In riding around the Peninsula, I have noticed the beautiful new homes. One addition that many seem to be adding to their new homes is a screened in porch. This is a wonderful way to still be outside and not worry about those pesky mosquitoes and flies. Most of us remember our parents or grandparents beach houses of the past and most did not have air-conditioning. I remember sleeping in beach houses where our cooling was nothing but opened windows. Listening to the waves would lull us to sleep. The screened in porches of today have the opportunity of this fresh air sleeping without the fuss of the past. That being said I mean rust! I love the antiqued looking bed in this picture, and for many years before IKE, I had an antique single bed for sleeping on my covered deck. 
It ended up being a favorite place for my grandchildren to sleep at night, but I also needed to paint it at least twice a year. If you decide to do this on your porch, I have some suggestions as to how to make this work without much fuss. In choosing a bed, you should look for an aluminum bed. You will not have to worry about rust in our climate. Also, instead of a box spring base, have a piece of exterior plywood cut to fit the base of the bed. Paint it whatever color the bed is or just plain white, using exterior paint. This will also give you a lower base to make sitting easier. Cover your twin mattress with two plastic zippered covers. This will keep your mattress mildew free. I used a matelasse daybed cover on mine and it dried out within a few hours. Enjoy your porch; this is the best time of year!
This is an easy way to make your beach house banister or mantle look festive and nautical. 
Use a thick rope to wind around the banister. This rope usually comes in a lighter color than is shown, if you prefer the darker, just brush the rope with a watered down brown until it is the color you want. Use artificial greenery and starfish ornaments and this will last you year after year. The rope can also be wrapped with little white lights that will give you that wonderful glow. I love this look and hope some of you will give it a try! Let me know what you think and I am looking forward to those pictures.
A few sites to get your nautical rope:
http://www.contractorsrope.com/manila-rope-prices.html
http://cruisermarine.com/dock-lines-marine-rope/
I have enjoyed your emails and appreciate you reading this article. Don’t forget to send me your decorating dilemmas or photos of your finished projects. Ideas Please!!!
Contact Cindy Clay Srader:
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