With summer officially here, we will be spending more time outdoors. Indoor-Outdoor living is a big theme in many of the homes we design, from an expansive deck overlooking an ocean view, to a secluded patio situated into a private home oasis. These spaces are an extension of the home and become a private family retreat right in your backyard.

Creating a space that has both covered and open areas creates a transition from inside to outside, and helps separate the outdoor space from the interior. Having an entirely covered deck area allows for a true outdoor living experience and can allow more flexibility and more time spent outside, protecting your family and furnishings from the elements on rainy days.

Having multiple deck and patio areas creates private retreats within the home. Whether it’s a master suite porch or a small balcony off of the guest room, having separate spaces to enjoy the outdoors gives ample space for entertaining and private tranquility when needed. This also adds to the indoor-outdoor living element, as these private, separate spaces are extensions of the indoor space.

Privacy can also be a factor in outdoor living. You may not want to feel exposed to neighbors or elements, or openness in general. We’ve built spaces that are a perfect mix of a private, open air environment. We discussed the value of covered porches above, but also consider building half-walls or full privacy walls to enhance the intimacy of the space.

Outdoor living space is an incredible element to add to your home, and when done well, a sound investment. Porches can be versatile, flexible spaces, giving the home an extended interior, and providing ample space to enjoy the outdoors. It’s important that these spaces are designed to suit your specific needs, and our collaborative process ensures that the design we come up with fits perfectly.