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Saturday, February 6, 2010

Outdoor Spaces

I don't know about you but I am totally ready for Spring! Every year at this time, I start to think about the bane of my outdoor existence...the gypsy moths. If you live in the Northeast, you know what I'm talking about. If you do not know what I'm talking about, let me enlighten you. They are caterpillars (that eventually turn into moths) that eat the trees and poop...yes poop... all over the place. It is beyond gross and it makes enjoying your outdoor space nearly impossible. This year we have taken care of the problem. We took down 4 giant Oak trees that were the bulk of our poopy problem and now we are looking forward to a poop-free summer:)

So this has my creative juices flowing! I really want to create outdoor spaces that I can enjoy all summer long. The space needs to meet a few criteria: it must be a space that I can relax and watch the sun set with my husband after the kids go to bed; it must be great for entertaining; it must be kid friendly; and it must have a space where I can stretch out with a good book and maybe even get some sun!

Our outdoor space has good bones, as "they" say, so all it needs is a little TLC and an inviting decorative touch. We will be working with a screened porch, deck and patio. Most of my focus will be dedicated to the screened porch. And thanks to a woodpecker that got trapped in there last summer, we need all new screens! My husband and I think we can tackle that project on our own and save some bucks there. Oh and did I mention that I'm on a very strict budget??? So Craigslist and garage sales will be my shopping resource. Also, I will be sewing all the pillows and making all the cushions myself. Of course, I will take you on that journey with me! This is the screened porch...




And these are my inspiration rooms...


I love the white painted ceiling in this room and I'm toying with the idea of a daybed...


Love the painted coffee table in this one...


Again, love the white ceiling and the natural fiber rug...


I really like this furniture layout. This is my inspiration sofa! I definitely want a full three seater sofa and hopefully I can find some thick cushions like these...fingers crossed:)


Part of me really likes traditional white wicker porch furniture. Makes me want to sit with a pitcher of sweet tea! Not sure that I will go this route, but I do like the idea of a wicker chaise...



And then there is the Shabby Chic...I love the gauzy drapes and the fresh, feminine style. hmmmmm....


Because we use the porch to house food and drink tables when we have parties, I want the porch to have light and comfortable furniture that can easily be moved out for parties. I like the look of white wicker, but I'm open to Seagrass and Banana Leaf too. I want the room to feel cool and inviting, but be very comfortable i.e. lots of pillows and soft cotton fabrics. To sum it up, i don't want it to be too fussy and comfort is of the utmost importance.

I am leaning toward a Shabby Chic look for this porch. But like I've said before, I like to marry all different styles so I expect this to be very interesting and fun! Stay tuned to watch this project unfold...
See you tomorrow!

3 comments:

  1. Love shabby chic...love your choices, SO want to go shopping with you! Where do you find your inspiration pics? Do you have a fave place online you go, or do you just google "outdoor spaces"? would LOVE to hire you...I really need help with some things I think you have an eye for :( I have bought some beautiful things, but am unsure of where to place some of them...and am afraid to commit without a full plan...I got into trouble before hanging one thing, and then it didn't work into a grander scheme. You know what I mean?!?! I LOVE your blog!!! So fun! This is so up my alley:)

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  2. Oh, yeah...and I adore the daybed idea...love that dark wood, personally-and with the white to contrast-love it. I say white ceilings and then play with different wood/painted table down below!

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  3. Hey Tricia! I'm so glad that you are following me! I found a lot of my outdoor space inspiration on Myhomeideas.com. They have great pics for inspiration! I am in the process of setting up an online design service through this blog...I could definitely help you out if your interested:) Thanks!

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