Creating a Natural Retreat in our own backyard
When we first saw our chalet-style cabin in Midcoast Maine last year, we fell in love with the natural landscape and the tidal ocean right in our own backyard. It’s our escape from the city, and we can’t help but feel the calm wash over us as soon as we arrive. While here, we want to prioritize our outdoor time and spaces just as much as the indoor spaces - designing in a way that would connect the two. There is truly nothing like grabbing a cup of coffee and heading outside to watch the tide arrive in the morning (or look at the birds digging through the mud).
The view from the water, we put the camera in a 1 gallon baggy for this one!
/ / Disclaimer: We worked with Wayfair Professional to complete this project, and this blog post contains affiliate links. Thank you so much for following along on our journey and for your support!
Before & After
// In case you missed it: Behind the scenes there were many many hours spent digging, moving plants, cleaning up brush, and dead tree limbs. Change doesn’t happen overnight - just keep chipping away!
The Design Plan
One of the most exciting parts of this process is developing a lot of land that is so much larger, and different, than we have in Boston. Our secret garden is the perfect urban oasis in the busy city, but here - it’s a totally different kind of natural beauty.
In Maine we want to lean into the surroundings, and create a more casual (and easy-to-maintain) kind of natural aesthetic. We will see how it all unfolds because sometimes, that unkempt natural look, takes just as much work. We will just have to see how it goes.
A few of our priorities for designing the exterior included:
Cleaning up the overgrowth and years of neglect
Removing invasive plants and using native plantings whenever possible
Designing with organic shapes that compliment the surroundings
Creating a space to enjoy closer to the water, that is elevated
Enough comfortable seating for when friends or family are visiting
Low-maintenance …. we want it to feel like we are on vacation when we visit - not worrying too much about the small stuff.
Being part of the Wayfair Professional program was a huge help for this large-scale project. We started with pretty much nothing and had two different zones that we wanted to create. Wayfair has an enormous and unique collection of outdoor needs that fit a variety of design styles. It became our one-stop-shop for this project and we are thrilled with the pieces we chose.
// Pro Tip: If searching Wayfair is too overwhelming try one of the specialty brands. AllModern is our favorite because the collection is really well curated!
The Deck
Our existing deck needed a little facelift, so it seemed like the perfect excuse to test out the pressure washer. Once we made a few passes, scrubbed off the mildew, sanded, stained, it looked sooo much better!
Deck - Before
David - Pressure washing
// FAQ: We have loved C2 Paint for a long time and we love the C2 Guard for Wood when staining, we used the color Cordova.
Then came the fun part - installing and styling! We started by putting together this beast of a grill. It has storage space, looks substantial, has a griddle for veggies, and even has an additional counter surface. Not only does grilling feel synonymous with summertime, but it’s also easier than cleaning up the kitchen. We’ve been cooking up grilled chicken, veggies, and the occasional pizza. We also added a rust-resistant patio cooler for all the beverages.
The deck chairs are definitely what catches your eye first. They are low so they don’t obstruct the ocean view from inside and they feel elevated from the Adirondack chairs below. We also selected them because while they look and feel exactly like wicker - they are actually an extruded resin. This was essential to us from a maintenance point of view. When we took them out of the box we actually had to read the specs again because we were convinced they were real wicker. It’s kind of amazing.
The finishing touches on this space include these modern solar-powered lanterns, outdoor sconces, a variety of planters made of different natural materials and colors, and these really cool side tables.
The Patio
This space is what Summer dreams are made of. To start, this area was really soft and mossy, and then after all the cleanup and leveling - a patch of dirt . We started by adding large patio stones in an organic way so that - one day - they will look like they have always been there. The feel for this space is 100% Natural Retreat.
Again, we wanted our exterior design to highlight natural focal points (our tidal cove), be a little less “fussy”, and have a modern cabin feel, making sure there was continuity from the interior. We chose a large, weathered steel fire pit as the centerpiece of our rock patio. This thing is absolutely huge and we love it - big enough to burn brush even! We know our nieces, nephew, (and future guests) will be making lots of s’mores out here. Then, we added all weather furniture, including Adirondack chairs, a bench, and soon, a picnic table so that there’s plenty of comfortable seating for everyone. It’s pretty wild how well this faux wood side table can pass for a real tree stump! Does anyone have any campfire ghost stories to share?!
To soften all the edges we chose a few large planters (this one’s our favorite) and planted them with annuals that will flower all summer long. Eventually we hope the grass will creep back in and they shrubs will take shape - reducing the need for annual mulching.
Special Project: Wood Storage
This little side project was a huge welcomed surprise. Our deck has always been very open - almost floating - with a bright white foundation seen below. We needed wood storage for the fire, and wood stove inside, so we started looking for solutions when we came across these brackets. We ordered 3 sets (for a total of 6 brackets) and made this storage using cedar 2x4’s.
The best part is that they sit off the ground to allow for airflow AND they provide an excellent screen. Who needs flimsy lattice when you can have wood?!
WAYFAIR PROFESSIONAL?!
You would be surprised about how many people qualify for the Wayfair Professional program! All you need is one of the following documents: Business License or Permit, State Tax Exemption, or Membership Document.
IS IT WORTH IT?! 100%
Not a member? Join for free at wayfairprofessional.com. Member benefits include Exclusive Pro Pricing (up to 15% off every day!), an extra 10% off specialty brands AllModern, Joss & Main, and Birch Lane** plus 360-degree service to help with product sourcing, consolidated delivery, and so much more.
Final Thoughts
When we started this project we committed to a design that complemented the natural surroundings while keeping maintenance in mind. Selecting materials and products that would last years.
We want this house to be a place where the dogs can romp, kids can play, and we can kick off our boots.
