Indoor/Outdoor Entertaining & Relaxation

If you live in the south, you are fully aware that the biggest deterrent to enjoying the outside is the bugs (frogs for me, but that is a story for another day.)  One way to combat the pesky bugs is to have a screened-in porch.  

 

Up until my parents followed me to Arlington, they always had a screened-in porch.  Once they moved to Arlington they bought a house with a front and back porch.  They quickly deduced that a screen porch would be needed.  After unsuccessfully trying to agree on how to screen in an existing porch, they decided to add a new porch off the kitchen.  This had the extra benefit of extending the entertaining space.

 

Unfortunately for them, this idea started during Covid and really was only a paper drawing for a good while.  As Covid restrictions eased they decided to go for it.  They hit issues finding tradesmen with availability.  They started interviewing construction companies, finally settling on one that was more a project manager that brought in the individual contractors through relationships.  Fast forward, 6 months, and they finally have a new porch.  

 

This porch is an eye-catcher from the street and breathtaking inside with its fireplace and soaring ceiling.  The tall screens help the airflow.  They are still working on furnishings and landscaping but you can see the space will be a show stopper they will enjoy for years to come.

 

Lessons learned along the way are to actually have an architect draw up the floor plans.  Find a contractor to manage the whole process that will be hands-on.  Plan on setbacks and delays so that you are not stressed or surprised.  Lots of deep breaths.

 

Check out these beautiful photos of the finished product below: