Lately, we’ve been talking a little about all things landscaping and outside beautification around the home because we totally have spring fever. I want all the warm weather and pretty colors and fun that comes with it. Now that the chaos of the inside rehab over the past two years {aka redoing ALL the things} has died down a bit, we’re thrilled to talk about something new we have up our sleeves today.
When we first moved into our house, the back porch looked like this.
And the pool… was EW.
So one of the very first things we took on, was this back porch makeover.
And at the time, it was absolutely perfect. It was just what we needed. It was our haven while chaos ensued on the inside, {and with our personal lives in getting settled}. Along with taking on a renovation, we were also all about getting our children settled in a new school and growing our business… it was really a place we went to rest.
It was a place where we grew friendships in a new town as a new us.
We love it.
But as all things go, as it also turns out, this little area came with its own definite set of cons. For starters, while we’ve established that it’s been great for some time, this little metal shed leaks when it rains. And the way the water flows when it rains, creates a total river through our little back porch area. We learned this the hard way, when we placed rugs out in the back, and they were demolished within a few weeks.
Until we were actually present at the house when it was raining, {remember, we were mid renovation} and we could see the river in person. It was a total nightmare for a while with moisture issues and more.
Yay. Whee. And other sarcastic undisclosed-by-the-previous-owner real estate things here.
If you’ve been following for a while, then you know that we rerouted the water problem, and sealed in our basement accordingly. But that still leaves the fact that this old metal shed has been sitting for probably well over a few decades now, and it’s time for a fresher {updated} option.
And if I have my way, a prettier one, even though {IMO because I’m completely biased} the photos do make it look pretty appealing.
We are pretty sentimental about the entire thing, as this porch was the first thing we took on in the house. We’ll never forget that first sweltering summer when we were working so hard on the inside, and this was the first project that made it all feel possible.
If we had this area feeling nice and sweet and a place for fostering friendships, what would the inside feel like? As it turns out, it was just a sneak peek.
And we really have absolutely loved it.
But, since leaking is an issue and the metal shed thingy must come down, we decided it was time to think a little bigger and long term when it comes to all things back porches and entertaining.
If you’ve been reading for a while, then you know that we’re also very If You Give a Mouse a Cookie around here when it comes to all things changes and renovations and add-ons and just really making our house a home. So the plans slowly went from a simple deck, to a screened in porch, to more.
And what we have planned now, is a bit of an all seasons room.
We still have our list of things to change, like the process to begin our master addition {we’re waiting a few years for that, and praying for sewage to come through so septic is no longer an issue} and we still have a few more fun things on the list for our property. But this all seasons room is taking on a bit of a precedent since we basically purchased this house because of the pool and yard and school. We’re thinking friends and family gatherings and so much more, which is our top priority right now.
More so than that clawfoot tub I’m still dreaming about, down the line.
So we’re thrilled to share our plans.
This is what we have so far, and we’re in the very middle of applying for our permit. About 1.5 months into the process. Because as permits go, it takes a while here. {Welcome to the ridiculosity that is WSCO.} But here’s the good news: We already have the green light from septic, and are now on steps three and four, and very close to beginning. FOR REALZ.
At least that’s what I’m telling myself as I type this.
Even though we all know better.
Yes, I rather enjoy living in denial.
We’re fine-tuning the details and design plans, and we really can’t wait to show you what the actual inside will look like.
We still don’t know if we will be able to build an actual master addition onto the house, so that’s a pause for now. And we knew that we really wanted this area for entertaining. We don’t have an actual “dining room” inside the house, but love the idea of an outdoor dining space for our main area.
Since it will be enclosed, this is also an awesome potential space for winters, as well. Hello additional cozy fireplace and all things gathering. {If you’ve got an eagle eye, you may notice that the fireplace is flipped in several images. That’s because we can’t quite decide which side is best, with the sun positioning and furniture layout on the inside.} And of course we can’t wait to enjoy lounging as we watch the kids swim through some gorgeous new windows from Window World.
Ultimately, this little space is a little more room to spread out, too.
Here’s a basic graphic I came up with to see how it works architecturally with the rest of the house. This is ultimately the same side twice, but since I didn’t have the other side of the house photographed, it’s the same concept on the other side, only with a chimey.
Oh, and that {somewhat rotted} fence will go eventually, too. We’re not totally oblivious to that one, and have plans to expand since we actually sit on an acre lot. We’re just slowly but surely adding what we need, as we need it.
We’ve come a long way, and can’t wait to show you the rest.
Let progress begin!
And wish us alllll the luck. Any input from savvy peeps who have added something like this to your own home? We’d love to hear any personal recommendations you have.
Have an inspired day!
Janna says
Wow so detailed! I love the thought you guys put into everything!
Lisa Ronan says
Oh I really, really hope this all comes to fruition for you!!! We have been teetering with the same thing since July. My parents moved in with us in August due to health issues and we luckily built a first floor bedroom and added a shower to the powder room when we built, however we didn’t plan on both of them being here and needing separate spaces for tv and such. We had finally had our house how we wanted it and boom… anyhow, I’m hoping to get a four season room in the next year too. We also have a pool and struggle with placement of the addition (s) in regards to the pool, sun angle and wind blockage or not. Did I mention we also had very nice trees planted in the last year right where the addition might have to goš I can’t wait to see what you do and I’d love to know how you got those futuristic pics to show you what it’ll look likeš
ashley @ the handmade home says
I can only imagine how challenging that is! Thank you so much for your sweet comments! The images were created in both illustrator and photoshop – we use these for our clients so that they can see what their projects will look like. I am a designer by trade. I hope that helps! ;}
Niki says
My husband and I just added an all seasons room to the back of our house very similar to your plans. We live in southern Missouri in the middle of no where, not too far from you all. We had a surprise 3rd child and our house was busting at the seams. We originally was going to do another master bed room and bath. Then I got to thinking that our oldest was 12 and would we really need 4 bedrooms and 3 baths for much longer. So we decided on a family room as I call it. My husband calls it the back porch. We have a vent-less fireplace with a beautiful mantle and our tv above it. We reused our sliding glass door off to the right side and built a nice deck. We went with ship lap on the inside. The ceiling is vaulted, with stained tongue and groove pine. It has 7 windows all the way around. It’s built on a concrete slab. We had the floor painted. That would be nice for you all coming in out of the pool, you would have to worry about getting hard woods wet. They are very easy clean up. Our kids can bounce their basketballs in there without shaking the whole house. And they do ALL THE TIME. LOL! We have french doors with glass in them between the new room and our dining/kitchen. They are perfect for when our teenager has friends over, they can shut the doors but we can still spy in on them. It was so cozy sitting snuggled on the couch by the fire when it was cold out this winter. I excited for summer to see how we use it! If I knew how, I would attach pictures for you to see. I hope this has helped. I’m sure you won’t regret it!
April J Harris says
Oh my goodness, what fantastic inspiration! You really have come a long way! Thank you so much for sharing, and for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party!
Matt says
Dude this is amazing. can’t wait to see what you do. I love that you share so much with us!