Happy Tuesday, friends!
Well, as you know, we’ve been slowly putting our house back together over the last year and one of our favorite spots officially feels “finished”…
…our patio and yard!
Woohoo! We really, really, really love being outside in our yard and on our patio and missed it so much last summer and fall. The patio was gutted and then the yard was pretty torn up just with all of the construction equipment that was needed to fix the interior damage. So, our favorite little spot was a mess for a long while. Over the last few weeks, as the grass as really started to grow back, it’s all felt normal again. I thought it was high time to do a post, share a gazillion pics and enjoy the yard with you!
A reminder about what it used to look like…
…when we built the house, we built it with one window and then French doors…
…(yes, in hindsight, we should have had the big sliding door from the beginning). We also had…
…two big pretty arches across the patio.
I still love the arches, but they had to come down due to the damage, and while they were down, I realized that I LOVED the bigger view!
So, once more…before…
…and now, after…
Ohhhhhhh! The big door makes me so happy!! Whether it’s open or closed, it just gives us so much light and makes the inside feel like outside and vice versa.
And now, without the arches, we get an even bigger view too.
So yeah, I’m diggin’ it right now. If you follow along on Stories, you see me talking about it all the time, but for someone who LOVES being outside as much as I do, this big door is just rockin’ my world!
We don’t leave the door open all the time, but we do open it just about every night right now. Soon, it will be too hot outside to open it, but this time of year (and then again in the fall), the weather is just right for some indoor/outdoor living where we are .
So, the patio is back, the yard is back, the pool (which unfortunately froze during February’s snowmageddon) is back…and the Shulls are back to living outside 🙂 .
I took a bunch of pics just because it’s May, and yard stuff makes my heart happy…
I love my new office balcony 🙂 .
See the batting cage back there?
And the cozy fire pit back there too!
Thanks for stopping by today!
Slowly but surely, we finally got the house back to normal after the flood last June.
You can check out the GUEST BATH.
Then, I shared our new and improved GREAT ROOM.
After that, it was time to share our MASTER BATHROOM.
After that, MY NEW OFFICE!
And then, our MASTER BEDROOM.
Next week, we’re covering outdoor organization on Let’s Look, so if you have any specific questions about that, please leave them in the comment section here today!
I hope you all have a fantastic Tuesday! xx
Julie C. says
You have such a beautiful house & yard!!!!
Lauren says
I love that big sliding door! Do you not worry about bugs flying in to the house when it’s open?
Mix and Match Mama says
This time of year, I feel like it’s only the random/occasional fly. When the mosquitos get here, it will be too hot to have it open and/or we’ll just keep it closed to keep them out, but for now, bugs don’t seem to be an issue.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Wow, such great progress! Your backyard is going to look so good! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Alexis Murrell says
Can I come over for a drink by the pool?! Everything looks beautiful! Would love to see your garage organization! We are in the process of figuring ours out. Happy Tuesday!
Mix and Match Mama says
Come on over!!!! 🙂
Bonnie says
Do bugs not come in with the door open? Mosquitoes? Your house is beautiful!! Love the outdoor area especially!!
Christy says
It is absolutely beautiful! Love the big, sliding door too! How do you keep flies away? We love eating outside, etc but get flies!
Elspeth says
I love your backyard and your home! Simply stunning!
Thank you for sharing!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Julie says
It looks beautiful! I’m so happy for you that you finally have your home back together. It amazed me how positive and upbeat you were even when all seemed to be falling apart. And during a pandemic! I am so ready for some outdoor time. Outside Boston, we are having a really cold and also rainy! start to Spring. I’m wearing a fleece this morning. Sigh.
Becca Butler says
Everything looks great! Our back porch is my favorite place to be as well! Where did your outdoor dining set come from? I love it!
Jennifer says
Do you know what the type of hedge/bush is next to your fountain? We lost all our box woods in the Texas snow.
Kara says
So gorgeous!! What’s the depth of the shallow end and deep end off your pool?
Mix and Match Mama says
The middle is 5.5 feet at the deepest!
Tracy says
Looks great!
Margo says
Your yard looks wonderful! Can’t wait to hear about outdoor organization. Specifically all sizes of balls, pool gear, and then smaller toys. We had a bin/bench for these items but when I found a black widow tucked among toys in there last week, I knew we needed a new plan!
Lori says
You have the most lovely and cozy home! I just have to ask… do you all not have bats in Texas?? I live in upstate New York and we would never be able to leave a big door open at night. Bats would be everywhere!!??
Mix and Match Mama says
Very rarely do I see one around here. We have them in some parts of Texas, but I’ve never thought about that here!!
Kristin says
We woke up to a bat in our bedroom in the middle of the night! It must have flown in at dusk when the door was open. Since we were all sleeping and didn’t know what the bat had been doing all night the whole family had to get rabies shots (bat bites are usually too small to be detected). Fun times!
Connie says
I just LOVE your beautiful home!! I’m so glad it’s back to normal. ?
