We did the smart thing (look at us!) by living through a full summer (and then some) here before making more final decisions on the backyard. And in that time we found two big holes when it came to how we enjoy this wonderfulness. I’m happy to say that while we still need a designated BBQ area (to replace the janky grill that just rolls around the yard), we have officially checked off the “comfortable shady place to hang near pool” box. The grass between the mini-pool and our house faces extremely east, the back porch has four hours of hot evening sun starting around 4 pm, so the space between the pool and the poolhouse/gym became the obvious choice, getting shade around 4 pm and facing west (i.e. not in our eyes). I shopped around, found what I wanted, pitched AllModern and weeks later it was done, ready for its debut. So today I’m presenting our outdoor living area, donned with a firepit table, a simple sectional, and two non-matching but coordinating chairs that we love.

Oh, she’s beautiful, streamlined, and sturdy (and I’m not talking about that lady in the dress). But wait, here’s what she looked like last year (the yard, not me).

When we shot this area last year we had a few folding Adirondack chairs around a Target firepit – of which we lit no more than twice. It was a blank space, and yet super bright during the day so we couldn’t really eat at the picnic table for lunch without an umbrella. And while we love the idea of a real wood firepit, and even have tried the solo stove, for the amount that we entertain it was no longer practical – we opted for a gas/propane fire table (yes, I realize I wanted and continue to want to decrease my unnecessary gas usage, but there is not an electric option here and having a firepit lengthens the time you hang out outside both in hours of the days and months going far into fall).

MAY IPHONE SHOTS

This is how it looked like in May (iPhone, obviously) and it was sad and empty. More importantly, it was unused. When the kids were swimming I would throw a blanket on the grass but it would be so hot/bright and unbearable. So then we’d just sit in Adirondack chairs (also let me be clear, most swimming-confident kids are fine on their own in this size of a pool, but I still like being within earshot if I don’t know the kids super well).

Sectional + Additional Chair for More Seats | Accent Chair (Loveseat Version) | Fire Pit + “Side Table”

First off: I really wanted a big old sectional. This area is pea gravel (and therefore can get messy if moving furniture a lot) and there is a lot going on (plants, fence, etc) so I wanted the simplicity of a big sectional that could fit a lot of people. I narrowed down my choices and found that this one would fill out the space well enough while working aesthetically with the vibe of the pool furniture (just wood and white).

It’s totally modular so you have a lot of flexibility and extremely heavy/durable. The cushions are firm which was initially surprising but we love that they stay put, hold their shape, and hopefully will for a long time. White was a bold choice, but it’s outdoor fabric so obviously my hope is that it will clean up with the annual power wash and look fresh again.

Yellow Square Pillow | Yellow Lumbar Pillow | AllModern Outdoor Pillows

If you are wondering about the vines, let’s just say I went to the nursery (shout out to Cornell Farms) and bought the most mature vines that can be in full sun. I then spent 4-5 hours listening to podcasts as I untangled it from itself and trained it up and over the too-short doors. Why are the doors so short? We originally were using leftover doors from our house from Sierra Pacific (another story), but our contractor didn’t realize that they were too tall and when they opened outward they would hit the roofline (LOL) (and they couldn’t be revered to open inside). So at the last minute, we put in these too-short doors to just finish the project and ensure a family of raccoons didn’t bathe in our cold plunge (OMG HOW CUTE WOULD THAT BE). Anyway, the vines help fill the empty space which was always my backup plan. Will I change the doors? Sure, if I find something magical worth changing them for (vintage, dutch, etc) but otherwise this is very low on our priority list and the vines look awesome.

The AllModern team put everything together upon delivery, which was a DREAM (yes, most pieces are white glove and they even remove the boxes after they assemble – 10/10 customer service y’all). The teak arms will gray out a bit and in the winter I’ll store the cushions. I’m just so impressed with how solid this sectional is and I really love that it’s modular (I could separate it into chairs with a loveseat so easily).

Accent Chair (Loveseat Version)

I also ordered these two side chairs that came as a sweet little set. I loved that they worked with the sectional without being the too-matchy-for-me armchair version. I also love the built-in side table for drinks (convenience FTW).

Pillow Fabrics

I had a bunch of pillows made from my friend Max Humphrey’s collection with Pindler and Sunbrella and I think they are perfect in this setting. Farmy, but Sunbrella so more durable than if I had turned an actual quilt into pillows.

Sectional + Additional Chair for More Seats | Accent Chair (Loveseat Version) | Fire Pit + “Side Table” | White Side Table

The whole seating area can sit 12 people (especially with both chairs, which we reduced for this shot so you aren’t staring into two seat backs).

Umbrella

We ordered an umbrella for the 2-5 pm hour should we want to hang out here during the day, but we forgot to order the base for it so here you can see someone behind a plant holding up the umbrella as we shot it. The base is on its way and we are so excited (but yes when you order any umbrellas, even cantilever umbrellas make sure that the base comes with it).

It’s pretty darn dreamy and we feel so lucky that this is where we live.

Nightime Hang Sessions

We invited a few people over to test drive everything (and the kids really did). That large balloon dog bench (from FatBoy) is the real hit right now with the kids climbing over it all the time (and I personally love the whimsy).

Attackle Bench

I do NOT think that this bench is meant for this but my goodness the kids loved playing on this frisky fellow (and it’s very strong, despite not wanting to hold four almost 10-year-olds).

Wicker 2 Seater Chat Set

Thanks to Lindsey and Nuria for modeling this cute little garden chair set with me. Being a blogger’s friend is always weird.

It’s honestly so peaceful out here, and now that we have a more designated place to hang I might be able to convince Brian to build out the other side with a more designated BBQ area.

We all sat down for some smores around the firetable. We bought a propane version (that hides inside that black “side table”. It’s pretty mellow with lower BTUs so it gets warm and has a flame, but isn’t crazy bright or hot. If you are wanting something more of a roar then check the BTU capacity.

A huge thanks to AllModern for helping me create this space. The furniture is high quality (it’s so heavy in a really good way), looks very high end and their service was fast and super friendly. Planning on many a summer night party here that will always go too late, but as long as the kids are off screens I’m happy 🙂

*Photos by Kaitlin Green