I’m excited to be tackling a few easy weekend makeovers this summer.
Especially projects that help create warm, memorable spaces for family nights outdoors.
This holiday weekend we finally checked off a long-time wish: a backyard fire pit for evenings with family and friends.
Before the makeover the area around the fire pit felt neglected—no landscaping, just weeds. It wasn’t inviting, so it was time for a quick refresh.
With only a couple of hours to prepare for a casual “s’mores and fireworks” Fourth of July gathering, we focused on a few simple improvements that would make a big difference.
Essentials for a relaxed backyard oasis
A couple of attractive outdoor pillows to make seating cozy.
Comfortable outdoor chairs placed around the fire.
A touch of patriotic flair—a flag—and a few planters filled with summer blooms.
A safely lit fire in the new pit and all the fixings for s’mores.
And, if you can, invite about 25 friends to celebrate with you.
There’s more to do over time. Soon we’ll add a rock or stone base under the fire pit for safety. Our long-term plan includes trees, trellises, more fencing and plenty of plantings. It’s fun and a little overwhelming to start with a blank slate, but that makes the possibilities exciting.
Even if you don’t yet have the perfect setting or budget for your dream outdoor space, you can create memorable family moments this summer with small, thoughtful changes.
Take baby steps—simple makeovers are perfectly fine and often the most meaningful.
A fire pit, a few potted plants and new chairs gave our backyard a makeover the family will remember for years.
Materials for this simple backyard makeover were provided by Lowe’s: woven chairs, bird and blue pillows, plants and the fire pit.
More weekend makeovers are on the way. I’m working on a front porch, a deck and a small potting area, and I’m still making progress on a bathroom and a few other rooms in the house. Progress is happening, even if it’s not all documented here yet.