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micahgroff

Help with decorating back porch

18 years ago

Our back porch has a roof over it with a railing around it. it has an opening on one end, which we keep closed with a baby gate to keep our dogs in. We want to really fix it up to enjoy this summer. Our neighbors can see EVERYTHING we do, so suggestions to block the view would be nice. We would love to screen it in, but finances won't allow that right now.I would love a cabana or tiki sort of theme. Wishing the door opening was on the long side of the porch instead of the short side, that way I could extend the "fun" out a bit to include a fire pit. Any tips would be appriciated. Thank you in advance. Micah

Comments (4)

  • 18 years ago

    well - things that block their view (of you from the waist up) also block your view - and the simplest screen ever is 'bird' netting (or even fishing line strung in simple patterns) for vines to grow up.

    Morning Glory vines get started a little late in the season, but they take up a whole lot of room...they also reseed, so they can be a pest to get rid of if you get them started...but I love them.

    dutchman's pipe has a similar, heart-shaped leaf, though the blossoms are much less attractive.

    there are a number of roses that climb (they will need stronger support - the lattice used for fencing works great) and a whole host of perennial vines...

    trumpet creeper is not one of them. don't believe the hype - this is not a plant, it's an undercover agent for planetary invasion. it makes Kudzu look like a wimp, and ivy look like a slow-poke. the only safe way to grow trumpet vine is in an enclosed pot, on a concrete slab, in the middle of a parking lot, where it can grow up a flag pole or something. this vine will pry apart the siding of your house, worm its way into the attic...and pop up suckers 10 feet away, in the neighbor's yard, the year after you plant it.

    seriously.

    blinds are another option - especially if you're going for a tiki theme, burlap can be made into perfectly servicable 'roman' style blinds that give you some view outside, while providing a fair bit of shade. there are also fabrics that mimic the rustic open weave, and don't decompose so quickly.

    My husband and I came upon a bamboo grove that was being bulldozed (through craigslist) and harvested enough to lash panels together and 'side' our porch in burlap, and make a cover for the old trunk we were using as a bench - which really makes anything else we do to 'tikify' the place easy - really nothing more than tropical floral print cushions on the wicker chairs :) to go with the 'drink umbrella' party light strings.

  • 18 years ago

    I thought about the roll up bamboo shades, but none are wide enough for the space, so I am thinking about the cafe style bamboo ones that I can slide open and shut when I want to.
    The Light thing is great. I definatly want to do that. Thanks for your time

  • 16 years ago

    I had the same issue you're dealing with and we had a wooden slatted wall installed on one side of our patio deck. I suggest you Google this and I'm sure you'll find many different styles and one that will fit your budget as well. The type I had installed provides privacy yet still allows sunlight to shine through; I even had it so I could place planter boxes on the slats. I love it!

    Once we finished with the construction of the wall, I wanted to add those final touches, the following site has many beautiful patio and garden products www.WindChimesGarden.com. Outdoor lanterns and garden candle cones that create a warm, relaxing environment. If space permits, fire bowls are great for those late summer nights enjoying time with friends or relaxing alone.

    Whatever you decide, take time in making your selections so they will suit your lifestyle.

  • 16 years ago

    Roll up bamboo shades are pretty cheap! Along with stick bamboo in pots with lights on it and palms in pots here and there. You could also go to Jo-anns and get outdoor fabric and hem it on all four sides and hang it from clip curtain hooks and in the corners have gathered curtains. I think pulled they may look a little hoopie though. I'd probably just do them for an accent in the corner and to block a little of the view. You can really have fun with that theme as long as you don;t over do it. LOL.

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