It would be difficult to find anyone who could say that Vicki Petulla’s backyard was ever anything but elegant and lovely. From the modern-lined furniture to the graceful urns and vintage outside mirror reflecting the patio, this was always a stylish spot. But exit the mobile chiminea and insert a sturdy stone fireplace and voila! Something extra special just happened.
“We created this to be an outdoor room because those French doors are open all the time,” Vicki said of the doors off her kitchen and breakfast room. (A minute after Desiree took this photo, the three of us were sitting here sipping a crisp white wine. Now this is my kind of yard!)
Here’s the before shot:
What a change! She and her family now have a dramatic focal point to their San Jose backyard, made of Monterey stone and built by Martin Delariba. And they have a mantel on which to place — get this — a big screen TV. She and her husband and school-age son have movie nights in the backyard where Vicki will bring out a plate of broken chocolate and marshmallows. Now how wonderful is that? Add red wine and I’m there! (again!) Vicki said that just recently, the family watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” outside. I concur.
Here’s another shot Desiree took last fall of the outdoor dining area just off the French doors. Now I’m surveying my backyard looking for a spot for an outdoor mirror. Isn’t it fabulous?
Want to see what’s behind those French doors? When Lookiloos visited Vicki last fall, we wrote a whole story and included a wonderful photo shoot. Take a look: A Decorator’s Daughter
Desiree also just compiled photos of her favorite outdoor fireplaces for www.hookedonhouses.net. Take a look here: Outdoor Fireplaces
Here’s the complete slideshow:
Recent Posts
