Extreme Home Makeover: Backyard Edition

Next month I am "hoping" to have a finished backyard for my Housewarming & Birthday Party.  Almost a year ago I bought an older 1950's house and completely gutted and remodeled it so that it looked like it would fit into 2010!  (perhaps I'll share more of my experience & before/after photos of the inside on future posts)

After 2.5 months of 24/7 construction we finished the inside & the front yard; however, because winter and rain attacked us, we held off on the backyard.  We are FINALLY landscaping the backyard for summer so it doesn't look like a scary jungle...Instead it is starting to look more like this...I keep debating on the style, but I'm thinking "modern/zen" meets "beachy chic".  I want to create an outdoor extension to the house (since the backyard is about 2 times bigger than the house) with an outdoor dining area, BBQ bar, fire pit, pergola sitting area, and more...

{Images clockwise from top: Restoration Hardware Stinson Sofa Collection; Crate & Barrel Lanterns; CB2 White Planters; Restoration Hardware Stinson Dining Collection; Crate & Barrel Yellow Madison Outdoor Pillows; CB2 Galvanized Planters}