This time of year, I totally dream about outdoor spaces. To me, there’s nothing better than enjoying the outdoors, with a breeze in the air (well, we can pray for a breeze here!), a cold drink to sip and a magazine to browse. Here in the South, a day with low humidity is extra special.
Something like this would work.
I really thought I might have my hubby talked into finally building a screened porch where our current open deck is, but it isn’t happening….at least this year and maybe never.  The neighbors behind us just had their deck rebuilt into a screened porch, so that further added to my own desire to have one.  I watched longingly and listened to the sounds of hammers nailing and saws buzzing for days. We actually got 3 estimates too, just to see the cost breakdown. FYI, around here the estimates ranged from $10,500 to over $14,000 for a screened porch with shingled roof and all the things that go with it. Could we do it? Yep, we could and if it was up to me, we would. I know it’s a space we would enjoy, but my hubby is not convinced. And when it comes to big projects like that, he has the final say.
So, after much discussion lots of whining from mostly me to the hubs, it’s too much money, he thinks and not something he wants to spend $$ on. So, my dreams of a covered porch will just have to continue being a dream for the moment. And these photos will be my inspiration. 
Wouldn’t you love to enjoy this space? (from Coastal Living)
Or this one? (from Coastal Living)
How quaint and cute this little porch is. (from Coastal Living)
And oh my goodness, look at this dreamy porch, with that pretty graphic green fabric, white furniture with splashes of sunshine yellow.  Now this is a heavenly porch. (from DecorPad)
More yellow and white wicker, a winning combination. (from My Home Ideas)
(from Southern Accents)
This looks to be a stately old Southern home with a sprawling porch across the front. This would be heaven, sitting in the rocking chairs and rocking the day away out of the weather.  
(from This Old House)
To me, there’s nothing better than taking a nap outside and I can get my snooze on outdoors in the best possible way. I’ve always loved that.
(Country Living, June 2010, Barbara Baekgaard’s house in Seaside, FL, the Vera Bradley lady)
Now, this is one beautiful porch, don’t you agree?! Those tall shutters flanking the very tall French windows (or doors), are just breathtaking and really make this look. And the soaring white beamed ceiling gives such a feeling of spaciousness. Another porch I totally love. 
(from Southern Living, June 2010)
The new Southern Living featured this fantastic porch and I love Every. Single. Thing. About. IT!
I must take after my Dad. His favorite spot at their house is his outdoor swing, which he built under a little canopy, so it shields him from the sun and he takes some major naps out there in that sweet swing.
So, back to reality. I do TOTALLY realize that I’ve got SO MUCH to be thankful for and having a screened porch is a luxury and certainly not a necessity. So, I’m putting on my big girl panties 🙂 and making the best of what we have. Come back tomorrow for another discussion on that and I’ll show you what I’ve got up my sleeve to make our current deck and under deck patio even more liveable and useful.
Whining is over, time to make it happen!
So, tell me about YOUR outdoor space. Do you have a lovely space like these pics or are you still dreaming too?
Just for good measure, I’m entering the Traditional Home $26,000 Outdoor Room giveaway and the Trex Decking new deck giveaway for 3 lucky people. I figure that can’t hurt either, so feel free to join me if you are yearning for a new outdoor space. I am not getting anything from posting these links, just passing along some fun contests for you. Would I love to win? Heck yeah!!
Rhoda,
While ours is not screened, it is covered. We too went round and round a few years back…do it or not. EVERYONE was around these parts. Well, after realized we’d had to replace decking boards twice due to the severe sun (we’re in Atlanta), the abuse our french doors were taking on said deck from the sun and not to mention it BEATING thru our windows onto EVERYTHING in it’s path…we did it. We are so glad we did. We replaced the decking and railings with a version of Trex…so no more painting/splitting/rotting wood…just a quick was each spring! And, it has helped cut down on A/C costs believe it or not, because our kitchen stays sooo much cooler. No more faded furniture/curtains either. I’d say we got our money back!!! Just thought it might help convince the hubby. ; )
I’m dreaming of a screened in patio too. We had a nice big covered patio built last year, and it would be so great if it was screened in. It’s a BIG dream though. 🙂
Go for it decor chick…we did our covered porch and it was not all that expensive. No regrets!!
