INGENIOUS SOLUTION

A while ago a few of our friends called Tim because they had a design dilemma that needed some major brain power. "Mat and Kelsey"live in a town home community that has some strict rules about building outdoor structures. But the cute couple couldn't seem to shake their desire for an outdoor space with some shade to save them from the Dallas heat. When Tim heard about their need for an ingenious idea he was pumped to come up with both a functional and beautiful solution.

He started out with 4x4 cedar posts. He hallowed out the middle of the wood and then welded these metal posts to slide in and out of the cedar posts.

Next, he burned the wood using a giant torch. Why, you may ask? Well, Tim and I attended a lecture this summer in which we learned that burning the outside layer of wood makes it resistant to rot and insects! Not to mention it looks beautiful!

Tim then welded these pins that will serve to keep the posts at the homeowners' desired height.

Then Tim set the posts in the ground.

You can see here, he even made a handy dandy spot to store the pins when they're not in use.

So, here's why these posts are so perfect. When not in use they sit a mere 3 1/2 feet above ground which means the homeowner's association was kept happy. BUT when Mat and Kelsey want to have a shaded outdoor space, they raise up the metal post (which is sitting inside the wood) and place the pin through a hole that Tim made in the metal.

This solution allows the canvas covering (which Mat and Kelsey are in the process of buying) to extend up to 8 feet, be slanted or straight.

Isn't that a fantastic combination of form and function! Mat and Kelsey promised to send us photos when the have the canvas covering in hand. So, we'll be sure to update you with a final "after" photo in the near future!

PS- the "Bellalulu"giveaway winner is LACEY who said:

"Okay maybe I am channeling some Eat.Pray.Love here, but I've always dreamed of taking a few months (or even a year!) to travel the world :) Ah, maybe one day."

CONGRATS LACEY!!!

And the rest of you be sure to visit "Bellalulu" for all your vintage decor needs!!