Outdoor paradise

Who says the back porch has to be attached to the house? One Memphis family enjoys theirs, which is nestled in the heart of the backyard.

What better than having a backyard where children can swing, shade trees are plentiful, and it takes less than 30 minutes to mow? What if you also had a screened porch? "It's absolutely my favorite room," declares homeowner Julie Meeks about her family's back porch. Neighbors enjoy the space too. Julie, husband Gregg, and daughters Natalie and Gracie love to share their backyard retreat with friends, especially when the temperature is right. "The children play in the yard, and their parents head for the porch," Julie explains.

The Meekses' backyard porch promises relaxed afternoons, cool breezes, and the whisper of ceiling fans. And bothersome bugs don't stand a chance of interrupting. You can just wave to them on the other side of the screen. That's one of the traits that make this the perfect room several months out of the year. Although the structure was part of the property when Julie and Gregg bought their home several years ago, its size and scale seem ideal for today. The screened porch section measures about 8 x 12 feet; exposed beams on the inside give it an open feel. To the left, an enclosed room that's used for storing outdoor equipment takes up another 8 feet. It has its own door, accessed through a gate in the fence.

Even after updating the porch with a new roof, screen, and paint job, Julie knew it needed a more personal touch, so she filled it with pieces that reflect a casual style and playful spirit. Collected folk art, interesting buckets, and wicker baskets add color to the sitting area. "It's so nice because you can't make a decorating mistake," Julie says. "Anything makes it charming and cozy. It's effortless fun."

With both a porch and backyard so suited to outdoor living, rest assured-this is where you'll find the Meeks family and their friends on every mild day. SARAH JERNIGAN

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Sep 2003
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