Finding a cool place to spend the summer 

It’s already summertime again.

Personally, I have never been a fan of the oppressive heat, stifling humidity, bugs and long hot days.

Most seem to relish in this season and I fully concede my role in the minority. One of my recent clients, Rebecca Jackson, and her three children love the summer and needed an area to enjoy it.

The Jackson family desired a space to relax, eat and enjoy being outside, but, also wanted a bit of privacy. Outdoor rooms have become outrageously popular over the past several years and oddly, this was my first one. I have worked with Jackson on the interiors of her home in Twelve Oaks, so she trusted me to stay within her budget and gave free reign to set it up.

I started with the seating area. After searching several local places, the perfect love seat and chairs were found at Splash Pools & Spa. They were last year’s models and were over 50 percent off the original price (which I like considerably more than the 2015 set). I nixed the matching coffee table an replaced with an awesome reclaimed trunk and added two unique side tables from SE Salvage. Not only was it a more interesting piece, but, also functions as storage for Will’s multitude of toys.

Also at SE Salvage, I found this awesome table called a “construction site” table. It has a Rebar base and concrete aggregate top, which is perfect for outdoors.

Add a couple of reclaimed wood benches, some industrial style chairs all sitting atop seagrass outdoor rugs and the outside room was complete.

I also hit Home Depot for plantings, containers and a great little lantern with LED candle. I added a huge Sunbrella Fabric blind (not pictured) for privacy.

The Jacksons now have a cool place to enjoy the long hot days of summer.