Decorating & Design
Garden Party: A Designer’s Clever Planning Turns A Suburban Backyard Into An Outdoor Oasis
Published on May 21, 2024
Designer Michelle Hurley always wanted a spacious backyard where the kids could kick a ball without it bouncing into traffic and where she could host a large garden party. In 2014, she and her husband bought a midcentury home in Toronto’s west end. Not only was the backyard 6,000 square feet, but with Mimico Creek so near, the family could hear water tumbling over the rocks. “The fact that this property is so close to the city blew us away,” says Michelle.
An extensive renovation to the house meant there wasn’t much budget left over for landscaping. “Our contractor built the decks and patios, but we did nearly everything else ourselves,” says Michelle. A new deck with a barbecue runs along two-thirds of the back of the house, and two limestone patios serve as everyday living and dining spaces. “We like the feeling of having our feet on the ground, so most of the space is at ground level as opposed to up on the deck,” says Michelle. “It’s more private and closer to nature.”
Scroll down for a look inside Michelle’s backyard — and discover her best garden party tip and design ideas!
A striking concrete fireplace doubles as a pizza oven while a traditional lion’s head fountain creates contrast with the more contemporary style of the house. For privacy, Michelle (pictured) had eight trees planted in the backyard, as well as shrubs. Striped umbrellas and a zebra-print rug tie the blue and white scheme together.
Designer Tip: Perk up solid upholstery with a mashup of colorful throw pillows.
Michelle furnished the backyard with a collection of vintage and big-box finds, and a few splurges like her six dining chairs. The wood dining table stays out year-round; Michelle sands, oils and restains it each spring so she can vary the color if she likes. “We eat on the patio almost every day from June to September,” says Michelle. “Being able to create this sanctuary within the city brings us a lot of joy. It’s where we host friends and family, and it’s such a calming space to have in our everyday life. We’re very grateful for it.”
Designer Tip: Wire your yard with grounded posts to power outdoor string lights.
Michelle’s vintage collection of Johnson Brothers transferware side plates helped inspire the palette for the table setting, which she augments with inexpensive tableware and accessories.
Designer Tip: Geometric and floral patterns mix for a vibrant tabletop.
A shed housing the lawn mower is elevated by a windowbox with trailing plants and vines.
Designer Tip: Soften utility buildings with windowboxes filled with plants and charming outdoor furniture.
The fountain was spray-painted black for a more classic look to contrast with the home’s mid-century modern architecture.
Designer Tip: Use fountains and fire elements as natural focal points.
Located just off the kitchen, this outdoor seating area is ideal for morning coffee or sunset cocktails.
Designer Tip: Potted greenery brings lushness to the deck.
This table is used for breakfast or lunch for the kids, and is a nice spot to dine when it’s raining.
Designer Tip: Invest in portable umbrellas to stay comfortable as the sun shifts.
Alex Lukey
House & Home
Michelle Hurley