We have a very large back patio and we used to hardly ever use it. It was furnished with a mish-mash of uncomfortable and broken-down furniture. I wanted to reclaim this space for our family to actually enjoy so I decided to have it screened in.

Besides keeping the bugs out, screening-in the porch has helped keep the area so much cleaner. Before, debris would continually blow into this area making it necessary to clean it almost every time we used it. Now we can just walk out the door and enjoy!

The patio is really large so when I went to pick out furniture, I thought first as to how we would really like to use this space. Before, it was just a collection of stuff I had accumulated over the years and frankly, I didn't even like most of it.

I knew we would want to host parties in this space, so I needed an outdoor drink station. I used a pretty plant stand — one of the few pieces I kept from what I had before — as a perfect outdoor bar. It holds a lot and cleans up really easily.

I also kept my vintage-looking metal glider. I paired it with a metal drum table to sit across from the bistro set. 

I didn't need to create a large eating area in this space because our upper deck already has two large dining tables. However, I did want a spot that I could have a morning coffee and scone, so this small bistro set from World Market was perfect. 

The middle of the patio was where I wanted super comfy furniture and a fire table. I used a larger rug in a different color to define this space. 

I like how these chairs can swivel around so you can sit and admire the view if you like. 

The fire table is perfect for cool evenings. 

I have always wanted a swing bed and this was the time and the place for it!

I ordered a mattress cover made out of outdoor fabric. It's super comfortable and the perfect place to crawl up with a good book and a glass of wine.

We use this space ALL THE TIME now!