Underwhelming yard perplexes suburban homeowner

Uninviting, unremarkable, uninspiring.

We have lived here for 16 years and don't spend any quality time in the backyard. We have spent most of our time here fixing up the inside of the house. Now it's time for the outside.

We want to be able to have family and friends over and enjoy the outside as much as the inside. We have no sense of where to start, or how to make this backyard an oasis.

Design by Steinhafels

Expert: Andrea Odishoo, Vernon Hills store, www.steinhafels.com

This yard has so much potential. It is in dire need new patio seating and a fire feature.

Budget: $7,500 (furniture only)

Suggestions

• Create an inviting seating area with this sectional made using Sunbrella fabrics. Place firepit in center; sectional can be flipped so the view can be to the backyard or back of the house.

• Add tall planters on side to soften exterior wall and add visual interest. Add three to five low-maintenance shrubs like boxwoods to border the patio and frame the space.

• Consider dining collections made from recycled plastic that do not fade or rust, and are easy to clean. They're also available in a variety of colors. Some of these patio table and chair sets are counter height.

• Add umbrella for the dining area.