I'm blaming Pinterest for my

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Change of heart!

You may be surprised to hear this but as talented as I may be in designing and decorating the interior of my home, I am equally untalented in the conception, visualization, planning, and execution of my exterior spaces.


Thank goodness I had the presence of mind to go to Pinterest this morning to find some inspiration.


I must confess that I really don't like the way brick looks with our home and had to finally own up to it, which led me to type in the words "pea gravel."


Almost instantly I knew I was headed in the right direction when image after image confirmed in my mind that that was the look I was after.
 
(Want to use slate slabs like this for the thresholds)

I love the way it complements the black and white color scheme of our home bringing out the gray stone on the exterior elevation.


I've always been one to listen to my gut and made an immediate decision to get rid of all the brick, stacked on the side of our house as well as removing the existing brick patio which fortunately is laid in sand!


We are going to stake out a larger flower bed making some needed adjustments with regard to scale and proportion.

The hope and vision is to create a larger, more functional and pleasing layout for our small but cozy yard.


I'll keep you posted... wish us luck!!!


I hope you don't think I'm crazy...


Oh and if anyone local is looking for used brick which came from historical buildings in San Jose and San Francisco... now you know where you can get it!


CHECK OUT WHAT'S NEW AT
SHOP LA DOLFINA

 

Comments

Tricia Rose Rough Linen said…
What about decomposed granite Terri? More comfortable underfoot, looks posh - in fact I think I saw it on Downton Abbey...
March 19, 2013 at 8:13 PM
Kathysue said…
I think it will look great and I like Tricia's idea too. I also like the idea of slate stepping stones, because pea gravel can be hard to walk in so stepping stones would be a must for me. I know what ever you do will be perfectly TERRI!!
xo Kathysue
March 19, 2013 at 8:24 PM
La Dolfina said…
Hi Tricia!
I would love that but Chris says it is super expensive but I should check it out just in case he's wrong!
I like the way you think :)
I miss you!!!
March 19, 2013 at 8:24 PM
Nita Stacy said…
Well, I thought your patio was already pretty but since you are expanding anyway...I think the pea gravel is going to be lovely and I think it's WAY you. Can't wait to see how it turns out.
March 19, 2013 at 8:50 PM
La Dolfina said…
Thanks Nita!!!
Your opinion means a lot!!!
March 19, 2013 at 9:12 PM
Acquired Objects said…
Terri I think the pea gravel will look wonderful! While your patio already looks great brick can date it. I can't wait to see what you do!

XXX
Debra~
March 20, 2013 at 3:36 AM
The enchanted home said…
Love pea gravel...we have it too but I hate it when its carried indoors..a major pain. I look forward to seeing the new look!
March 20, 2013 at 4:24 AM
Gina said…
I hate to see you give up on your brick patio. Remember, it is difficult to walk on gravel without ruining your heels.
ox, Gina
March 20, 2013 at 5:27 AM
cindy said…
I love gravel! We have a gravel patio at our lake house (california gold) and many of my pathways here are gravel as well. I wish I had more! You will love it and it is cheap!
March 20, 2013 at 6:59 AM
Mary Ann Pickett said…
I love pea gravel...feels so Provencal! I use in on the side of our house for the walk ways.
March 20, 2013 at 1:54 PM
Divine Theatre said…
I am all about the gravel! Unfortunately, I piled it too deep on the sides of the house and as soon as it is warm enough I need to remove it!
I look forward to your project!

xo

Andie
March 20, 2013 at 1:54 PM
Lucas' Mom said…
Please I would love your bricks. I too am in exterior pursuits, actually right smack in the middle of one, new picket fence, and a brick path up the center and would absolutely love your bricks. Can we discuss this? I would be forever grateful! many thanks! ernie.theresa@gmail.com
March 20, 2013 at 3:56 PM
Monica said…
In photo two I just purchased the same artichoke agave plant and can't wait to get it in the ground this weekend and surround it with Pea Gravel!!
March 20, 2013 at 7:51 PM
faye said…
i really like the first pic. dark exterriors
March 20, 2013 at 8:22 PM
Woodside Park said…
Hi, Terri -
We currently have a pea gravel walkway, and used to have a gravel courtyard at the old house. To firm up our gravel areas, we first put in concrete and added gravel with sand on top, compacted well. We love our gravel surfaces....not too soft and less weeds, as well.
Good luck!
Loi
March 21, 2013 at 9:27 AM
Beach House Living said…
We tried the gravel between the bricks and it's not so great. I can't wait to have all brick again.
I love the look but it disappears unlessbarriers underneath it are put down. It's not always easy to walk on either, be careful carrying food out to the patio.
March 21, 2013 at 2:43 PM
French Basketeer.com said…
Love the idea, because it will allow the rain to go into the ground rather than run off the brick. So good for your garden and the Earth....I admit I have DG and not pea gravel in my garden, but can confidently attest to the wonders of pea gravel....look forward to the new look and will scratch around the pea gravel at Chantilly next week for you...
March 21, 2013 at 9:25 PM
Karena said…
Dear Terri, you will have a most enchanting outdoor space to enjoy! Love the pea gravel!

Love and Hugs
Karena
Art by Karena
March 24, 2013 at 6:57 AM
Anonymous said…
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
March 24, 2013 at 7:09 AM
Anonymous said…
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
March 24, 2013 at 10:40 PM
lisaroy said…
I don't want to think you're crazy, but I love your brick! I've had pea gravel and not only does it track indoors, it also collects little leaves, etc that are almost impossible to rake out. Hopefully you won't have that problem. Love the look though :)
April 1, 2013 at 5:30 AM
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