OUTDOOR/INDOOR LIVING
porch exterior red tree
Save the gas and time you would spend driving to the beach, lake or mountains. Step immediately from your kitchen to your sanctuary and feel the stress fall away.

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BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND...
porch floor plan
Clients' goal was to create a comfortable, informal indoor-outdoor living space for the couple to share quiet evenings together and host larger gatherings with extended family. Of course, their dog is certain it was all built for his enjoyment. He hates bugs!
WELCOME FRIENDS!
porch exterior side gable
The distinctive side gable with its double screen doors forms the chief entryway for guests, inviting them to come "set a spell." The barrel-vaulted ceiling is tongue-and-groove pine, forming the perfect curve for the cheery hanging lantern. Clean, unfussy lines are the rule, including the sturdy 6x6 square posts that support the roof.
A HANDSOME PORCH
porch exterior corner
The new screen porch is a gracious 27x30 at the widest points. The black standing-seam metal roof compliments the distinctive dark mortar of the home's brick veneer. New exterior siding is Hardie Cedarmill.
CASUAL ELEGANCE
porch exterior chimney side
Configuring the roof is a major challenge when remodeling. Here, the ridge height is limited by the bottom of the above second-floor window. After looking at more complex options, the decision was taken to place the ridge off-center to maximize the slope of the roof. A steeper roof sheds water better!
COZY UP TO THE FIRE!
porch interior fireplace
The masonry fireplace is a work of art itself. Fully exterior to the porch, the sturdy chimney is decorated with an arched inset. (see previous image) The interior face of the chimney features a raised masonry hearth and a beautiful arched firebox opening.
SOCIAL GRACES
porch interior seating
Porch layout allows for three separate seating areas. The first is opposite the French doors, and close to the new fireplace. A second area in the opposite corner is suitable for a table and chairs. The obligatory porch swing nook greets visitors on approach through the double screen doors at the side gable.
SHELTERING CEILING
porch interior seating opposite
The ceiling is cathedraled with beaded tongue-and-groove 1x4's, and ceiling fans are placed to cool each of the three seating areas. The fans are black, as are the lighting fixtures. Flooring is painted premium treated 2x6.
DINING EXTENSION
informal dining addition
A generous casual dining area was created by bumping the back wall out eight feet. Windows were reused, and French doors added. A distinctive paneled treatment to a nose-rail height dresses the walls. New oak flooring unifies the kitchen/dining area.
BRIGHT PANTRY
new pantry light and window
Enter the new pantry through what was an exterior doorway. A spoked-oval window affords natural light, and provides a counterpoint to pantry's utilitarian function. Two of its interior walls retain their brick; the other walls will be papered. Ceiling is painted beadboard, and the floor is natural oak.