Extended Rooms

Sheer draperies, a jute area rug, and plush seating lend this outdoor space the elements of an interior room. The interior decorator selected a lively green fabric to complement the woven-wicker furniture. The hand-tumbled, all-masonry brick fireplace....I love this room!!!



A covered porch off the master bedroom provides a comfortable vantage point for watching boats come and go in the harbor. The interior decorator treated the private space as an open-air sitting room, complete with area rug, table lamps, and cozy seating.



On the first-floor porch, synthetic-wicker seating covered in patterned cushions extends the interior's living and dining spaces. OK, I could do this .......



Oatmeal-colored spa-weave outdoor fabric and a bevy of ourdoor throw pillows cover wicker chairs and chaise longues.



This backyard veranda serves as a fireside retreat. With views of lush landscaping and ancient live oaks, the covered terrace evokes the laid-back ambience of the Mississippi River Delta.

More Patios and Extended Rooms

Refined and Rustic

The screened porch of this Highlands, North Carolina, house designed by Nancy Braithwaite features a neutral color palette enlivened by layers of texture. Braithwaite designed the five-foot-wide chandelier specifically for the space.

One of my favorite places to visit is the Highlands, you travel up the beautiful mountain with breathtaking views and natural waterfalls along the way. You will experience  quaint shopping, restaurants, and simply peaceful scenery in all directions.

A Proper Porch

Designer Michael Whaley gave this porch in Point Clear, Alabama, a stately Southern air. The recent renovation falls squarely in step with the historical flavor of the 1880s home.

High-Style Hacienda

Designer Ann Dupuy incorporated pigskin-covered equipal chairs and folk art to keep this San Miguel de Allende space firmly rooted in Mexican tradition.

Golden Glow

Warm-toned checked and chintz fabrics soften the look of this porch, part of a North Carolina mountain house designed by Amelia Handegan. The Stephanus Heidacker painting over the mantel lends an unexpected touch.

Breezy in Blue

Designer Phillip Sides and architect John Kirk created this beach access porch for our 2006 WindMark Beach Showhouse in Port St. Joe, Florida. With elegant accessories and outdoor fabrics in a classic blue-and-white combination, it feels as much like a casual living area as a porch.

Entertaining Outdoors

Now that fall is upon us, you may want to think about entertaining on your patio to take advantage of the fall temperatures.

Furnish the space with stylish, weather-resistant pieces. This long trestle table’s crisscross base mimics the diamond floor pattern, and the white finish maintains a minimal look. The chairs, made of clear-sealed metal, add a touch of industrial chic, and they stack for easy storage. Add a hanging lantern for a touch of elegance.

Simple curtain panels made of durable, weatherproof outdoor fabric soften the space. In this picture their are sheer panels with large grommets by Jaqlene, a South Carolina textile company, on re purposed plumbing pipes.

Rope place mats layered with textured porcelain dinnerware and twine-tied utensils create a laid-back mood. Keep it casual with stemware or color coordinated plastic. Take advantage of fall by placing flowers from your garden along with the lovely colors of the falling leaves, in your napkins and other stemware.

 


Fragrant lilac bouquets is another alternative in galvanized-metal cups along with simple candlelit hurricanes make a relaxed alternative to a fussy centerpiece.
 
Whatever you plan for an outdoor dinner party, remember the background music to help break the ice and provide a calming experience. Remember you want to hear what your guests are saying, so keep the volume low.

Take a look at my store for cookware and more home decor.