An expert when it comes to fixing up a house, Jen Bridgman loves finding inspiring designs and décor and then figuring out how to make it herself. In her blog, The Chronicles of Home, Jen shares her adventurous tales of home improvement, organization and even food recipes.
For The Home Depot Patio Style Challenge, Jen designed a screened porch makeover, which included Tobago Outdoor Collection patio furniture and an electric fireplace. We wanted to learn more about Jen’s project and passion for interior 
design. Read our Q&A below—and don’t forget to check out the pictures of her beautiful new porch.
What sparked your passion for decor?
My husband and I bought our first house—an outdated 1950’s Cape with totally nondescript landscaping—and that started us down the path of do-it-yourselfers. Now we’re updating our second house and neither one of us would have it any other way.
What did you work on for The Home Depot Patio Style Challenge?
We did an overhaul of our screened porch. The big game-changer for the room is the addition of an electric fireplace. We’ll gain months more use out of the room now that there’s a heat source—and I love the ambiance it adds.
What lessons have you learned during this challenge?
Measure your space. I have a bad habit of winging it with space planning and then having things not look exactly as I thought they would.
What are 3 tips you might give to others trying to design their patio?
- Think about how you’ll use the space and design for that. If dining is your main focus, think about how you’ll serve and eat meals and what will work best for your purposes. If it’s a lounging space, think about comfort and maximizing seating space for family and guests.
- Add live plants where you can—they bring life to a room that nothing else can match.
- Bring in different textures to add visual interest—all-weather wicker is a great way to do this with furniture.
Do you have any advice for aspiring bloggers?
Take the time to do research before you jump in. Define your brand for yourself; who you want to be and what you want to write about. Great photographs will get you noticed, so make sure you know how to take and edit your photos so they look their best. And be yourself—that’s always the most unique perspective you can offer, and it will always set you apart from others.
