Monday, July 19, 2010

Pooches: The Extra Summer Room Updates

Being Chicagoans, we spend a lot of time holed up in the winter which make our summers that much more important. During the summer there are multiple street fests every weekend, people flooding the parks and beaches, and outdoor dining on every block.
We wrote before about how we're lucky enough to have a deck that we make into an "extra room" in the summer. Somehow every magazine reads better, and all food tastes better, when outside.
Since we last posted about how we set up our outdoor space we have added some new additions. Here are the before pictures:
And the afters where we actually have plants and nature:
Adding flower boxes makes a huge difference. All the outdoor dining areas have them, as required by law in Chicago, but it does make everything look so much nicer.
We're also growing some herbs: mint, chives, basil, cilantro, rosemary, and thyme; as a result, we've been enjoying many mojitos and caprese salads.
E was brave enough to add some string lights to the top of our deck so we can feel like every night is a European vacation (note the unlit photo):
The pooches love to be outside:Especially Mr. B. He is actually from Michigan, and he used to live in the country. He likes to be outside so much that he will brave rain, heat, and even fireworks just to lie on the deck.
And because this is the city, even though we do live in a high gated area, we always make sure to supervise our dogs at all times.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, I LUVS the lights and the plants! What Most Festive additions to your "extra room"! I'll be over around 7. Please have me a mojito ready!

Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie

Lola and also Franklin, too said...

That looks really nice. I bet it's super pretty at night with the lights on.

wags, Lola

Anonymous said...

Very nice outdoor room! That couch looks pretty comfy for taking a snooze or just lounging around.

Kate said...

That picture of the three of them looking down from the balcony is adorable. Your outdoor space is great and looks perfect you and all the pups.

Rescued Pittie Family said...

Those faces looking out over the deck are just precious.
Love them!

SusanA said...

Love the outdoor dining experience and party lights are required. It's amazing how many people have beautiful decks in the suburbs that go unused. Does your couch fare ok in the weather?

Anonymous said...

I am jealous of your outdoor area! And, that picture of their three faces is too cute! Why can't Wilma stay permanately!? :)

Two Pitties in the City said...

We really like the sectional from Ikea. E did a good job rigging up a tarp system so our cushions stay dry and mildew-free. In the winter we take the cushions inside but the base has held up well under the tarp even in the huge snowstorms. With this nice weather, we have all been living out there.

Shauna (Fido and Wino) said...

Love that rug/mat in the last shot...

brooke said...

I love your outdoor furniture!
We just have plastic chairs set up as our balcony isn't very big. Darwin takes up most of it if she's out there with us.

Mack said...

What a beautiful deck you have! And I just know the three of you have some great naps on that comfy couch!!

Anonymous said...

Looks like a great place for a party! Since you have the herbs, I'll bring the meat and potatoes. What a feast we'll have! Then Wilma and I can dance under the mood lighting and.... Hold your molars Miss M, I'm just kiddin ;)

Looking forward to our evening together,
Roo

Sue said...

What a neat outdoor room, especially the lights. Even though my dogs have a big yard to run and play in, they love being on the porch with us. It's a special treat when they're allowed to accompany us. And yes they are always supervised when outside.

Zona said...

What a fantastical room! The lights are awesome... I'd be too scared to put them up there but wow they must be great at night!

Wags,
Zona

PeeS: there was never any doubt that your pooches are supervised outside. :)

houndstooth said...

I just love your outdoor living space! Although as hot as it's been, it's hard to picture being able to spend much time out there. The dogs look like they're really enjoying the space, too, which I love!

Kari in Alaska said...

Big Carl is our deck dog. He loves the super hot Cali summers.

Don't forget, we are changing our blog this Friday. Please update your reader to follow dogisgodinreverse.com

Roscoe said...

My mommy luvs chicago! Hur and daddy go dere alot! I is so glad yur doggies like it dere too! it looks like fun on dat balcony!

giant wet kisses,
Roscoe

Two French Bulldogs said...

what a great picture of you guys. Your deck is purrty cool looking.
Hope you are doing a lot of relaxing in that heat
Benny & Lily

Wyatt said...

Your outdoor space is very festive.
We live outdoors always!
Barbecues in the snow...but our weather is much milder for sure!

Wyatt

the booker man said...

i love the hanging lights, and i especially love that you are growing some herbs! watch out, though. that mint will take over if you're not careful...it grows like a weed!

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