Wednesday, August 21, 2013

36 Reader Spaces: The Great Outdoors!

I feel like I use the same words over and over when I write.  Things like "Holy bananas batman!" and "Superfab" and "Giddy excited!".  Well.  You all did it again.  You made me say those words and so many more.  Outloud.  At my computer.  My family laughs at me because believe it or not, I smile, giggle and even spurt out excited things when I work.  It's a joke around here, "Mom, you are smiling while typing again".  At first I tried to refrain because I felt silly clicking away with a permagrin, but I have learned to embrace it as a fact that I love what I do.

So when I finally had a chance to sit down and read through all of your outdoor projects from last months link-up party, you can imagine the overly excited reactions I had.  It. Was. Awesome.


Let's dive right in and recap how awesome y'all are OK?


There was such a variety of projects that were completed, but at the end of the day, they all had something in common.  You all were trying to create a place to enjoy, whether alone with a cup of coffee, or as a place to entertain with friends and family.  Anna's urban oasis photo says it all to me, it evokes a happy feeling of really enjoying the great outdoors.

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Samantha shared her story and process of finding the perfect porch swing.

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I think she scored big, and I can just imagine how amazing and relaxing it is on her front porch now.


Curtains make any outdoor space feel cozy and relaxing and like a vacation retreat.

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Darnetha shared how she added her curtains on a sweet budget.


Entertaining carts were a hit!  I love how many of you found old pieces to give new life to.

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Isn't Chaney's cart the most charming on the block?  I love the beautiful blue color paired with the pretty pink.

Angie gave her entertaining station a coat of joyful yellow paint.

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Simply delightful!


Oodles of you got the painting bug, and went after your front doors.  So many fun colors were used, including this bold and beautiful red done by Megan.

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And as you know, I personally crush over a gorgeous blue, whether teal, turquoise or navy.  Check out Jackie's door, in which she went through a bit of a process to land on the perfect shade!

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There were front porch updates big and small.  I lovity love love a sweet blue porch ceiling like the one Amanda painted.

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And how gorgeous are these black rocking chairs that Erin added to her super sweet front porch?

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The black is so sophisticated and really makes a statement.

And can you believe that Casey's front porch was once a sea of concrete?

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She DIY'd a wood porch right on top of the concrete, and the end result is absolutely jaw dropping and welcoming.

And my super gal pal Courtney, always knows how to pair the most brilliant colors and patterns, to make the happiest of spaces.  She definitely didn't disappoint when color-splashing her front porch.

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Did you know that they make faux windows for garage doors?  I didn't either, but Amy rocked my world with this incredible revelation!

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For those of you who sport a screened in porch, I would love to join you one day for a cup of coffee and laughs.  Screen porches are so charming and I have been scheming up ways to add one to our own home someday {big dreams}.  Until then, I will have to live vicariously through you all.

Jennifer's porch is one of my all time favorites.  Check out those happy, bold colors {hello green, pink, yellow and blue - fab}.  And that bar cart has me swooning like a crazy person.

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And another project that knocked my socks off is this old ladder that Deanne and Reed turned into an amazing light fixture.

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Planting your own cooking herbs is a great way to save a little moolah and enjoy delightful meals at the same time.  How adorable are these painted wooden spoon herb markers?  Even the handwriting is lovely!  So sweet!

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Looking to recover your dated outdoor furniture cushions, but lacking in sewing abilities?  Look no further, the super smart Aniko has a tutorial for no-sew outdoor cushions on her blog!

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And who doesn't love taking inspiration high-end items, and recreating them for less?  Not only do you get to customize your creations for YOU, but you save oodles of money at the same time!  I am big time crushing on the Pottery Barn buoy replicas, like these ones done by Shelly! 

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Now let's shift our attention to the backyard.  The backyard is a place for gathering, playing yard games and really can become an extension of our homes.

If you are a lover of great before and after photos, check out the deck and furniture makeovers done by Jo-Anna.  She really knows how to give something old, brand new lovely life!

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Some of you really took this outdoor challenge seriously, and completely transformed your outdoor living spaces.  How absolutely blissful is this covered patio addition done by the Mead clan?

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And this pergola of love built by Jen and her Mr.  Yeah, I can't believe my eyes either.  I hope they hire out because we need one next!

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Melissa's hubby built the most gorgeous outdoor table, and she paired it with a mixture of charming chairs to create a perfect place for wining and dining.

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Anu's patio is majorly catalog worthy.  I had to check 87 times to be sure it was real.  SO very inspirational.  I love the mixture of simple pieces and understated accessories to create a gorgeous family friendly outdoor living space.

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Becky shared the power of a happy little rug.  It really made her seating section shine!

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And last but certainly not least, my real life girlfriend, Cassie, shares the same passion for bright and fabulous colors as I do.  Especially pink.  I can't wait to visit her and check out her oh-so-happy patio space in person someday!  I can already taste the cocktails and hear the splashing pool water.... sigh...

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Although summer is quickly winding down, there is still plenty of time to snag inspiration from all of these incredible readers, and make a few more changes, big or small, to our outdoor living spaces.  A giant sloppy kiss and bear hug is going out to each and every one of you who participated and took on outdoor projects with me this summer.  I adore everything that was shared!

Did any of these joyful photos inspire another outdoor project for you?


