*Options I considered for this project:

I had debated between making it a living space or a dining space. Though I still like the idea of having some comfortable seating in the screened porch, I'm happy with my decision.

*Questions and unexpected events that arose during the project:

I've debated putting up curtains in this space to give the room a softer feel. I actually did a very similar installation in my friend's screened in porch, and it turned out great.

*My motivation to do this project:

This is the one outdoor space I can use year round, and being right off the kitchen, it's a great place to entertain friends, so I wanted to make it feel like an extension of the interior spaces of my home.

*Project Steps:

I basically had to find a good indoor/outdoor area rug that was affordable. There are so many great ones out there, but they all come with a matching price tag. Although they are much cheaper than a traditional rug, I wasn't willing to spend $300 on an outdoor rug. I then found great placemats and cushions for the fold up chairs I have, which all tied together really well. Finally, I made a simple tea light holder a little more interesting with the use of some decorative moss as a centerpiece.

Advice:

Do: shop around for affordable materials

Don't: buy anything too expensive, since it is a space that can be susceptible to the elements.

Materials:

Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug - $80.00

Chairs - $60.00

Table - $100.00

Placemats - $20.00

Candle Holder - $8.00

Decorative Moss - $5.00

Cushions - $32.00

*Options I considered for this project:

The walls were this color when I purchased the home, and I've debated repainting them to either a different shade of blue or a different color altogether. However, The room still feels great, so I've held off on painting for now. I also had two sets of bedroom furniture when I moved here, and I had originally placed my larger queen sized set of furniture in this room (note the before picture). Essentially, though the furniture looked fine in the space, the mattress of that bed wasn't working for my back. I decided to swap out the bedroom set for my other set, which is a full size bed, but with a much better mattress. I also wanted to find some great wall art, along with interesting night stands, that didn't look too "matchy matchy" with my other dark wood furniture.

*Questions and unexpected events that arose during the project:

One very frustrating part of this room is the lack of electrical sockets. For my nightstands, I'm currently running an extension cord under my bed to the wall under my windows, because there is no other place to plug in my lamps.

*My motivation to do this project:

I wanted to have a calm, peaceful retreat for whenever I need to get away from the world (and my pets!). It's a small space, and I wanted to keep the elements in the room minimal, so that it would feel larger.

*Project Steps:

I measured the space, and basically moved around the furniture until I found a configuration I liked. I then found great deals on mirros and coordinating seagrass nightstands that gave a great texture to the space. I also hung some dark chocolate curtains to give some extra weight to the window wall, and allow for me to completely block out light when I need it.

Advice:

Don't: buy an entire furniture set that matches. It's completely boring!

Do: move around furniture throughout your house until it suits your space and your needs.

Materials:

Nightstands - $60.00

Lamps & Shades - $40.00

Curtains - $40.00

Curtain Rod - $30.00

Decorative Mirrors - $40.00

Bedding - $50.00

*Options I considered for this project:

I considered purchasing a conversation set, with chairs and matching ottomans. However, I typically like to have several friends over at a time, and with only two chairs, it really limited the entertaining space. I've always wanted a great sectional, but wanted one that fit perfectly in the space.

*Questions and unexpected events that arose during the project:

I was expecting the sectional to be a bit lower to the ground, so if I had to go back, I would try to find a lower sectional. This is so that my living room window doesn't get masked as much.

*My motivation to do this project:

I've always wanted a great front porch that I could relax at and enjoy. Even though I had furniture on the porch, I wanted something truly comfortable.

*Project Steps:

I took specific measurements of the space, and came up with several configurations of a sectional that would work for the space. Once I ordered the piece, all I had to do was assemble and enjoy! I did add some extra pops of color with a potted herb garden and some classic hanging ferns.

Advice:

Do: plan for the space you have and make sure the furniture fits the space well.

Materials:

Chesapeake Sectional - $1800.00

Outdoor Rug - $80.00

Pots for Herbs - $25.00

Hanging Ferns - $28.00

Decorative Pillows - $30.00

*Options I considered for this project:

I considered doing a eating area outside, because there's a large enough space for an outdoor dining set. However, my screened porch currently has a dining table, and it seemed redundant to have another dining area. I knew I wanted potted plants and something to plac on the expanse of deck railing.

*Questions and unexpected events that arose during the project:

I lost a few pots to fallen branches and pesky squirrels. I also have to clean my white patio furniture fairly often during the spring months when the pollen here is so high.

*My motivation to do this project:

I typically use my screened in porch much more than I use my deck, mainly because I don't like to deal with mosquitoes. However, in the later fall and early spring months, being out on the deck makes more sense.

*Project Steps:

I cleaned off the deck with a leaf blower and hose. I purchased various plants and pots. I purchased a new gas-charcoal grill, which I definitely use the most often. I took existing furniture from my front porch and used it for this back space.

Advice:

Do: maintain your plants and furniture, keeping everything watered and clean!

Materials:

Railing Planters - $30.00

Potted Plaint Soil - $8.00

Various Pots - $50.00

Weber Grill - $329.00

*Options I considered for this project:

I would love to do so much to this space. I have a fairly large yard for my neighborhood, and it's a space I'd like to use more. I would love to install a water feature towards the back, which would ideally help the serious mosquito issue. I also want a lot more color throughout the yard, but at the same time keeping a very low maintenance space. The far end of my yard is overgrown with ivy and spreading bamboo, making it a really challenging area for plants to grow. It's also shaded by three large white oak trees and a smaller dogwood. I would love to get a landscaper for this project, because plants are really not my forte.

*Questions and unexpected events that arose during the project:

Some areas of my lawn have not been able to recover, and I'm not sure what the solution is for these spaces.

*My motivation to do this project:

My backyard was essentially a dustbowl when I first moved in, which caused heavy erosion during any rain storm. My dog also saw the dry, sparse yard a a digging field, which I knew I'd have to address.

*Project Steps:

I identified the type of grass my backyard had and then researched the type of maintenance I'd have to do to strengthen the lawn. This involved purchasing fertilizers for the various seasons and maintaining the lawn with frequent mowing (weekly).

Advice:

Do: be patient with your lawn. It won't turn lush and green overnight!

Do: research the plants you purchase for your space. You want to try and find the plants that are hardy and will withstand the conditions of your soil and space.

Materials:

Time Released Fertilizer 10-10-10 - $25.00

Various Hostas - $40.00