Let’s talk about outdoor spaces.  It is springtime after all.IMG_2983

At our mountain home, Roostica Cottage, we had a sad, dilapidated deck, which we enclosed into a screened porch.  Because, the most amazing part of the cottage is the view of the lake in the back.

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You know what else every porch needs?  An outdoor fireplace.  This is a must in the mountains.  It’s perfect for chilly evenings.

IMG_2955This house did have an eyesore of a basement stairwell off the back of the house.  What to do.  I cannot look at that add-on staircase.  It limits my relaxation mojo.IMG_1756

So, I turned it into a design feature– a custom Daybed!  It really is the perfect place to recline and relax.IMG_1211

For the exterior, you MUST go with a dark color in the mountains.  In Highlands, it rains almost every day for a bit, so white wouldn’t work.  It would look filthy in a year.  Many of the home are a sludgy green, which I also love.  But, I thought Hale Navy from Benjamin Moore would be perfect.  What do you think??IS5qn9xn2knf441000000000

Roostica Cottage - Highlands, NC

Roostica Cottage – Highlands, NC

If you want to see more of Roostica Cottage, check out our website – www.roosticacottage.com, or VRBO.  It’s open for rentals so you could enjoy in person.