36 comments:

  1. Ahhh!!! Thank you for featuring our "ladder turned outdoor light" project! We absolutely love your blog and we are so so honored to be featured! xoxo Deanne & Reed @ Craftermeetscraftsman.blogspot.com

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  2. Eek! Thank you SO much for featuring our front porch! Day=Made. I enjoyed all the other inspiring features as well. The ones you picked were all faves of mine too!

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  3. Jen,Thank You for featuring my no-sew outdoor cushions! I am so honored to be included in your "Great Outdoors"round up!

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  4. Freaking out. White just catching up on my I heart organizing, I suddenly see MY faux garage door post!! Thank you for featuring this easy but beautiful project!

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  5. This is awesome! Even though it's the end of summer, I am super inspired to do some front porch updates to enjoy during the fall. Can't wait for next month's space!

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  6. All of those are awesome. However, I like the DIY project that comes with corgi. ;)

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    1. Hi Khaleesi,
      That DIY project with the corgi would be mine. Our dog Reese is so photogenic and I just loved that she looked so perfect in that picture. She's a great dog.

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  7. I'm feeling like such a failure, I had big plans for my outdoor space but the only thing I managed to accomplish was to buy fabric for recovering my outdoor swing and cushions - guess I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and don't know where to start and now it's vacation and school time - oh well there's always next year right? Think I'll at least attempt to make the swing cover this fall since that's got me terrified, then I will just have the fun stuff left for spring right? Thanks for all of the inspiration!!

    Lanell

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  8. Wow! So many bright, cheerful outdoor spaces! Thanks so much for the feature Jen!

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  9. Squeal. So sweet. Thanks for the feature. Such inspiring spaces and I really want a porch swing now!

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  10. What wonderful projects! Thanks for sharing all the inspiration!

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  11. Faux garage door windows? Shut. The. Front. Door.

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  12. So many beautiful spaces! Thanks so much for featuring my patio/deck. We just finished having this deck all ripped out in order to do waterproofing for our basement this weekend. :( It's been sad to see it go, but exciting to finally start finishing our basement reno.

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  13. Love all the outdoor spaces! And you totally made my day with my porch swing feature!!!! :) I'm so honored! LOVE your blog! It's one of the very first I started following and I've been hooked ever since. Everything you do turns out fabulous!

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  14. Oh my goodness! I feel like I have been called up to the major leagues! Thank you so much for featuring my blue porch ceiling!!!

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  15. I LOVE Anu´s patio!!!! Those pictures are my "guide" for the day we can afford to start renovating our own patio!!! I also love the fact that Anu has Finnish heritage, because so do I! :) A big KIITOS to Anu and you for featuring her post!

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  16. Thanks so much for featuring my red door! I'm honored. So fun to see what everyone else is up to as well!

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  17. THere are so many inspirational projects in this round-up. Definitely want to get on the wagon with painting my front door already. I have the color all chosen, I just need to get out and actually do it!

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  18. Jen, thanks for inspiring and hosting the party. I feel honored to be featured.
    Loved looking at other peoples outdoor living spaces.

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  19. These outdoor spaces are colorful and beautiful! I really enjoyed seeing your space come together too, Jen. Thanks so much for including my wooden spoon herb markers :) Have a great day!
    - Lora @ Craftivity Designs

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  20. Wow, so many fun (and colorful) ideas!

    Love!

    Laura

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  21. Great features! Beautiful color!
    http://youngnasawife.blogspot.com/

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  22. Thank you so much for featuring my porch-over-concrete, Jen!! Loving all of these awesome projects! I hope we have a mild autumn so I can keep playing outside -- there is so much inspiration here!!

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  23. Wow! There was so much outdoor space inspiration packed into this post that I'll have to look through it again later! My favorite was the post where your reader mixed and matched different chairs with the table.

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  24. Gah! How did I miss the link up? Hope you will stop by my front porch redo...these were all so great. Still on the search for a bar cart!
    http://styleoyster.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-place-to-sit-relax-front-porch-redo.html

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  25. Thanks so so much for including my cart in your post!! It's such a treat to have a project featured - especially on your awesome blog, Jen!

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  26. Awww, thanks for the feature, friend! These spaces are so inspiring it makes me want to revamp mine already! And there will always be a spot for you, me and a cocktail!

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  27. I love all of these outdoor projects :) thanks for sharing and all the inspiration! I do have a quick question, I thought there was no longer a monthly theme for organizing projects and that we were welcome to submit other projects as well, maybe that was for this coming month? If you could clarify that would be great - I just don't want to submit my projects in the wrong category :)

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    1. Hi Lyndsey!

      The outdoor link party was the last themed party I did. Last month and this month are open to any project! Can't wait to see what you have to share!!

      xo,
      Jen

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    2. Thanks for clearing that up :)

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  28. Here in Australia its nearly spring so here are some great ideas to get ready for summer.

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  29. OH MY GOODNESS!!! SO thrilled to have my buoys part of your reader spaces! I seriously have a blog crush on you so this really made my day! Thanks!

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  30. O M G! Thanks so much Jen for featuring our patio pergola in your post. Its such an honor to be featured and I appreciate you taking the time to realize our hard work.

    xoxo
    Jen

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  31. Thank you so very much for featuring my Hostess Station Jen! I am so thrilled! I was away on vacation when this was published and I almost missed it, but I just happened to go back and read the posts that I had missed while I was away and then I saw it! Angie xo

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