Gardening and Landscaping
Gardening and Landscaping
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Porches
Porches
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Landscape Design
Make the Most of Three Seasons With a Personal, Bug-Free Outdoor Oasis
Becky HarrisJune 13, 2011
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
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If you are looking to expand your home and create a wonderful space you'll get great use of for three seasons, consider adding a screened-in porch. It's much cheaper, quicker, and easier to add than a regular room, as it doesn't usually require a foundation, insulation or HVAC systems. It's a spot where you will be able to enjoy fresh air and feel closer to nature without being eaten alive by mosquitos or fearing a visit from that 40-pound opossum who lives under your deck. I've included styles below from Eastern coastal to Western mountains, and traditional to modern — a little screened-in porch action for everyone.
Mmmm, crisp and fresh New England air, comfy seats, and a woodstove to keep you warm while you look out at the spectacular view. What a perfect spot.
Becky Harris
I can testify that I LIVE on my screened-in porch in spring, summer and fall (except when I am driven indoors by the cacophony of leaf blowers in Atlanta — would someone please make those illegal?).
My general contractor (and brother), Clark Harris, says to "expect a screened-in porch to take about 2-4 weeks for your builder to complete." Still on the fence? "You'll get much more use out of it than you would a deck," he says, "as it will protect you from rain and mosquitoes."
Tip: If your porch is atop an elevated deck, have your builder screen beneath the floorboards to keep little bugs from crawling up in between the boards.
Michelle Jacoby, Changing Spaces
Now I must warn those of you who are obsessed with resale value that in this housing market, don't count on getting the money you put into a screened-in porch back out of the house. However, real estate broker Gerald Dunn in this discussion on Trulia says, "the porch may make your property more attractive to a buyer in the future. It will separate yours from the competition and may make your home easier to sell."
EASYdesigns
If sideways rain is likely to hit your furnishings, weatherproof rugs and fabrics are a good idea. Add furniture with comfortable cushions for long chats, side tables for sweet tea, and good lighting for reading.
Frederick + Frederick Architects
Another great benefit of a screened-in porch is that it provides a bug-free spot to enjoy a meal in the fresh air. It's like a picnic without ants. And without having to sit on the ground. And with running water two rooms away ... wait, why do people go on picnics?
Dear Daisy Cottage
A porch is a great place to be free and easy with your decor. The Dear Daisy Cottage's porch has scads bright colors and potting-shed charm.
Ambiance Interiors
Don't feel hemmed in by a preconceived notion of porch furniture. Mirrors, sconces and a console bring indoor style to this indoor/outdoor space.
Chad Jackson Photography
Tip: If you have children or pets who like to run through screens, consider starting the screens at chair-rail height. It will save you a lot of money on replacement costs, and if your porch is off the ground at all, it's a must for childproofing.
Blue Sky Building Company
Skylights can add more natural light to this covered space during the day and provide a nice night sky view after dark.
Tip:If possible, keep the flooring consistent from indoors to out. Here, this move connects the screened-in porch to the outdoor patio and eases the transition between the two spaces.
Joie Wilson
If you don't have an available space the size of a typical square room for your porch, don't fret; lots of different dimensions can work. Long daybeds take advantage of this long and narrow seaside screened-in porch.
Extend your porch's seasonal life with the help of ceiling fans to cool the hotter days, and a fireplace to warm chilly nights.
Dresser Homes
There are no hard-and-fast rules about porch style; this porch is full of Southwestern flavor. Careful attention was paid to the material palette, including the painted brick wall, the large varied stones on the floor and the rich wood ceiling.
This porch is a bit more rugged Western style, with large timbers overhead, log walls, and antlers as an accent. Even the dining chairs look like they were hewn from sturdy trees from around the property.
Ellen Kennon Design
This large porch celebrates family and friends spending time together, with comfortable seating and games readily available for those who gather here.
Summerour Architects
This North Carolina screened-in porch is a relaxing pavilion in the trees. I imagine many great naps take place on the hanging bed.
Tracery Interiors
This modern space was added onto an historic cottage, which created a room for eating, relaxing and gathering. The sheers add a layer of soft texture and movement, and the dark painted ceiling adds to the tranquility of the room.
Larson Shores Architects
We'll save the exteriors of these spaces for another day, but here's a teaser. New construction is a real opportunity to incorporate a screened-in porch into the design of your home. This screened-in porch and the covered balcony above it are carved out of this facade as one cohesive piece.
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Expert Introduction
As an enthusiast and expert in gardening and landscaping, I have a deep understanding of the principles and practices involved in creating beautiful outdoor spaces. I have hands-on experience in designing and maintaining gardens, as well as implementing landscaping projects. My knowledge is backed by extensive research, practical application, and a genuine passion for creating stunning outdoor environments. I stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and innovations in the field of gardening and landscaping to provide valuable insights and guidance to enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Gardening and Landscaping Concepts
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When it comes to introducing yourself professionally, it's essential to craft a powerful self-introduction with the essential details that will help you make a lasting impression. This involves using a practical framework such as "present, past, and future" to introduce yourself with confidence in any context, online or in-person.
Learning With Understanding: Seven Principles
In the context of gardening and landscaping, the principle of learning with understanding is crucial. It emphasizes the importance of gaining a deep understanding of the concepts and techniques involved in creating and maintaining outdoor spaces. This principle can be applied to the process of learning about different plant species, soil types, and environmental factors that impact gardening and landscaping.
The Best Ways to Professionally Introduce Yourself
In the realm of gardening and landscaping, the importance of making a positive first impression is evident. Preparation and amiability are key when introducing yourself, just as they are essential when creating a favorable impression with outdoor spaces. Open body language, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in others are qualities that can also be reflected in the design and maintenance of gardens and landscapes .
What Is Self-Knowledge in Psychology?
Self-knowledge is a fundamental concept that can be applied to gardening and landscaping. Understanding one's preferences, values, and vision for outdoor spaces is akin to self-analysis in psychology. It is the necessary first step in initiating positive change, and in the context of gardening and landscaping, it involves understanding one's design preferences, plant choices, and the overall vision for the outdoor environment .
By integrating these concepts into the practice of gardening and landscaping, enthusiasts and professionals can create outdoor spaces that not only reflect their personalities and values but also provide a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment for themselves and others to enjoy.
