previous
  • The Inspector Game: Decking Dos and Don'ts
    The Inspector Game: Decking Dos and Don'ts
  • 7 Small Bathroom Floorplan Layouts
    7 Small Bathroom Floorplan Layouts
  • 13 Door Design and Installation Tips
    13 Door Design and Installation Tips
  • 12 Remodeling Secrets Revealed
    12 Remodeling Secrets Revealed
  • 15 Coffered Ceiling Design Ideas and Tips
    15 Coffered Ceiling Design Ideas and Tips
  • 2012 HOUSES Awards
    2012 HOUSES Awards
  • Roofing articles, videos, tools, and materials
    Roofing articles, videos, tools, and materials
  • Meet the Fine Homebuilding Project House!
    Meet the Fine Homebuilding Project House!
  • Painting Ideas, Tips, and Techniques for a Professional Finish
    Painting Ideas, Tips, and Techniques for a Professional Finish
  • Energy-Smart Details
    Energy-Smart Details
  • Fine Homebuilding: The Digital Issues
    Fine Homebuilding: The Digital Issues
  • Outdoor Kitchen Design Inspiration
    Outdoor Kitchen Design Inspiration
  • Deck Design & Construction Showcase
    Deck Design & Construction Showcase
  • 7 Solutions for Kitchen Layout and Design
    7 Solutions for Kitchen Layout and Design
  • Complete Kitchen and Bath Guide
    Complete Kitchen and Bath Guide
  • Buyer's Guide to Decking
    Buyer's Guide to Decking
  • Guide to Paperless Drywall
    Guide to Paperless Drywall
  • How it Works
    How it Works
  • 9 Design Ideas & Tips for Concrete Countertops
    9 Design Ideas & Tips for Concrete Countertops
  • 10 Basement-Remodeling Tips and Techniques
    10 Basement-Remodeling Tips and Techniques
next

Square One: Good Home Design Starts Here

Square One: Good Home Design Starts Here


Design snapshot: Engaging enclosed porch

comments (0) January 12th, 2012 in Blogs        
KHS Katie Hutchison, Contributor
5 users recommend

Click To Enlarge Photo: Katie Hutchison

An enclosed porch invites low, winter light deep within it to brighten spirits and enliven neighboring spaces. It provides an intimate get-away that’s still visually connected with the larger, adjacent, living spaces. It improves those by offering a buffer to the street, and an additional destination.


More About Porches

Adding the perfect porch

Porch appeal

A good house gets better


This used to be an open-air, front porch with a wrap-around, shingled half-wall, topped by stout columns. Since it’s close to the street, it was loud and infrequently used. Now that it’s enclosed, it’s one of the most popular rooms in the house. To the left you can see the living room doorway, which was once the front-door opening. The original double-hung windows, next to it, remain and welcome borrowed light (from the newer porch casements) into the living room.
 
This is my parents' enclosed porch, painted my mother's favorite pale green-blue, coupled with flattering cream-colored trim. She had extra deep window sills built to accommodate her many plant treasures. She has a knack for creating cozy spaces, outfitting this one with wicker furniture and assorted chairs around an antique, flip-top table. My parents' enclosed porch is one of my favorite spots to visit over breakfast or tea. You might be surprised how enclosing your porch could improve your living space.
 
by Katie Hutchison for House Enthusiast and SquareOne

 

Read more design snapshots by architect Katie Hutchison.


posted in: Blogs, architecture, Design, Design snapshot, porch

Comments (0)

You must be logged in to post comments. Click here to login.