Small outdoor space – inspiration via My Domaine
Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend. I didn’t watch the Super Bowl this year, but if you did and your team won—congratulations!
Our side yard project is finally underway and it’s exciting to see real progress. The patio area has been dug out and the framing for the steps is in place. I’m eager to share our plans and the progress as the work continues, and I’ll keep posting updates as we move forward.
If you’re just catching up, we’re updating the landscape around our driveway and creating a side patio. You can find past posts in the side yard project archives.
Above is the before photo of the area, taken before we bought the house, looking from the back toward the front yard. It was disjointed and underused.
Before
A new house is being built next door, so there’s a lot of construction activity between the two properties. That actually works in our favor: the fencing and retaining wall that will be installed between the houses will help define and finish our courtyard-like space.
While planning the concrete work for the side yard and the garage driveway, we decided to add an extra parking spot. There happened to be a flat area adjacent to our current driveway with easy street access—perfect for another parking space. In a busy city, an extra spot is a huge convenience. Even though our street is quiet and parking isn’t usually a problem, another space is helpful for guests or an extra vehicle.
Our main driveway slopes down toward a lower-level garage, so the new flat space will make it easier to pull up and unload groceries straight into the kitchen. Previously that area was just weeds, so paving it will reduce maintenance and improve the appearance. To soften the transition between driveway and fence, we’ll place a couple of planters with small trees or shrubs, and a short fence will line the right side of the new parking area.
Inspiration for our gate
At the outer edge of the new driveway we’ll install a gate and fence; the gate design above is the inspiration. It will be spring-closed and lockable for safety, yet convenient when unloading groceries or packages.
The side yard plan prioritizes safety and containment for people and pets: the space will be fully enclosed with new fencing and gates leading to the front and back yards. A new concrete patio will be poured at the top of the steps. I’ll provide a scaled plan with measurements for the patio and the upcoming kitchen remodel to help visualize how the spaces will connect.
We imagine the small outdoor area as a natural extension of the kitchen—a spot for a BBQ, a cozy corner to watch sunsets, or a quiet place for morning coffee. I’m planning a small container kitchen garden close to the kitchen door so herbs and vegetables are within easy reach.
We’re rebuilding the concrete steps with better footing, a handrail, and built-in lights for safety. Space is limited, but the new patio will make the area much more functional. The improved steps will be easier to use than the old setup, and a tall fence and gates will add privacy.
The new neighboring house is large and attractive; their lower-level windows sit high, so we don’t expect privacy issues. The fence will sit on a cement retaining wall between the properties, enclosing the side yard neatly.
We’ve decided on inset lights installed along the low cement planter beside the steps, and we’ll add string lights above the patio for evening ambiance.
The side porch will get new post columns and a decorative railing similar to the example above. We’ll add copper post caps and replace an old nonworking security light with a more attractive fixture. Eventually we’ll paint the brick for a cozier cottage feel and install a Dutch door when the time is right.
Inspiration for the double gate
The double gate between the side patio and the backyard will corral our dogs in muddy weather and create a contained transition. We’ll include an enclosed dog potty area accessible from the side yard so the pets can move in and out without wandering through the whole yard. We love the look of an arbor but will avoid placing one where it might block the water and sky views from the upper patio.
The dual gates will be both practical and visually appealing, and they can be opened wide for entertaining and easy flow when needed.
My goal is that these exterior updates will harmonize with the front of the house and the interior, creating a welcoming, cohesive look both inside and out. It’s a process, and I’m excited to see it come together.
I’ll share updated photos as soon as the concrete is poured. Watching this small courtyard take shape—adding function, character, and style—will be inspiring as I continue planning the kitchen and interior.
More details to come!