Mary Arredondo says
Do beautiful!! Very random question but where did you get your outdoor clock??
Mix and Match Mama says
I think that’s Restoration Hardware!
Becky says
What kind of heaters are those in the ceiling on your patio? We are putting an outside covered space in and want to add heaters.
Jenn says
This isn’t about your backyard (although it gives me big time jealousy feelings!) but I finished a wonderful book today that you would love. The food references are amazing and the small time charm is perfection. It’s called Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe and the author is Heather Webber. Please add it to your list!
Robin says
Wow! It is beautiful….Love!!
Lisa D says
What a beautiful home for your family of 6!
Genevieve says
How do you keep your white outdoor couch cushions from getting stained? I have white cushions outside and I’m terrified of stains not coming out!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ugggg…it was probably risky to pick white! We don’t eat on that furniture and are super careful. I will say that it cleans easily though!
April Bryan says
How do you keep your red chairs from blowing into the pool- we seem to have that issue :/
Also what company did you order your big doors through- we are wanting to do that and live in Waco so wasn’t sure if it was local to Texas? Beautiful and so inviting!
Mix and Match Mama says
Sometimes they do! They’re plastic and super light, so it’s easy to grab them and pull them out.
Taylor says
Love the big sliding glass door! We are in the process of building – any must do’s/haves/wants that you would not give up in a house?
Paige E says
Beautiful! It looks like a resort! Nice when home can be a little get away too. 🙂 Love the black white and red!
Barbara says
Shay-
What a beautiful backyard. A big slider is the best! I love all the pretty flowers. Your outdoor furniture looks like the perfect place to read a book while watching your kiddos swim:)
Where is the outdoor furniture from? Over here at my house, we need some lounge chairs.
Have a great day.
XO,
barbara
http://www.pixielanebarbara.substack.com
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s all from Restoration Hardware!
Jan says
Beautiful. What are your favorite beach towels? I’m assuming you go through a lot of towels.
Mix and Match Mama says
Cheap ones! I like grabbing them at Costco and stuff!
Susie says
Do you have a recommendation for a pool vacuum?
Alison T. says
That big sliding door would rock my world, too! 🙂 I love it!! All that natural light and of course the ability to let fresh air in during the nice days. I’m wondering, does Andrew mow all of that yard? Or do you guys hire someone to maintain it?
Jessie says
Hi Shay! Beautiful yard! Do you mind sharing where your lounge chairs are from, how long you’ve had them and if you’d recommend them? Thank you!
Edie says
Love It!
Kim says
Do you have somebody on snake watch when you leave the door open? My husband keeps wanting me to leave our door open and I’m like “um no” because I have snake issues ???
Melissa says
Beautiful!! Yard stuff makes me so happy too!
Question: Back when you first started the reno, you mentioned an upstairs laundry station was in the works & you’d give more details when it was finished. Did you post about it? So sorry if I just missed it! ☺️
Mix and Match Mama says
I haven’t yet, but I will!!
Kristen says
Gorgeous!! Where is your outdoor furniture from?
Laci Murray says
your backyard is dreamy!!
Beth Wilson says
Love it! It looks like an oasis and if I lived there, I would never leave! It looks so inviting and just fun.
Carly says
LOVE IT!!! I think the straight arch openings look better than curved arches(I love curved arches) but the view space you gain and the overall look of exterior the straight lines visually fits better with window and all the angular lines of hardscape. I really like it even better now. Having had multiple homes with large sliders just make sure you spray pest control really close and often to the large slider. Usually you have to be careful with mice, etc but you are elevated high with stairs so more unlikely that would happen. BUT one piece advice and don’t mean to be a downer but speaking the truth… don’t leave slider open for a long time if you are not in the area. I can tell you stories for days in multiple states of stray animals who have entered homes including coyotes(who ended up biting owner) It was Scottsdale AZ and the yard was fenced as well and it happened to multiple neighbors. In my Southlake home the skunks got in one night, so just be aware. Again you have elevated area so that helps! It is truly beautiful !!!! Great job despite the pain you got a great space.
Paula R. says
I absolutely love the feel of more space with the open sliding door! Both your patio and living room look amazing! Does the door meet and close In the middle or does it close completely just to one side? I’m assuming it glides easily and the kiddos can open and close it themselves? Just curious, since Andrew likes to keep the house on the cooler side with the AC on, does having the door open often affect the interior temperature very much? I realize you said that the door being open will change with hotter weather. Having that slider really gives you the feel of resort or beach front living with the house open to the patio. Enjoy this milder weather! You did such a terrific job of reconfiguring the space and turning it into exactly what you wanted. Well done!
Audrey Dawkins says
Do yall not have lizards 🙂 We live in S Georgia and if I barely open a sliding door two or three scurry in….I am not a FAN
Sarah says
LOVE the huge sliding door. I know you spray for mosquitos, but when you open the door around dusk (perfect cheese board time!), how do you alleviate pesky insects flying in?!?!? Curious midwesterner here! I assume we’d get thousands of bugs inside! Teach me your ways! Maybe I need to leave the ‘burbs of Chicago for Texas!
