Patio Makeover

I'm really excited about our current project, the covered patio.  As you may recall from my last post, we did a great deal of work to the exterior of the house.  For the past two years, we've been playing with the idea of building a covered patio.  We desperately need one as the kids love to play outdoors and it's just too hot under the Miami sun.  A covered patio will also give us a place to chill out in the evenings and drink some wine, which we love to do. By we, I mean ME of course.  When we purchased the house, there was a screened in covered porch measuring about 10x7 with wood plank floors.  Without hesitation we tore it down as it served no purpose and was falling apart.  We left the wood planks in place so that we wouldn't step straight into the dirt when exiting to the yard.  In this photo you can see the wood planks but unfortunately, I don't have a photo of the screened in porch.  Our original idea was to immediately lay concrete and build the covered patio.  We soon realized that our budget did not extend that far and moved to an alternative.  We settled for mulch and walking stones in the dirt area until the right moment came along.  

Fast forward two years later, it's tiiiiiiimmmme to get this party started!  I've always loved exposed beam ceilings.  They give a rustic feel to an open space and just scream COZY to me.  Exposed beam ceilings go perfectly with our farmhouse-y type home, of which you will soon see for yourself.   I'm happy to say that construction started this week and here is where we are {yay}!  

Our hope is to have it done for my son's first birthday party in April.  I've accepted the fact that it probably won't be painted by then, and the space will not be decorated to my liking.  But, a roof over our heads is all we need.  I've drawn inspiration from these beautiful spaces and really can't wait to get started.

This is similar to the ceiling we'll end up with, but I think we may paint it white. I am obsessed with with the hanging lights, they give off the best ambience.  I also really love the Chicago brick floors in this space.  Our house came with Chicago brick inside (yes, you read correctly) so it might be nice to extend it into the porch area. I think it's time for Handy Andy to start building me a table like this one too.

Another gorgeous space. We plan to add at least two fans and a T.V. for Handy Andy.  He needs his sports,  I need my wine, it's the perfect compromise.  I also love the polished concrete floors here.  Gives the space a modern vibe while incorporating vintage furniture and accents. Totally me.  

I've thought about painting the beams the color of the house like in this space.  I think it would add a nice contrast to the white ceiling.  Too bad we can't use fireplaces in Miami or I might just add one. So gorgeous.

Decorating is really the best part and I can't wait to start picking out flooring, paint colors and furniture.