As we head into summer’s final act, porches become a
. The following eight porches offer plenty of ideas for creating unobstructed views while using screens to keep out pesky insects and railings to maintain safety. See how pros connected the porches to nature yet made them protected and comfy enough to hang out in until the last leaf falls.
WINN Design+Build
Generous available space (700 square feet) meant Michael Winn of Winn Design + Build could fit plenty into this Virginia screened-in porch without fear of overcrowding. Shared Houzz ideabooks helped Winn and his clients land on a large lounge space with a big sectional and a TV; a dining area with padded chairs; and an outdoor kitchen with a grill, beverage fridges and ample storage and prep space. A fireplace and infrared heating overhead ward off the fall chill so the family of four can hang out, eat and entertain in the fresh air during three seasons.
Cable wire railings keep the leafy views clear, while two large architectural skylights bring in the blue sky and sunshine. The skylights are partnered with beadboard coffers to break up the ceiling expanse and are bordered with lights to boost illumination at night.
Cushman Design Group
Architect Milford Cushman of Cushman Design Group balanced the concepts of outlook and enclosure in designing this 384-square-foot screened-in porch in rural Vermont for a couple — meaning he connected the space to the landscape while giving it a protected feel. Rustic Adirondack-influenced architecture, including the exposed structure and shed roof, make the porch feel right at home in its surroundings. At 11 feet off the ground and with trees all around, the space has a nest-like feel. To preserve those views of the trees and the mountains beyond while meeting building codes, Cushman used hardware cloth — a strong metal grid product — instead of wood or cable rails. The porch also has steps (not seen) for convenient access to the backyard, furthering the connection to the landscape.
Brooke Kern Interior Design, LLC
This North Carolina homeowner originally called designer Brooke Kern to furnish her deck, but Kern saw an opportunity to truly transform the home by swapping the deck for a porch addition. Sited under one wing of the home’s new butterfly roof, the 225-square-foot space helps return the home to its midcentury modern roots while blending in with the environment. Stairs off the back (not seen) lead down to the yard. Fun fact: The ceramic vases on the coffee table are by local Asheville company East Fork Pottery, whose co-founder is renowned artist Henri Matisse’s great-grandson.
Steve's Custom Homes, Inc. aka Net-Zero Builders
All the wood for this Maine porch’s posts, beams and paneling was harvested and milled onsite. While designer and builder Steve Adamczyk of Steve’s Custom Homes used it to give the 192-square-foot space a rustic cabin feel, he added a modern amenity: custom vinyl windows by Amazing EZ-Screen Porch Windows. While screening lets in breezes on warm days, the windows can be closed to keep out rain, snow, pollen and dust. Right off the porch, a two-tiered deck has grilling and lounging areas up top and an octagonal deck for dining and playing games below.
Form Collective
Creating indoor-outdoor connections was the priority for this 315-square-foot screened porch in Canada’s wine country. Lauren Webb and Josephina Serra of Form Collective used sliding doors to make it an extension of the house, and another door (where this photo was taken from) opens right to the yard. Sited for maximum views of the woods nearby and mountains in the distance, the porch has screens that keep the bugs out and a fireplace to keep things cozy when the air turns chilly. The homeowners wanted to have the feel of a rustic country home but with modern flair, as seen in the oversize stone fireplace, charcoal stamped-concrete flooring, pedestal dining table and natural oak finishes.
CG&S Design-Build
Ceiling fans help ease the heat on this 350-square-foot screened porch in Texas by Kaelee Pearson of CG&S Design-Build. Sited atop a garage, the space has a treehouse feel, enhanced by cedar tongue-and-groove ceiling paneling and wood-look flooring. An adjacent dining deck comes in especially handy for entertaining. The vaulted ceiling spans both the porch and the adjacent living room, creating a continuous flow, and five-panel folding doors between the two spaces can be opened completely for a full indoor-outdoor connection.
Architecture By George
Sharon George of Architecture by George chose a patterned porcelain tile for the fireplace surround on this 240-square-foot screened porch in Texas. Together with Saltillo tile flooring, an area rug and painted tongue-and-groove pine paneling on the ceiling, it conjures the feel of a living room. Just out of frame to the right is a small dining table, convenient for enjoying meals prepared on a grilling patio adjacent to the porch. Doors that slide and stack can be opened to let the interior dining room benefit from any breezes.
Iroko Properties LLC
With two ceiling fans, a heater and a fireplace, this 384-square-foot screened porch in Atlanta is good to go all year round. And with a dining table, bar area and lounge with a TV, there’s plenty to keep the family of four entertained. Gert van Rooyen of Iroko Properties designed a low-maintenance space, as the homeowners requested, using heavy-duty exterior siding on the ceiling and the wall on the right (not seen), as well as waterproof wood-look vinyl tile on the floor. Amazing EZ-Screen Porch Windows supplied the windows, which are retractable and made of highly durable vinyl. Behind the screens are steel cable railings that preserve the leafy views, and a spiral staircase provides a beautiful transition to a patio below.
As we head into summer’s final act, porches become a
. The following eight porches offer plenty of ideas for creating unobstructed views while using screens to keep out pesky insects and railings to maintain safety. See how pros connected the porches to nature yet made them protected and comfy enough to hang out in until the last leaf falls. (cited)
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