Helen and Bennett Griffin
Helen and Bennett Griffin completed construction on their casual — yet classy — screened porch in December 2013. Just off of the dining room through large glass doors, the Griffin’s chose warm neutral colors creating an inviting cozy space outside. The pitched roof and exposed wood ceiling contrast with the dark hardwood floors that extend throughout the porch. “We tried to be practical with our furniture having three children and a dog but also wanted it to be comfortable,” says Helen. The family spends many weekends having friends over to grill and watching their children Charlie, Ann West and Grier play in their backyard.
Jenna and Ryan Burke
Jenna and Ryan Burke’s screened porch is an extension of their interior living space. Along with their three boys, Cooper, Will and Alex, they eat dinner as a family on their porch multiple times a week. Since it is a more recent addition to their 1920s bungalow-style home, it was important to match the roofline with the extended beams. Jenna and Ryan chose neutral tones to blend with the exposed brick and interior beams. “Our favorite style element is the cable rail. It keeps the visual lines clean and open, without obstructing our view of the backyard,” says Jenna. For seating, older furniture was reinvented to give the porch an eclectic cozy feel. The dining room table, a thrift-store find, is paired with 1970s pine benches and is the perfect place to gather for meals and games. The love seats were given new life with updated cushions, and the daybed was painted with a pop of color, without being overwhelming. “It is also one of Ryan’s favorite napping spots — although he has several,” laughs Jenna.
Shannon and Warren Darby
Shannon and Warren Darby’s porch is in constant use and when it comes to entertaining, relaxing and even homework, the family can be found enjoying their eclectic outdoor living space. Shannon mixed new items and vintage pieces creating a comfortable place to be when outside. The design was brought together with a custom porch swing, comfortable chairs and colorful fabrics. “Charles, my dad, built the swing from a picture I showed him. I wanted comfortable chairs so the guys could watch football,” says Shannon. “The tea cart was given new life by punching up the color and is great when we have friends over.” Different shades of blue in the fabrics contrast nicely with the green plants that were added. Shannon and Warren enjoy listening to music on their swing with their children, Taylor and Walker, after a long day.
Stefanie and Greg Hughes
The Hughes’ porch is cozy, comfortable and a perfect space to relax or entertain. Stefanie and Greg use their outdoor living area most of the year and have dinner with their children, Kate and Davis, on nights when the weather is nice. The neutral colors and style of the interior were extended to their outdoor room. “I love all shades of brown and tend to re-arrange a lot, so it’s nice for things to coordinate in all rooms of the house,” says Stefanie. The white beadboard ceiling brightens the space and contrasts with the painted deck flooring. Stefanie found most of the furniture pieces at flea markets, consignment sales and auctions, and mixed them with new pieces. The rocking chair was a wedding gift that Stefanie and Greg received 17 years ago and she has given the cushions new life by recovering them. Fresh flowers and greenery complete the look and are a must have for this outdoor living room.
