backyard – Francois et Moi

How to Build a Garden Gate + Free Plans!

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Upgrade your chain link gate with a charming cedar garden gate! Download free PDF plans and learn how to tie the wood gate into your existing chain link fence. Chain link fences: can’t live with them or without them! Our backyard’s chain-link fence (installed decades ago by a previous owner), has been on my “to update list” since the day we bought our place. It’s not my favorite, but the thing about fences is they’re a big financial investment. And since ours is still very functional in keeping our kids and cat corralled, we’ve opted to flex our creativity muscle and make the most of what we’ve got. Instead of a full fence replacement, we’ve planted climbers and other greenery to disguise most of the fence around the yard and teamed up with Handy Products to build a beautiful stained cedar garden gate (that smells incredible!) to upgrade the current chain-link situation. In this post you’ll find the DIY garden gate tutorial with downloadable pdf plans, as well as instructions for removing an existing chain-link fence and installing your new wood one. There’s so much goodness packed into this post–let’s get to work! Get your Garden Gate Plans HERE! Materials: […]

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Backyard ReDesign: Before & After Reveal

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 12:50:41 +0000

On the heels of the backyard inspiration I shared earlier this week, today is the final reveal of our backyard redesign! As you guys know, we partnered up with Apartment Therapy for a Renovation Diary this Spring, and you can read all about it here. I’m well aware that everybody loves a good ‘before & after’ (including me!), so let’s just cut to the chase. Check out the backyard as it were when we purchased the home. Lots o’ potential, just needed some major lovin’. BEFORE AFTER Image Credit: Kory Kevin Studio Image Credit: Kory Kevin Studio Image Credit: Kory Kevin Studio Image Credit: Kory Kevin Studio Image Credit: Kory Kevin Studio Image Credit: Kory Kevin Studio We’re super happy with how everything came together, and want to extend a warm thanks to Apartment Therapy and Kory Kevin Studio (@korykevin) for collaborating with us on the project! Sconces Bistro Lights Gooseneck Light Blanket Throw Captain Dining Chairs Dining Table Patio Umbrella Adirondack Chairs Tall Black Planter Lantern Bistro Chairs Mat For more renovation projects check out our on-going Francois Renovates Series! Follow Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save […]

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Backyard Design Inspiration

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 15:35:12 +0000

At long last! I’m sharing the details of the backyard redesign we did with Apartment Therapy. And today I’m starting with the inspiration that motivated the design. Afterall, that’s where every project begins: with an idea or notion about how a space could be better. Oui? To be 1 billion percent honest, we had a hard time finding visual imagery that captured the backyard design inspiration what we were envisioning, but eventually found a few gems that got the juices flowing! Check back this weekend as I’ll be sharing full before & after photos of the completed project! Charming Dining Patio | Terra Cotta Pots | Adirondack Fire Pit | Winding Paver Path Follow Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

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3 DIY’s for Creating the Perfect Al Fresco Retreat

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 15:55:58 +0000

With summer OFFICIALLY here, I’ve been taking full advantage of summer evenings in our backyard whenever possible. Whether it’s a simple dinner just Ken and me or hosting a group of friends for a bonfire, if it involves my backyard on a warm summer night, you can bet I’ll be on board! The best, most hangout-worthy outdoor spaces always address three key elements really well: lighting, greenery, and accessories. String lights to candles, lighting is an easy ambiance-creator that can make any space feel magical at night. Greenery (i.e. potted plants and surrounding foliage) helps the space feel lush, relaxed and just plain good to be in. Accessories such as pillows and tabletop accessories provide a human element and bring an added level of comfort to an outdoor space. If you’re looking to turn your backyard or balcony into a feel-good al fresco retreat, then you’ve stopped by the right place! We’ve teamed up with art & craft supplier, Loew-Cornell, to share 3 outdoor DIY projects you can make with simple craft store supplies. From lantern garlands, to mini lattices to citrus-y coasters, we’ve got your outdoor space covered for summer! MASON JAR LANTERN GARLAND What I LOVE about […]

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25 Killer Backyard Projects for Summer

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 14:34:54 +0000

Right now Ken and I are heavy into a backyard renovation diary with Apartment Therapy (which will go live towards the end of June–stay tuned!), so I’ve been Pinterest-ing all things ‘backyard’ over last few months and along the way, have discovered tons of crazy good al fresco DIY projects. I’ve rounded up all the projects here, so you can spend more time in your backyard enjoying summer and less time inside researching backyard projects. Color-blocked Food Dome from Sugar & Cloth Pallet Plant Bench from Monsters Circus West Elm Inspired Wooden Plant Stand from Hey There Home Candle Stakes from A Subtle Revelry Iron-On Picnic Blanket from Lovely Indeed Otomi Outdoor Table from Hi Sugar Plum! Timber Side Table from F&M Giant Embroidery Picnic Blanket from Lovely Indeed Giant Connect Four Backyard Game from Home Depot French Mattress Style Cushions from DIY Joy Monstera Leaf Door Mat from Enthralling Gumption DIY Tiki Torches from Sugar & Charm Pillow Bed from This Heart of Mine DIY Frozen Wine Bucket from Sugar & Cloth Stenciled Concrete Rug from The House of Wood DIY Roasting Forks from A Bubbly Life Swedish Flame Log from ManMadeDIY DIY Rope Ottomans […]

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5 Ideas for Throwing an Al Fresco Dinner Party

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 13:07:28 +0000

Summer is fleeting us. And it’s about this time every summer that I start to freak out a little. Fall is just around the corner, yet it feels like summer just got here, and it becomes painfully clear there are tons of things I still want to do before it turns cold. Anyone else feel the same? Relishing summer nights with good friends over good food is one of those things I can never quite get enough of. So I thought I’d share a few ideas and inspiration to throw one last al fresco dinner party this summer, whether it’s in your backyard or a pop up party in a park. Let’s make the most of these last few weeks. Cheers! Position your dining table under a tree, and use the branches as a framework to string cafe lights. Keep the tablescape simple (and easy!) with a single type of plant or flower, and of course candles. Layer hard surfaces with blankets and pillows for a cozy effect. Focus on fresh simple ingredients that can be prepared ahead of time. This way you’ll spend more time outside with your guests and less time in the kitchen. Keep the vibe laid back and playful with prosecco + popsicles for dessert! Imagery: Lights | Tablescape […]

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Seize the Summer: Drive-in Movies

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 12:56:29 +0000

When Ken suggested we go to a drive-in movie last Friday night, my initial thought was no short of nostalgic. What lept to mind were rows of Cadillacs, girls in poodle skirts with dainty scarves adorning their pony tails, silhouetted soda-pop bottles and buttered popcorn for days. My second thought was, ‘Do we even have one around here?’ The last time I’d heard anything about a drive-in movie theater was a few years ago when many of them seemed to be closing their doors: a by-gone chapter in America’s history it had seemed. Well much to my surprise, drive-in movies are very much still a hoppin’ summertime event! Almost a subculture of families, groups of friends, kids on dates (even married ones like us) all gathered for a triple movie feature beneath the evening dusk sky. We pulled up to Vali-Hi Drive-in’s ticket window about 45 minutes before the first movie began to find the theater over 3/4 full and bustling. Though the tangible era markers have changed, the heart of the drive-in movie is every bit the same. The concessions are still serving up the usual menu of popcorn, pop and ice cream, the black and white photo booth is still snapping away shots behind the drawn curtain, […]

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