I have an open deck and I hate it…I want a full covered porch and am working on getting some other needed things out of the way…so, hopefully in a year or two.
Good luck with that! I love porches – beach porches, glass enclosed porches, decks, patios, victorian porches – I’ve always wanted one! At this stage of game I was happy my husband changed burned out lightbulbs this weekend! Lol! Jennifer jennsthreegraces
Oh Rhoda, I feel your pain. I know you will freshen up your back deck and it will look amazing and now that hubby said no to the covered porch maybe you can pull the I didn’t get my way card and do even more decorating on the deck,hehe,Just thinking?!!! I noticed you had post on your deck, I think some curtains are in order!!! My front porch is only 3ft by 16ft but I made it look cozy and inviting. you have a wonderfully creative mind, I can’t wait to see what all you come up with!! Hugs Kathysue
I am IN LOVE with all of these porches! I’m still dreamin’. I want a big ole’ wrap around porch with rocking chairs, a swing and a fan 🙂
We have lived with cement slab for almost 11 years and have been talking about adding a screened in porch for the past 10. It may happen within the next couple of years – hopefully. Unfortunately, we just really don’t use the space much now as it is, since there is no protection from the Alabama sun and the bugs.
I love this post and would love to have any of these beautiful outdoor spaces. I live in Arizona and homes here don’t usually have porches. I am lucky to have a very large covered entry that I can decorate. I have been wanting to give this area a face lift and this post has been very inspiring!
I have many different ‘outdoor spaces’ but nothing as nice as the photos you have posted! My deck overlooks a great yard with a ‘creek’ below.. my own creek.. the name of it is “Alligator Creek” and yes, it does have Alligators in there!!
I may be able to screen in the deck but I have two very large Hickory trees (4 stories tall) and it’s impossible to screen around them…so I deal with the bugs and nuts falling.. Not to mention all the critters that live in my habitat. It’s registered with National Wildlife …
But to have a real porch, that is in my dreams!
Nice post..
Sandy
http://thewondersofdoing.blogspot.com/
Oh I think I might give up food if I could have one of these porches. Maybe someday
sadly still dreaming, but the lights I just bought are starting to push it in the right direction.
Hey Rhoda….I have a screened in porch but it doesn’t look anything like these pics! If you just want some fun, I could loan you my porch to spruce up:)….could even let you take a nap or two on it as well:)……
I have a full length (front of house) screened in porch which I absolutely love. It is so nice not having to fight the mosquitos and flies.
Love the pictures!! My husband is from down South and when we go down to visit, I love all the front porches with rocking chairs and the relaxing lifestyle down there. Wish we all had a little more of that southern relaxing way of life!! Thanks.
A screened in porch is on my wish list. I think it is about to come to reality. We have spent 2 nights eating dinner at my sister’s (on her screened porch) and hubby really enjoyed it. I grew up with a screened porch at my parents’ lake house. I really miss being able to unwind after the TN temps have cooled in the evenings. I am sensitive to mosquito bites, so I don’t sit outside in the open!
Your pictures only make my choice of design a bit harder! Wonderful.
I don’t understand why all builders don’t include a screened in porch when they build a home. It only makes sense. We screened in our covered patio off the kitchen and are thinking of screening in the porch off our bedroom. I want to put a daybed out there for naps. Our other porch isn’t big enough. Like you said, naps outside are the best. You can’t beat it when mosquitos are biting and it wasn’t that expensive either. Thanks for sharing those great porches and maybe in time you can have yours screened in.
Try adding curtains to your porch! It looks so good, gives privacy, and it can shield you from that hot southern sun. Especially on these 90 degree days we’ve been having, at least in NC! All while making your porch a cozy spot. Can’t wait to see it done!
Hey Rhoda, My dream of a screened porch is on hold, too, but I recently saw a mosquito net in a catalog that fits over a deck umbrella and makes a miniature “screened porch!” 😉 Seriously, though, I can’t wait to see what you come up with. I enjoy your blog.
Blessings, Marilyn
I LOVED the first one…I was drooling….it’s amazing!!!
Rhoda,
I am dreaming right with you!