This family of six moved into a turnkey model home that was outfitted down to the towels and plates. But after about a month and a half of living in it, they realized it didn’t suit their lifestyle. They hired interior designer Bridget Gasque to add architectural elements and a style that better suited them. Since they all love indoor-outdoor living, one of the most important changes was creating an outdoor space where they could lounge, talk, grill and dine. She replaced a ho-hum patio with a beautiful open porch decorated in the coastal style the family loves. Loftus Design, LLC Photos by Jim Schmid Photography

Porch at a Glance
What happens here: A young family spends time enjoying the breeze and the backyard views while lounging, conversing, grilling and dining
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Size: 324 square feet (30.1 square meters), 18 by 18 feet
Designer: Bridget Loftus Gasque of Loftus Design

“The original area was just stone pavers; it wasn’t cozy, and it was a waste of backyard space,” Gasque says. The new porch offers plenty of room for lounging, grilling and dining. Loftus Design, LLC The homeowners love breezy coastal style and wanted to capture that feeling out on the porch. Details like tongue-and-groove ceiling panels, wicker and glass furniture, and colorful pillows add beachy style. The wood decking is ipe.

“The pitched roof makes the whole porch feel larger and more spacious,” Gasque says. By placing the porch decking only 26 inches off the ground, she was able to design it without railings, which would have impeded the flow and the views to the backyard. (Check local codes regarding railings when designing your porch or deck.) Loftus Design, LLC A two-tiered coffee table provides room for drinks, snacks and games on top, with space for reading materials underneath. The glass adds to the beachy feeling.

Chinese garden stools: West Elm; pillows: Cost Plus World Market; coffee table, chairs and planters: Pottery Barn Loftus Design, LLC “Rather than using a sofa or love seat and chairs, my clients wanted four comfortable lounge chairs,” Gasque says. “Arranging them in a circle is better for conversation, which was important to them.”

The designer surrounded the deck with shrubbery to keep the kids from jumping off, then added trios of large fiberglass planters in the corners. “We added some climbing vines to draw the eye up,” she says. They trained the vines up to the drapery rods using tall sticks in the planters. Loftus Design, LLC Although the family wanted a more open feeling than a screened-in porch, they did want an option to close it off sometimes for shade and privacy. The porch is within view of the community pool, so the homeowners wanted to be able to screen it out when it was busy.

Gasque chose a Sunbrella fabric that will stand up to fading, mildew and stains, and dark metal hardware that is rustproof. “We kept the drapery hardware simple so that it would not look too heavy,” she says. The fans are outdoor ceiling fans that will stand up to the elements. “The fans also help keep the bugs away,” she says.

Ceiling fans: Home Depot; drapery hardware: Pottery Barn Loftus Design, LLC While there is recessed lighting built into the ceiling, lantern candle sconces provide ambience when the family wants to visit by candlelight. The dark metal on the lanterns, coffee table and drapery hardware creates a cohesive look. Loftus Design, LLC The dining table has a sturdy concrete top, and its color and finish also fit in with the coastal theme. The table, chairs and lounge chairs came from Pottery Barn. “I don’t often use the same source for so much furniture, but it was important that it all go together out here,” Gasque says. Loftus Design, LLC Just to the right of the table is a door to the kitchen for easy-in, easy-out access for serving meals. The grill is to the right of this table. Loftus Design, LLC The designer put together a centerpiece composed of moss and succulents, which will requires only a little misting.

Shell container: Ballard Designs Loftus Design, LLC Tip: Large fiberglass pots are much easier to lift and move around than ceramic ones, especially when filled with dirt. Loftus Design, LLC The porch’s roofline doesn’t obstruct any windows upstairs and plays off the architecture of the home. Shrubs add softness around the structure. Loftus Design, LLC The openness to the backyard views and the breeze makes the porch a favorite spot for the whole family.

Builder: Robert Epps Custom Homes & Renovations