Bright and Colorful Backyard Update

This post is sponsored by Pier 1 Imports.

We have been working and working and working away on updating the front porch and the back patio of our home this year.  We live in California and it is bright and lovely for most of the year and outdoor space is so important.

We do a lot of entertaining in the backyard and we have a pool so the kids like to spend pretty much every minute they can swimming or laying on the hammock or coloring with chalk or playing with bubbles.

Last year our big project was building a Pergola.  That project was important as we didn’t have much shade in the back and we wanted a relaxing space for the adults to chat and maybe have a margarita while the kiddos play and swim.  This seating area has worked out so nicely for when we entertain – we can seat several people comfortably or sometimes I like to use it as an outdoor office area while the kids are playing.

But this year we identified a few more things we wanted to accomplish in the backyard:

The backyard has been a little bland- we used a lot of dark browns, navy and white and really the plants are the only color and those are mostly green.  I wanted to add more brightness and color in the backyard.  I also wanted to make the space playful and whimsical- we do have little children so you want them to feel energized and excited about their home.

Next we wanted to use a portion of the yard to create a small oasis just for my husband and I to relax.  We wanted a little eating area for just the two of us to have coffee on the weekend or a glass of wine on summer nights.  I really wanted a little space that I can enjoy by myself first thing in the morning as well- maybe bring my to do list and phone outside and just enjoy the beautiful morning before the craziness of our children awake and running around.

So we started with this neglected corner of the yard.  It is a great space because it is shaded under a tree and has a lovely view of the pool and some of the landscaping we did a few years ago (on the other side of the yard).  It is far away from the house so nice and peaceful and when we found this fun Mosaic table and chairs from Pier 1 Imports,  we knew they would be perfect to maximize this awkward space.

Mosaic tables are hugely popular this year and this Rania Table from Pier 1 Imports, I fell in love with.  The tabletop is gorgeous and fits perfectly in our awkward space.  We also got the matching chairs and turquoise chair cushions which look so pretty against the green grass. I love the mosaic table because there are so many bright colors to pull from- yellow, orange, green, red and various shades of blue- so I can change things up from time to time.

So the table and chairs cover the adult space and the dining space we were looking for.

Next I added a few brightly colored pots and flowers which brighten the space considerably.

I also found these pretty yard stakes to dress up the yard and add a little color and fun.  Since we often use the space at night, I really wanted to add twinkle lights to the tree but we have been struggling with how to get electricity to that corner of the yard.

I was super excited to find these Sea Glass battery operated string lights!  We put them around the tree trunk and they are so pretty at night!

I love that these are not just clear but they have three colors of bulbs- blue, green and clear.   They take 2 batteries and we just flick the switch to turn them on or off.  If you want to add ambiance to your yard and have the same issue of running electrical cords that we did, try these battery powered lights instead!  So pretty!

So that is it- a quick little backyard update that added some fun and bright color and a really practical little space just for Mom and Dad.

Oh and while we were at Pier 1 Imports, we picked up some pretty outdoor entertaining pieces.

My favorite items are these acrylic stemless goblets.  We have hard concrete around the pool and try not to use any glass so these are just perfect!  They are wide at the bottom so I have been using them for drinks or for the occasional dessert or light salad for a quick lunch.

We just had a pool party the other day and I made a few cups of fruit salad ahead of time for the children which worked beautifully.  The cups hold a generous amount yet are small enough for little ones to manage.  I didn’t have any spills and it looks so much prettier than standard paper plates (not to mention reusable!)

We often entertain at a larger dining table outside that is just a plain brown color so these turquoise placemats and blue melamine Trellis plates add a lot of color and vibrancy to the table.

Last but not least, this Selene Acrylic serving bowl adds another punch of color and has been working out beautifully as a bread basket and for salads.  We grilled over Memorial Day weekend and I used this bowl for the hamburger buns, lettuce, onions, pickles and tomatoes.  Everything was in one spot and it was so easy to just pass down the table.

And here is another quick look at the before:

And after!

Do you have any little areas of your outdoor space that you might want to tackle?  What tips do you have to add fun and color and brightness to your backyard space?

If you are interested in any of the items we purchased, Pier 1 Imports has some great sales right now plus 10% off when you sign up for emails.  The fun little bird yard stake is only $14 on sale! Find what speaks to you. See the Outdoor Living collection in stores or at pier1.com/outdoorliving.   Plus from Thursday, 5/28 – Sunday, 5/31, all outdoor furniture will be on sale 20% – 50% OFF!