wouldn't you like more of a seating area/lounging area as opposed to two dining areas? I realize they may not both actually be used for dining, but what about a sofa or loveseat, some lounge type chairs? Something you can stretch out on if you want?

Do the outswing doors go all the way back against the wall? Would you ever want to have them completely open like that? I think I would want to have room to do that. It provides a better view from the master and midnight access for you and the dogs to have the sitting area in the middle no matter what you do with the door.

I wouldn't want the furniture to block the door access. I understand your desire to have more seating for eating and I think you should put that table so that it is convenient to bringing dishes from the kitchen.

And I agree with tina in that I would want a couple of lounge (meaning something to nap in) chairs. If I had a big enough porch, I would be putting in a swinging bed somewhere. Or a comfy sofa with a couple of ottomans.

Is that a screened in porch? If not, what is the black edging above the porch rails?

Thanks all, yes it is a screened porch. Also, there is another screened porch that will have a twin bed swing.

In Georgia there are very few days a year when you would leave doors open. The few days a year when you would, the pollen would invade the house. Maybe when doing a group dinner for a few minutes.

The four wicker chairs around the coffee table is copying my mother in laws porch at her beach house. All the girls sit out there and read. The table is stacked with books and a tray with iced tea and we would just hang there all afternoon. The table I have is 24 inches but will crank up to 29" for emergency dining overflow.

Maybe a lounger down near the master?

This is the kind of thing I think would be very hard to plan for without spending some time living there first. But you are probably far better at doing that than I am. I have analysis paralysis and part of that is trying the place on for size before I make any major decisions. When we moved to our new lakehome we just moved our stuff in and tried it for a while and then added and changed as we discovered how we and our guests used the space. Same with our new townhome. I had all kinds of grand plans ahead of time that I'm glad I didn't commit to until after I'd lived there for a while. I changed my mind on a lot of things. It's fun to plan though!!

I think #1 would be my choice. Maybe the open space there wouldn't be so bad if it means you have a better view from your room. If not, your idea of a lounger would probably fill that nicely without blocking doors.

I like number one. I wouldnt want the doors blocked, especially if I have rambunctious dogs going in and out of them.

Once again I think y'all are right. These plans involve furniture I already have. Like 3katz said I will probably adjust once we've lived there and see how it works. Im really trying to start tagging what furniture I need to keep. Layout 1 means I can put a planter across from the master and add my bakers rack near the seating area.

I'm assuming that the chairs around the round table are easily moved. If that's the case, I prefer layout 1, with the proviso that a couple of chairs can be moved into what you call the dead space. And moved back to the table when needed.

The chairs are wicker, so very easy to move.

I have 8 total, 4 of each shown in the pic. I will paint or restain once I decide on colors for out there. Also will do new seat cushions. These are really comfy chairs which is why I'm trying to find a place to use them.

This is the plant stand I'm going to put in the space in front of the master. Will also get some krylon in a fun color I'm thinking.

Love your chairs and the plant stand too. Everything will be very nice once you decide on your color scheme for the cushions and paint for the stand.

You do know that your dogs will use your porch as a bathroom if you don't go out with them and force them into the yard? Especially in bad weather! I have to stand guard that mine leave the terrace!

Anglophilia, lol. No they won't! Hubby and I are professional dog trainers so this is the one thing I'm not worried about.

Lucky you! I gave to stand and force my two Cavaliers off the terrace if the grass is wet!