at least for a few days… the temperature is a touch lower and we have a few cool evenings. It’s nights like these that I love to sit outside on a covered patio or a screened porch with a glass of wine, and just enjoy the relaxation that summer brings. Maybe it’s the heat during these months that slows us down a bit, you can’t help but just hang back a little more and chill out. A couple of years ago two friends of mine, Shelle Carrig and Becky Frey, turned their everyday outdoor patio into an amazing screened-in porch that I’m terribly envious of and have to tell you about. I’m scheming at every chance I get to figure out a way to have one of my own.

····························································································································································································

Becky is a realtor and is full of transformation ideas; I’m always impressed with her ability to rethink a space. It seems to me that above all, her houses are like retreats and have this calming sense about them and whether they are ultra modern or more traditional, they are very approachable and livable but always a tad luxurious. She definitely carries this fabulous easy living style into her own home.

You can see they vaulted the ceiling which makes the room feel huge. I love the beams they added to leave the height but bring the ceiling down to a more intimate level. The wood planking is key to the tranquility of this porch. The furniture is all carefully selected to allow you to just melt the minute you sit down. It’s all so incredibly comfortable.

Becky loves fireplaces (she puts one in almost every room…a girl after my own heart!) so of course they added a cozy stone fireplace as well as a television, ceiling fans (it is still Texas), a wine fridge and a little bar sink. There are double doors on two sides so the porch can open up if need be and double glass doors that lead straight into the living area in the house… perfect for easy indoor/outdoor entertaining. Just outside the porch opens up to an outdoor dining area complete with heaters…are you jealous yet too?