DIY-wiz turns the unused space of her back garden into an Ibiza-inspired lounging area

Costa del patio! Creative homeowner transforms her garden into a beach-inspired retreat complete with a stunning covered lounge and a BBQ zone

  • Kerry Devlin, 46, from Belfast, transformed her back garden into a beach resort
  • She and her husband built decking, mosaic tiling and lounging area themselves 
  • They started transformation three years ago and finally completed it this year
  • Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19

Uncertainty over the coronavirus pandemic means many of us are staying close to home, but one savvy homeowner has created a holiday atmosphere by turning her unused back garden into a beach-inspired retreat. 

Kerry Devlin, 46, from Belfast, spent three years turning the patch of grass at the back of her house into a beautiful outdoor lounge, worthy of a sun-soaked holiday destination. 

With the help of her husband Nick, Kerry installed tiered decking and ‘zoned’ the space to created distinct areas for entertaining and relaxing, adding playful touches like straw parasols and mosaic floor tiles.   

Kerry Devlin, 46, from Belfast, spent three years turning the patch of grass at the back of her garden into an outdoor lounge (pictured) with decking and accessories

Before: The patch of land attached to Kerry's house (pictured) was separated by conifers, which she dug up with the help of her husband

Before: The patch of land attached to Kerry’s house (pictured) was separated by conifers, which she dug up with the help of her husband 

She shared the results on her Instagram page blonde_at_home, where she updates followers with her upcycling projects and retro interior finds.  

Speaking to Belfast Live about the project, Kerry said: ‘We had a small patch of land that came with the house that was divided from the main garden by conifers.

‘We decided to take them away in the first year to open up the space, and were left with a very rough and ready field, that was on a steep incline.

‘We divided the decking into different zones – an area for lounging that gets the sun all day long, and an area for barbecuing and eating, which we did in the second year.’

The couple invested in the decking and decorated it with second hand furniture or bargains bought on sale

The couple invested in the decking and decorated it with second hand furniture or bargains bought on sale 

Kerry making the most of her back garden's lounge during lockdown. The beautiful decking was artfully decorated

Kerry making the most of her back garden’s lounge during lockdown. The beautiful decking was artfully decorated 

The furniture in the lounging area is a mix or pieces Kerry hunted online, or DIY projects she completed with her husband

The furniture in the lounging area is a mix or pieces Kerry hunted online, or DIY projects she completed with her husband 

The couple saved money by finding pieces on bargain retailers like Gumtree, eBay, and Home Bargains, as well as charity shops. 

The interiors pro also upcycled items she already had. 

For example, she took the old drawer from her fireplace and repurposed it as a shelf on the fence. 

She cleverly bought the corner sofa and table during the winter sale on garden furniture, securing both for just £115.  

The outdoor tiered decking and lounging area sits proudly outside of Kerry's house (view from the kitchen)

The outdoor tiered decking and lounging area sits proudly outside of Kerry’s house (view from the kitchen)

The view from Kerry's outdoor decking, overlooking her house and the garden, perfect for sunbathing

The view from Kerry’s outdoor decking, overlooking her house and the garden, perfect for sunbathing