THE HOME DEPOT PATIO CHALLENGE.

Friends. I can't even begin to contain the excitement of design-related happenings 'round here. For instance: I'm really still pinching myself that Home Depot even knows that I exist, but even more than that, they've asked me to partake in their spring Patio Style Challenge for their fabulous design and DIY-centric blog, The Apron.

So, that means this girl will be rolling up her sleeves and working hard to revamp our new city-centered courtyard and patio area (as yes, we're finally moved back to Kentucky!). In fact, the uber-fabulous patio set that was so graciously provided by Home Depot arrives on my doorstep today...so I guess this challenge can officially begin! Being that we're nestled into a historic downtown cottage with a walled-in courtyard, I'm thinking I'll stick with the property's traditional roots, and garner a space that begs to be lived and entertained in...both day and night.

Here's a little prelude to what I'm envisioning for our new patio:

Relatively classic and tailored, but with unexpected punches thrown in (of course, if you know me well). Light gray/blues, green, black and white, and those cabana stripes! Painted concrete. Chippendale railings. Planter boxes, trellises, and plantings galore. And other little additions that I have hiding up my bound-to-get-dirty sleeves :) Planning starts NOW.

So, yes...this girl has some work to do. In a pretty major way. Our patio is...umm...old. And quite abandoned. Can't wait to make her into an outdoor living space that beckons for sipping ice cold cocktails in the sunshine. I'll be posting updates as I make major progress, but if you want to stay plugged into the nitty gritty of the #PatioStyleChallenge, you can follow me on Pinterest and Instagram (my handle is@hannahmaple), and keep an eye out for the official Patio Challenge hashtag #HeartOutdoors. All of us challengers will be avidly working to keep you well-informed and involved! So cheers to the arrival of springtime, and to the arrival of my patio set. And an amazingly huge thank you to the staffers at Home Depot! I'm more than excited to be working with such an amazing company, and sincerely flattered that they even asked!

HAPPY TUESDAY. Already?!