fire pits have a way of turning ordinary evenings into memorable family moments.
Below are some of the fire pit inspiration photos I’ve collected—ideas for cozy, inviting backyard gathering spots.
More posts on The Inspired Room:
My DIY Fire Pit
9 Elements for Enjoyable Outdoor Spaces
Our Trex Deck Reveal: Before & After
Inspired By: Adirondack Chairs
How to Design a Backyard (4 Essential Zones)
Ideas for an Inviting Outdoor Space
Four Outdoor Rooms: My Takeaway Tips