Spring has arrived here, though we still get an occasional gray, rainy day that feels like winter. The longer, sunnier days are nudging me to start planning our new yard. This is our first spring in this home, and I’m excited to watch the plants and trees wake up and to begin imagining how we’ll shape the outdoor spaces.
That house in the photo above isn’t ours, but I adore its look and the feeling it conveys, so I’ve kept it in my inspiration folder. Soon I’ll share photos of our own exterior and yard so you can see what we’re starting with, and I’ll outline some of the ideas we’re already considering.
If you followed the outdoor transformation (and all the ups and downs!) of our side and backyard at our previous home, you know how rewarding it was to design and watch those spaces evolve. You can view before-and-after photos from that yard in my project gallery and find a selection of those images in my book A Lovely Life, which will be released later this spring. The book shares practical inspiration for creating a lovely life through every season.
We hope to create similar touches in this new yard—small gardens, gates, and cozy seating areas—only on a smaller scale. Because the property is more compact, changes will show up faster, and it will be simpler to shape the space to reflect our vision.
This yard may be smaller than our last, but it already includes two porches or decks and we plan to add a third. There are several distinct areas to work with, which makes the design process even more fun for me as someone who loves intimate garden spaces. I’m eager to get started.
In the meantime, these photos are feeding my inspiration for spring and summer projects. Enjoy them, and below you’ll find links to additional ideas to help spark your own outdoor plans.
Here are some resources to help inspire you for spring!
Need a lively soundtrack while you work outside? Check my Happy Spring Music Playlist for upbeat songs to lift your mood.
A few posts from our outdoor inspiration gallery:
- Simple Ways to Decorate Your Porch for Spring
- Garden Inspiration: Charming Trellises, Arbors and Gates
- 3 Ways to Create a Happy Garden
- 4 Outdoor Rooms: Takeaway Tips
- 9 Elements for Enjoyable Outdoor Spaces
- How to Paint Your Concrete Steps or Patio
- Ideas for an Inviting Outdoor Space
Looking for more garden and outdoor room ideas? Visit our outdoor room & garden gallery for additional inspiration and project ideas.
A few posts from our spring decorating gallery:
- How to Make Your Home Feel Ready for Spring
- 24 Simple Ideas to Bring Spring to Your Home
- Inspired By: Fresh Spring Decorating
- Realistic Faux/Artificial Tulips
Want more indoor spring decorating ideas? See our spring decor inspiration gallery for seasonal tips and styling suggestions.
