Jen McManus loves her screened-in porch. Robert Northfield loves his living room. I have so many great memories from my childhood of being on my aunt's old-fashioned screened-in porch in the Adirondacks, playing cards and sleeping out there. I've always wanted one at my own house to listen to the cicadas and watch the kids play outside. Last year, my dream came true when we built this space. The porch is really my (and my rescue dog Lucy's,) refuge and I love to start the day here. At night after a hectic day I sit here, put my feet up and any stress starts to melt away. Now, the whole family hangs out on the porch and we play board games, listen to music, talk and just watch the world go by. It's definitely our place to relax. Jen McManus Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Maplewood 917-837-2192 jennifer.mcmanus@cbmoves.com jennifermcmanushomes.com Robert Northfield Keller Williams Midtown Direct Realty Maplewood 973-489-3417 RobertNorthfield@kw.com robertnorthfield.com When my day is over – sometimes later than I'd like to admit – I go to my living room to just sit and decompress. The room gives me good views of the front and back yard with all the beautiful greenery and it's just a nice, peaceful place for reflecting. My family knows that the living room is my place to be quiet for a bit and they give me my space. It's here that I evaluate the day, reflecting on what went well, what could've gone better and how I'll be spending the next day. I guess it's my preparation for winding down so I can get the rest and strength I need for the pressures and busyness I'll be facing the next day.