Dutch door entry via BHG
We’ve been imagining our 1950s brick house transforming into a modern cottage-style home, updated both inside and out. Before we add the pretty finishing touches—lighting, paint, charming doors and decor—we need to address the functional elements so those cosmetic updates will make sense. As much as I love a beautiful front, you can’t put “lipstick on a donkey”; the foundation must be right first.
When we bought the house one major downside became obvious: the sewer line needed repair. It’s not glamorous and it cost a lot, but it’s one of those necessary projects that has to happen. While I won’t subject you to a gallery of sewer photos, I will share how the work ties into a larger, more enjoyable renovation of our side yard and driveway.
The silver lining is that the sewer work creates an opportunity. Since the repair will require hauling away concrete from the driveway, it makes practical sense to remove and replace the cracked and awkward side yard concrete and unsafe steps at the same time.
Here are the before photos.
That area is a hazard for people and pets and isn’t very practical for being right outside the kitchen or leading to the backyard.
Not the safest setup, and it looks odd too.
This side yard sits just outside the kitchen door. I’ve long pictured a Dutch door here—remember the inspiration for a Dutch door in the kitchen? This exterior view is that same doorway, and I still daydream about installing a Dutch door to connect kitchen and yard.
Another project pushed this plan forward: our neighbors are building a new house. Their work includes a retaining wall and a new fence along our property line. While their construction created some chaos in our yard over the last months, their progress is beneficial to us because it will create a defined border and privacy once finished.
With no fence between our properties, we had to improvise temporary barriers—piles of furniture and makeshift fencing—to keep our dogs safe. It’s been messy and embarrassing, and it’s time to tidy things up with a permanent solution.
The neighbors recently poured a short retaining wall between our properties and a six-foot fence will likely follow. That new boundary gives us a chance to redesign the side yard and install new steps and a gate. I’m picturing a compact, functional space for potted plants, recycling bins, and our grill.
We’re even considering a small “doggy potty” area so our pups won’t have to tromp through mud in the larger backyard during winter and rainy months. Ideally, they’ll be able to step out the kitchen, take care of business, and come right back inside.
I also imagine string lights between the house and the fence—outdoor string lights always add a warm, inviting touch and make a small space feel cozy.
Below are a few inspiration images I’ve been collecting. We may keep our plan simpler and more utilitarian at first, but it’s helpful to dream about the possibilities:
BHG inspiration
BHG inspiration
BHG inspiration (useful for hiding trash cans)
BHG inspiration
BHG inspiration
BHG inspiration
While the side yard and sewer work move forward, I’m also developing new ideas for the interior. Over the holidays I came up with a fresh kitchen concept I haven’t shared yet, and I’m excited to post inspiration and plans soon.
I’ll keep you updated on the side yard progress, the dining room possibilities, the next living room project, our bedroom paint update, and other rooms we haven’t discussed yet.
If all goes according to plan, this will be a very fun year of house projects. How about you—do you have projects in the works? Tell me about them!
Related Posts:
My Previous Backyard Tour (pea gravel patio, flagstone and secret garden)
Our Seattle House Tour Video (the before)
How to Add Personality to a Small Outdoor Space (our guide)