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Bob Greenspan

With a little work you can turn a spot in your home into a romantic, relaxing oasis, like this simple but serene front porch.

Make your home a summer getaway

A few weeks ago Dan asked me whether I wanted to go away on a summer vacation. After pondering it, I realized there was nowhere I’d rather go for some much-needed R&R than my own home. These days, my fantasy vacation spot is my shady screened porch.

MORE NEWS

• Your front door makes an impression

  - 06/30/2008 07:22 PM CDT

  T his winter I was so busy that I didn’t take time to decorate my front door for the season. Now, I know this doesn’t sound like a big deal to normal people, but I’m a bit crazy when it comes to creating unusual and dramatic looks on my front entry. My door is almost always dressed for show.

• How to throw a party but keep your sanity

  - 06/23/2008 06:19 PM CDT

  T he arrival of the warm weather puts me in the mood to throw a summer soiree. I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t entertained. Now I’m ready to dust off my screened porch, sweep out the back courtyard and fill it with friends. Here are a few tips I’ll be following as I entertain this summer. Perhaps they will help inspire you, too.