Is there a place in your home where you feel the most relaxed? For us, it is right here on our back deck. When we met with our wonderful architect back in 2017, one of the first “musts” was a big back porch or deck. We knew that we would use the space often but I didn’t realize just how much until we moved in…

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After we had the plans finalized and I saw that we had french doors leading out of our bedroom to the deck, I quickly dreamed up a swing bed just steps away. I started pricing out home decor retailers and small custom builders for them and they were a bit pricey (especially when we were in the middle of a build.) So my “Where there’s a will there’s a way husband” went to building. The measurements are a bit off, and it doesn’t have any bells and whistles like drink holders BUT it was built with love and gave Skot the confidence boost to build other things for our home!

Like this counter he built around the grill! Its complete with a beverage bucket and mini fridge housing his keg (not pictured.) He also built these beautiful planter boxes you see above! He is a self taught carpenter and I am always impressed with what he can whip out!

We love to entertain out here! Luckily, we had a wonderful spring and summer with plenty of nights where the temperatures dropped down low enough to enjoy dinner with friends and family around this table. I’m so looking forward to Fall where there will be more opportunities for alfresco dining followed by good conversation around the outdoor fire place just a few feet away!

We recently spruced up the sitting area around the fire place! This beautiful rug came from eSale Rugs. It is the perfect blue that just makes this outdoor living area flow with the inside of our house seamlessly. It has a raised, soft texture that gives it a more luxurious look than other outdoor rugs that we’ve had in the past. A great rug grounds your space and sets the tone for the environment regardless if its indoors or out! (rug was gifted! Thanks Esale Rugs, we truly love our new rug!)

We upgraded our old dark wicker furniture to this beautiful set from World Market. We waited until the end of summer clearance sale and got a deal on it! Baby Smith (who is looking less like a baby these days) sure is enjoying the new couch!

We first tried the gorgeous rug under the swing bed, which I loved. But Ultimately we moved it under the sitting are… Now I need to find a new rug for here. ;) I love these outdoor pillows so much too! They have held up for 2 summers now. I do clean them once or twice a year though. I created a highlight on my Instagram here where you can find the method I use to clean them! I hope you enjoyed this back deck tour! If you have any questions, please let me know!