Front Porch the
summer 2014
wichita
The Art of Cultivating Simple Pleasures and Living Well
Stepping
into Summer J
Just when you thought it was safe to take a vacation, something is keeping you tethered right where you are. An approaching deadline, home improvements, a tight budget. Aside from all that, who’s going to feed the dogs while you’re gone? Coordinating time off can be stressful; the hassle-free vacation is illusory for many. Far be it from us to dissuade you from hopping on a plane to Hawaii, but you don’t need a boarding pass to satisfy the urge to escape. When you feel like getting away, try getting out—of the house, that is. The time is ripe for outdoor entertainment and relaxation. Now first things first. Open that door. Exercise and socialization are vital components for keeping fit and staying sane, and we’re more likely to be doing both when the weather is nice. Playing outside isn’t just for kids. Outdoor games enable people of all ages Continued on page 10.
Easy summer recipes take the heat out of the kitchen and put flavor and fun into every bite. See page 14 for recipes.
In the past, we shared with you how to create sanctuaries—places that offer peace and quiet from the hectic pace of daily life. During the summer, outdoor sanctuaries provide the added benefits of sunlight and fresh air. Clockwise from top left: 1] Under a pavilion roof, you can spend time outdoors while enjoying respite from the sun. New Image Roofing & Construction custom built this 14’ x 18’ pavilion to fit in with the home’s existing roofline. It is made from cedar wood and stands on a paver patio with wood pillars set in paver bases. The stone and wood structure functions as a solid anchor point in the backyard. 2] This backyard imports a little Far East charm into a Midwestern landscape. The deck’s wooden stairway leads down into the backyard, where a quaint Asian-style bridge arches through the garden. The homeowners consulted a color specialist before deciding on Cape Cod Red to match the roses in their garden. CertaPro Painters of Wichita East power washed the vinyl deck before expertly applying Deckscapes Solid Stain with hand brushes and rollers. The completed project looked like a suitable place for an outdoor family wedding, and that’s exactly what the homeowners used it for. 3] The natural look of wood sometimes speaks for itself. What we love about this patio is that all of the woodgrain, knots, and hues make each plank and post unique. It’s wonderfully rustic without looking old or unfinished. You can get that look by treating your raw materials right. Thanks to the care with which Wood Savers applied the natural color stain and sealer, this patio will retain its original color and be protected from ultraviolet light damage for years to come.
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2 Noteworthy: a national preserve safeguards the prairie 2 Peaceable Kingdom: a home for birds and bees is a joy for all 4 Shades of Green: designer hardwood floors that are eco-friendly 6 On The Porch: a landscaped entry welcomes guests 8 The Pantry: a little bean boasts a rich history