A Final Outdoor Tour Before Moving
With moving week upon us, we wanted to pause and take one last look at the exterior of our house before everything gets boxed up. We’ll share empty-house photos and a list of items we left behind in a day or two, but for now this is a reflective outdoor roundup. We’ve filmed outdoor tours in 2011 and 2012, and a short video we shot a few weeks ago (just before we began packing) serves as our third and final installment documenting the yard’s evolution.
*Small heads-up before you watch: I get awkward when I’m holding the camera and talking, so there’s a moment where I awkwardly flirt with the deck. The deck is, as you can imagine, entirely indifferent.
With that in mind, here’s one last walk-through of how the exterior transformed while we lived here.
Front Yard Evolution
The front yard went through several stages of improvement, with an emphasis on clean lines, low-maintenance plantings, and curb appeal that fits the character of the house. The redesign brought balance and a friendlier approach to the entry, creating a welcoming route from the sidewalk to the porch.
Carport and Driveway Area
The carport area evolved from a purely utilitarian space into something that complements the front of the house. Thoughtful finishes and a tidy layout helped it feel less like an afterthought and more like an integrated element of the property.
Backyard and Walkways
In the backyard we deliberately pared back excess plantings to reveal the original brick walkways and create a small, usable lawn area. That balance allows kids and dogs room to run while still preserving the charm of the existing hardscape. The space feels simple, durable, and lived-in—exactly what we wanted for everyday use.
The Alley-turned-Deck
Last summer we transformed a narrow alley into a decked walkway and seating area, which didn’t make it into last year’s outdoor tour but has become an important connection between the front and back yards. Turning that awkward passage into usable space was one of those small projects that made the whole property feel more cohesive.
Front Porch Makeover
We recently gave the front porch a makeover to add color, contrast, and personality. New paint accents and a few well-placed planters refreshed the entry and made it a pleasant spot to sit and greet neighbors. (Full disclosure: when we moved, the planters came with us, so the porch is currently a little less flora-filled than you see here.)
The Patio—Our Favorite Project
Of all the exterior upgrades, the patio remains our favorite and earliest project. It had the biggest visual impact and became the most used outdoor spot on the property. Over the years it hosted meals, gatherings, quiet mornings with coffee, and long summer evenings. Even though the photo below was taken last summer—before our lawn furniture and planters were moved to the new house—it captures the patio at its most glorious and well-loved.
That scene is a reminder of how a thoughtfully designed outdoor living space can extend your home and become the backdrop for everyday life. Even without all the furniture and blooms, the layout and materials still feel intentional and welcoming.
Looking Ahead
We’re proud of how much the outdoors improved while we were here, and we’ve learned a lot along the way about creating functional, low-maintenance, and attractive exterior spaces. As we plan for the new house, our list of outdoor ideas is long: more seating areas, new plantings that strike a balance between beauty and ease, and ways to better connect indoor and outdoor living. We’re excited to try fresh ideas while carrying forward lessons from these projects.
What exterior projects have been your favorites at your own house? Or what outdoor upgrades are you most eager to tackle next? We’d love to hear which transformations gave you the most joy or the biggest return on time and effort.