Exciting Changes: New Screened-In Porch Coming Soon!
Our new screened-in porch is officially underway, so prepare for all the details! It began with finding the perfect person to bring our vision to life. We were fortunate to work with a builder whose craftsmanship and attention to detail set him apart, making the process seamless and exciting. With his expertise, we are transforming a simple idea into a cozy 12-by-14-foot retreat, perfectly tailored to our lakeside home.
The Before
The 30-year-old wood planks, spindles, and railings were tired of being pressure-washed and stained. Not to mention, my husband, who is tired of the pressure-washing and staining, ha.






The Beginning of the Deck Update
From the start, there were a few non-negotiables to make this porch exactly what we envisioned. I’ve specced out my Dream Screened-In Porch here, including photos and ideas. There was a lot to think about, but for this room, the decisions came quickly. Whether because of the size, the look, or the expense, I was spot on with the final vision.
If you have read portions of my Blog, this may be redundant, but my primary message has always been patience. Please read an early excerpt from my story, Decorating 101.
Let me explain this patience-saving episode. If we had added our screened-in porch 5 years ago, we would have built it on top of 30-year-old wood planks. Because we waited, the time lapse allowed us to save money to replace the old wood planks with TREX™ to update our dated deck.

Another easy decision for me was to keep the existing footprint. We discussed multiple options to edit the size of the deck. We thought about relocating the stairs or extending the screened-in portion of the deck. Ultimately, the choice to keep the exact size of the deck has been excellent. I did not want to enlarge the space; it is perfect.
The Demolition
Why do men love to destroy? I get it. I was happy to see the 30-year-old wood disappear. Since the installation of the picture window, the magnitude of disdain for the upper deck made me want to pulverize it. 🤮

Fun times, watching the evolution of the new space.






The Build



The screened windows are designed with minimal obstructions above and below the handrails, so our lake view remains completely open and uninterrupted. The shed-style roof was a must, ensuring that the large picture window above the porch still floods our home with light while creating a sleek, unobtrusive profile.



The screened-in porch will complete the look from the back.



To complete the look, the entire structure will feature warm, natural cedar, giving it the rustic, welcoming feel that ties beautifully into the lakefront setting. Once complete, this porch will be the perfect place to relax, enjoy the views, and soak in the serene atmosphere we love so much.
Below is a picture of the exact sectional I want for this space. I found it on Pinterest and guess what?!?!? It is AI-generated, UGH! Seriously?

The back deck and screened-in porch are nearing completion. Please stay tuned, and I will share the finished product soon!