Diane says
What a wonderful space to create memories! I grew up in Minnesota but love the long Texas summers and a pool is a must have to embrace the heat. We are still waiting to see if our palm tree made it and have two more bushes to replace.Hugs from Waco?!
Joanne says
A beautiful backyard!
Stephanie S. says
It’s spectacular! What a fun space for the family to spend time together!
Becky Cowen says
By chance, do you happen to know the name of your trim color?
Jen says
Love the backyard. What kind of tile is around the pool? Is it stamped concrete or tile?
Aimee says
Absolutely love the open door, but one question-do you have to worry about bugs/little critters coming in? Idk if mosquitos are big down there, or snakes or lizards or anything. Was just curious!
Toni Keenan says
Looks incredible! Can you link the candle lanterns that you have on your patio table? That door is fantastic!
Marie says
Thanks for sharing! Your home is truly so beautiful.
Molly says
Your backyard is a dream. Can you please do a tour of your new upstairs living room and laundry station? Love your gorgeous home tours, thank you for sharing!!
Amy Rich says
Crazy question but do you have any problems with bugs/mosquitos? I think that is my hang up with opening doors without screens.
Kristie Mills says
Beautiful!! What do you do to help with mosquitoes?
ERangel says
It’s beautiful! I’m really curious on how you keep the bugs from coming inside when the doors are opened. I’ve tried several things without success. What works for you?
Kacey says
Looks great! Any tips on keeping your white outdoor furniture so clean? Mine is always covered in pollen etc. I would love to know your cleaning secret!
Kim N says
Your yard and patio are so beautiful! Here are all my questions if you want to answer any in your upcoming post – how often/do you bring your cushions in from your outdoor furniture? If/when you bring them in where do you store them? How often do you need to clean them? Do you have an invisible fence somewhere or do the dogs have the run of your whole property when you let them out (or with the big door open, I’m assuming they can just go in and out on their own)? Yes – garage organization/bikes/outdoor toys/gardening tools and equipment etc. I could use suggestions on over here. Thanks!
Megan Gilbreath says
Hi Shay, Love your backyard! Random question, where did you get your playset?
Sarah Shapleigh says
Your yard looks amazing!!! I love that big door! Would you mind sharing where you got your swing set? Thank you!!
Kim S says
Your home is SO beautiful. I love how you mix the traditional with the French country vibe and manage to make it all look so fresh! Thank you for tour?
purvi says
How do you keep the bugs out when the big sliding door is open?! That’s my dilemma!
Leslee B says
Same. That was my first thought! What about the bugs! Haha. It is gorgeous though!
Jinjer says
Same. I’m terrified of bugs and am only outside because we have a screened-in back porch. LOL
Sara says
You don’t get birds in your house?! That’s my nightmare!
Stacey Mills says
Love. Love. Love the back porch and yard!! Have you thought about adding the phantom screens you can move up or down at the edge of your back porch? I’ve heard people really enjoy them.
Eryn says
Random question, probably an Andrew question but what shrubs/plants do you have planted for privacy??
Lindsay says
It looks amazing! Question do you just use the plastic chairs in your ledge in the pool or do you have lounge chairs you use?
Jennifer says
Where did you get your chaise loungers?
Jess says
I’m terrified of pools/kiddos. I noticed you don’t have a fence – do you have a cover that seals it off? How did you do it when the kids were really little? Any water safety tips?
Madeline says
How do you maintain/clean the patio floors and how often?
Heather says
Do birds come in when your big door is open?
Megan says
Love your backyard/patio! Thanks for sharing. Where did you get your fountain from?
Ashley Lewis says
Beautiful! What kind of flooring do you have on your patio and how do you clean it? Also, my patio table gets so dusty so often! How often do you clean yours and what do you use to do it?
Sheaffer Sims says
I mean, I know it’s easy for me to say it was totally worth it….BUT THAT DOOR! AND THE BIGGER VIEW! #totallyworthit
Allison says
Is around the pool stamped concrete and if so does it get slippery when wet?
Mix and Match Mama says
We have travertine around the pool, and I think it does pretty well when wet!
Jenny says
So beautiful Shay! It also looks so warm (currently 36 degrees in MN?). Happy spring!
Kristal Strong says
It’s all just beautiful! Always was, still is. 🙂
This isn’t organization, but might fit in to the post. Your plastic adirondack chairs-how have you found is the best way to clean them? We have some white ones that I cannot seem to get nice and cleaned and it drives me nuts!
Kelly says
It’s fabulous!! I can see why you enjoy it so much, you have your own little resort oasis;).
Hillary says
Where do you get your red Adirondack chairs? I cannot find them anywhere!
Mix and Match Mama says
Home Depot has them! They’re only like $25 each too!! We are obsessed with them!! They’re so light and really so comfy!
Diana says
Your patio and backyard are a dream! ? seriously like a resort, love it!