Extending Our Living Space Outdoors

I’m outdoorsy…in the fact that I like to sit outside and eat, read, watch my kids play, or drink wine. When the weather is nice, I almost can’t bear to stay inside. I wanted a nice bug free area to eat meals and visit with friends. So the first thing we did when we moved into our house was add in a screened in porch. We have a very country style home, complete with a wrap around porch, but that didn’t mean my accents had to be country.

Mohawk’s broad assortment of outdoor rugs includes fun colorful designs in a ton of great patterns. I settled on the Mystic Ikat Outdoor rug and I just LOVE the funky global inspired pattern. Our country blue house just makes the blue on this rug pop. And to finish the look, I added some fun red Ikat Threshold Pillows from Target (don’t they match perfectly?) and an awesome little succulent that wouldn’t need sun or water. I don’t do plants…and by “do” I mean “keep alive.”

Have you ever found a great pattern you liked but were unsure whether it would work in your space?? My TRICK: I always like to print out pictures of the rugs I’m thinking of and lay them on the floor where they are going. This helps me visualize the look. That way once I get it down, I know it’s going to look great.

It even matches my “Good Friends, Good Wine, Good Times” sign!

Here is a close up to show you the soft texture and detail of the design. I can’t even tell you how soft this is on my tootsies!

Mohawk uses marine backing on these rugs which is just like boat carpet. It lets the water pass through allowing it to dry faster.

The Finished Product! A perfect place for breakfast, lunches, dinner and, of course, happy hour! Come on over!

And a Bench redo…I’m a little sentimental about the benches around my house. We were short on reception seating at our wedding. So my friend and wedding planner suggested we purchase wood benches from Walmart to accommodate people. Well, flash forward 7 years: We use them on our huge wrap around porch and really cherish their sentimental value, and the benches are looking a bit rough. Our dog loves to lay on this particular bench and it’s just had it.

So I decided a fresh coat of white paint and some flashy throw pillows, and this bench would be as good as new. I’m ecstatic at the outcome! I bought these throw pillows at Home Depot and I just love them!

This is the grungy before…

And a happily ever after just like the hubs and I…

What do you think??