Even though Florida is already at least 90 degrees every day (with humidity), I am still beyond excited for this summer! Our backyard is getting a serious facelift, and it has been a long time coming. We have checked off a few outdoor projects, but the rest of the backyard still needs some attention. Let the fun begin!
Airstream
In March 2022, Carter and I impulsively bought a vintage Airstream we stumbled upon on Facebook Marketplace. I had always dreamed of owning one, and when Carter spotted it nearby, we decided to check it out on a whim. Before we knew it, we were signing papers, and the 1697 Outlander was ours! It was already gutted, and although the previous owners had started a renovation, we realized we’d need to start over. After conducting a water test, we discovered leaks and other issues.
After four months of research, we learned just how much effort, time, and skill is required to renovate a vintage Airstream. While we were confident we could learn the intricacies ourselves, we ultimately decided to leave the structural restoration to professionals equipped with the right tools. We’re now working with a vintage Airstream renovator who estimates it will take about four months to complete the necessary repairs, including fixing the trailer axles, plumbing, electrical systems, windows, and rivets, and replacing the subfloor. That would have literally taken us 3 + years to complete ourselves! Lol! n
Carter and I felt a huge relief after deciding not to DIY the restoration. But don’t worry, we’ll still handle the fun cosmetic build-out once the trailer is structurally sound. Knowing it will be properly restored brings me incredible peace of mind, and we hope to have the Airstream back by the end of October, which is when our fun will start
Pergola
We ordered a custom pergola about two months ago, and I’m excited to share that it’s ready to be shipped to us! Production is complete, and we’re finalizing the delivery details. I was torn between choosing white or black, but I’ve decided to keep it a surprise until we set it up! I asked for your opinions on Instagram, and the votes were evenly split, so I think you’re going to love the final result—it’s going to be stunning.
Many of you have asked why we didn’t DIY the pergola. The answer is simple: Florida. Living on the coast, we needed to ensure that the pergola was hurricane-rated. Our pergola, from Bon Pergalo, can withstand winds up to 120 miles per hour! It also features automated louvers for a waterproof top, which will be perfect for the rainy season here. Since it was custom-made, we were able to specify the exact size for our deck, and we added options for fans and outdoor lighting—a must in Florida.
We’re currently deciding whether to install the pergola before or after the landscaping is done. So, it could arrive any day now, or we might wait until the last week of August when the landscaping is completed.
Landscaping
I’m incredibly excited to have professional landscapers take on our backyard project. After our experience with DIYing the diamond paver and turf, we realized that tackling the entire backyard ourselves was not feasible. Between the persistent weeds and frequent rain here in Florida, it’s genuinely a job for a team. We’ve put down a deposit and scheduled landscaping for the last few weeks of August.
Why schedule landscaping so far out? The landscapers are booked for weeks, aligning with our summer travel plans, so we chose a later date when we’ll be available to care for the new landscaping. Given the current heat, there’s no urgency to enjoy the backyard right away. We prefer to wait until fall when it’s cooler. Plus, delaying avoids the risk of the summer heat harming new plants. Whether landscaping starts next week or by summer’s end, we won’t fully enjoy it until the temperatures drop.
Planters
I’m excited about our upcoming planter project, which will be completed soon! I’ve been debating the design for these planters. We picked up several filing cabinets from Facebook Marketplace to transform into planters. While many of you liked the black, I feel it’s a bit too modern for what I envision. I’m aiming for a modern yet distinctly Floridian feel.
Remember those beautiful terracotta star and cross tiles from our kitchen makeover that didn’t work out? Half the tiles were defective, so we couldn’t use them on the floor, but they’ll be perfect for repurposing as planter decor! This gives them a new life and achieves exactly the look I want.
The plan involves building the base using the filing cabinets, rust-proofing the interiors, adhering the tiles, and then grouting them. I think it’s going to look both beautiful and unique. What do you think?
Carter and I definitely have our work cut out for us this summer, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. We’ve had so much fun creating these backyard plans; I can hardly believe they’re actually happening. Our updated backyard will be filled with a lot of love, as we’ve carefully considered every detail. I can’t wait to bring you along on our summer backyard transformation.
