At 6 a.m. today, here's what our screened porch looked like. This unheated space is a room we enjoy for five months of the year, once the warm weather arrives. During the other seven months, we use this space for storage since we don't have a basement (a good thing as we're near the coast) and we have a tiny one-car garage. But once the weather turns and those warm breezes blow, there is no other room in our home that we enjoy more than our porch.
This morning, it took me three hours to scrub the wainscoting, floor, and furniture and to set up this room. But it's a chore I relish because this room is our very special summer place. So here's what our porch looks like now . . .
I just love this little room. To me, it screams SUMMER!
It's our favorite spot for dinner or Sunday brunch.
The chaise lounge is a cozy place to read . . . or nap!
A basket of magazines next to a comfy wicker chair; all that's missing is a cup of tea.
Flower power: a six dollar set of place mats from Party City sets a cheerful summer table.
This vintage folding bed tray makes a nice desk for writing or reading. It's a good perch for a laptop, too.
We can't seem to come home from the beach without some found object to add to our collection.
There is still one more thing we need to do to truly make this room a screened porch. We have to take out the windows and put in the screens. But with our backyard covered in oak dust from all of our trees, we'll pop in the screens once John has had a chance this weekend to sweep up and collect the dust. It's not one of his favorite jobs, but once he's done, he can relax and have a big glass of lemonade with me out on our screened porch.
Susan
You're right Colette. The floor is painted wood. Isn't is a great color? We used an outdoor deck paint that has epoxy added so it holds up really well. I used the same product for the painted checkerboard floor in my studio.
Posted by: Susan | May 23, 2009 at 06:18 AM
In the pics the floor doesn't look concrete. It looks like it has lines of a wooden floor. ?? It is such a beautiful porch. The simplicity of the whole room looks so relaxing. Oh what a wonderful spot.
xo Colette
Posted by: colette | May 23, 2009 at 04:26 AM
You do have a beautiful porch, a bit like an indoor outdoor room with all that fresh color.
Posted by: Pearl Maple | May 21, 2009 at 04:47 AM
Blogs are good for every one where we get lots of information for any topics nice job keep it up !!!
Posted by: Writing Up Dissertation | May 21, 2009 at 02:53 AM
Oh my! I am in awe! It is beautiful! Love the table beside the chair, and your dining table and chairs! ENJOY!!
Hugs,Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | May 20, 2009 at 12:01 PM
Ack! It's gorgeous! What an absolutely charming space.
Posted by: Pam | May 20, 2009 at 08:44 AM
It is perfectly delightful. I love my screened porch too although it's rather plain with a concrete floor and plain walls but it's all screened in permanently and the sounds and breezes are wonderful. I enjoy sitting in my big swing the most and reading, or whatever. My grandkids love to come over and eat out there and always ask, even in the dead of winter.
Posted by: Connie W | May 19, 2009 at 02:25 PM
It screams summer to me too! How totally lovely...
Stay Cozy, Carrie
Posted by: Carrie | May 19, 2009 at 02:23 PM
I know exactly how you feel! I did not grow up with a screened porch, but we have had one for the last 12 years, and I can't imagine not having one now. I do believe that my blood pressure becomes instantly lower when I sit out there, and somehow, our meals taste better and seem a little more romantic when enjoyed on the porch. It is my "happy" place.
♥, Susan
Posted by: black eyed susans kitchen | May 19, 2009 at 01:13 PM