Fresh Outdoor Dining and Cozy Living Remodel
An outdoor renovation can completely change the appearance and functionality of your home. When you see this transformation, which included a screened in outdoor dining and living area, open patio with fire pit, and new exterior siding, you won’t be able to take your eyes off of it.
Before
Previously, if you strolled past this two story home, it would blend in with the surroundings. As other homes in the area began to update their exterior, it was clear that this home needed an update and a change that would make it stand out. Not to mention, this home had seen a few additions through the years, and it was time to bring it all together with a new, cohesive look.
Oftentimes, it’s difficult for homeowners to visualize design changes to a home with just color swatches and descriptions. By using a photoshop mock-up of the home’s exterior, we were able to help the client envision this dramatic color change. In addition, the images were used to communicate design decisions with the contractor and client to ensure everyone was on the same page and that the work was completed correctly.
We knew we wanted a bold color change to really make an impact, so we started by mocking up the home’s exterior in some bold blue hues. We selected a deep blue James Hardie siding color and updated the windows and trim with crisp, white Azek. To maximize the home’s curb appeal, we made a few changes that really brought the exterior remodel to the next level. We replaced the porch railing, rebuilt the stairs, and designed a new modern porch skirt for this lovely young family.
We found inspiration in the fond memories and southern charm of the enclosed porches from our client’s childhood home in North Carolina. We felt it was the perfect opportunity to extend their outdoor dining and living space on their existing deck. With two young kids, they knew they wanted it to be multifunctional, so we created two sitting zones for inside and outside activities.
Inside the screened porch, which is adjacent to their interior family room and kitchen, the family could enjoy a three season hangout as well as outdoor dining away from pesky mosquitoes. Comfort was maximized with vaulted ceilings and a cool ceiling fan for those hot NJ days. We also included an outdoor sofa and coffee table for reading, games and entertaining, a small outdoor credenza for serving drinks and storing entertaining must-haves, and a cozy round dining table and bistro chairs for conversation and outdoor dining. In addition, new outdoor lighting, a soft weather resistant rug and throw pillows added just the right touch to make the space both functional and comfortable for family activities.
In the open air area of the porch, we worked with the floor plan to include the homeowners must have egg chair as well as a fire pit table, sofa and barbecue grill. Now, they can barbecue, sip hot chocolate (or cocktails) and cozy up by the new fire table on cooler days.
After
This renovation has transformed how this young family uses and entertains in their outdoor space. Now, they spend most of their time at home relaxing on the porch and indulging in some outdoor dining even in the Fall and Spring.
View the OUTDOOR COMFORT + CHARM PROJECT