Name: Sherri S.
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Size: 144 square feet

Your Favorite Thing About Your Outdoor Space: We live out there when the weather cooperates! It adds living space and a gives a sense of openness to our small mid century ranch home. We eat as many meals out there as possible, and guests always gravitate there as well. Sitting out there on a summer's night, listening to the cicadas, is so peaceful and comfortable.

Biggest Design Challenge With This Space: Besides the obvious size issue, the 60 year old cracked and dirty concrete floor was a big challenge! It was covered by ancient carpeting when we bought the house, but luckily it came right up. After considering many options, we decided to hire a professional to stain and seal the concrete to mimic the look of an acid stain (the concrete was too old and weathered to take an acid stain properly). We feel the floor now really sets the tone for the whole porch.

Tips for Creating a Great Small Outdoor Space: If you have a space like our small screened porch, which is surrounded by open green space, try to not compete too much with the view and feeling of openness. I try to resist too many indoor plants and clutter that would just interfere with the feeling of being out in the open outdoors. When we are on our porch, it feels like a pretty seamless transition to the yard, and it really brings the outdoors in.

Thanks, Sherri, and good luck!

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