The Art Of The Perfect Porch
Nothing beckons to the heart like a great screen porch. The Southern Living Showcase Home has accomplished the art of the perfect porch with its gorgeous outdoor living room, open for visits select days October 21 through November 6 at the new Dorset Park neighborhood in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Built by custom homebuilder Castle Homes, the showcase home has an amazing, German-made NanaWall which collapses accordion style, seamlessly connecting the home’s living room and screened porch.
Kristen Finney, of Finney Interiors, has made full use of the space designing around the porch’s focal point, the gas log fireplace with a limestone mantle. Finney uses all-weather wicker furniture (www.grahamslighting.com) paired with bright Sunbrella cushions, original artwork by Robert Power and clever accessories.
“The showcase home’s screened porch has a cappuccino stained, tongue and grove ceiling and a cozy fireplace designed to throw heat into the space instead of letting it escape upward. Earth tones really help make a smooth transition between rooms,” Finney said.
Finney shares her tips for designing the perfect porch:
– Incorporate Earth Tones. It is a nice way to make a transition with color from home to outdoors. If there isn’t an abrupt color transition, it is more relaxing to the eye and to the people enjoying the space.
– Provide Plenty of Seating. It is always great to have an eating area and a lounging space.
– Use Big Accessories. Create a cleaner environment by using larger more dramatic pieces. It creates simple focal points throughout.
– Don’t Forget An All-weather Outdoor Lamp. It is great to find a burlap shade which because it only becomes more interesting with age.
– Look for Rustic and Weathered Pieces. Perhaps one of the most user-friendly design trends, it makes sense to use something that will wear well. Durable, resin wicker is such a great design addition to this space.
– Use A Neat Art Piece. Temperature changes are tough for original art but gallery owner Ron York recommends something painted on wood or metal. If not, rotate your original art so it doesn’t experience long-term weather effects and enjoy.
– The final touch to creating the charming outdoor living space is an area rug. It brings definition and warmth to the area. The showcase home has a very clever use of this idea with a concrete floor treatment. Created by artisan Brooks Tucker, Bella Tucker Decorative Finishes, the floor has an ikat design with a Skimstone concrete overlay finish in soothing earth tones. (www.bella-tucker.com)
Finally, step through a new Screen Tight fiberglass, mini screen track, custom solid cedar doors to the back yard entertaining patio with pavers. You’ll totally want to steal this new idea!
No matter if your house is big or small, Nashville’s only Southern Living Showcase Home is packed with incredible design and new building ideas.
