Backyard Reset: How We Turned Our Outdoor Space Into Our Very Own Retreat

Six years ago, my husband sketched a picture of a dream cabana on the back of a napkin during lunch, and just a few weeks later, that dream became a reality.

With the help of close friends, a whole lot of heart, and wood from our dear friends at Lashway Lumbar, the structure came to life. From custom-welded brackets to sliding barn doors, every detail was built with intention - and a little creative chaos. That napkin drawing turned into our family's favorite "room" in the house....even though it's outside.

We live outdoors. Like, really live outdoors. From April to November (and yes, even sometimes in December with a blanket and a fire pit), our backyard becomes the hub of our life. Coffee is sipped on the patio. Homework is done under the string lights. Dinner is grilled, served, and devoured with bare feet in the grass. Rain or shine - if we're home, we're outside.

The Cabana That Grew With Us

What started as a post-and-beam structure quickly turned into something so much more:

• A pool room with built-in shelved and sliding barn doors that hides pool chemicals, outdoor gear, and serves as a changing room.

  
  

• A bar crafted from a gorgeous slab from Mill River Slabs, complete with a sink, fridge, grill, and even a TV (because, yes, we tailgate from our own backyard!)

  
  

• Over time, we added patio furniture, lighting, and fire pits - little by little - until it felt just right.

This wasn't built overnight. It was a slow, steady, and full of love - just like all the best things.

Our Annual Backyard Reset: Bringing the Retreat Back to Life

Every spring, I go through my backyard reset ritual - and I swear, it's as good for my soul as it is for my home. Here's how we make the space come alive again after winter:

Backyard Reset Checklist:

• Remove and clean all outdoor furniture cushions

• Wipe down furniture and refresh with new pillows or throws if needed

• Plug in and clean the outdoor fridge

• Clean out the grill and prep it for the season

• Restock: paper plates, plastic utensils, dish soap and napkins

• Add candles, lanterns, and my signature ferns (easy, low-maintenance greenery is key!)

• Decorate with pos of grasses or plants I can bring indoors during the cooler months

• Turn on the string lights and let the mood set itself

Creating a Backyard That Recharges You

Being in people's homes all day - absorbing their energy, organizing their chaos - requires a space when I can exhale. This backyard is my exhale. It's where I ground myself. It's where my kids grow up, get dirty, and stay up too late. It's where my husband and I reconnect after long days. It's where life feels slower, more intentional, and more us.

The world is fast-paced, demanding, and often loud. But when we pull into our driveway, we know we're home. We're pulling into our escape - a space that reminds us what matters most in this life.

If you've been dreaming of your own outdoor retreat, start small. A couple of cozy chairs, string lights, a few candles or plants. Don't wait until it's "perfect" - just start with what you have and add to it with love and purpose overtime.

Because the best part about creating an outdoor space isn't the fancy stuff - it's the living that happens in it.

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Want to create your own outdoor reset?

Let's chat!