Big Reveal: All-Season Porch Design

We hope you had a happy Thanksgiving with family and friends! Earlier in the year, we shared a sneak peek of our plans for this porch addition off the back of an Arlington bungalow. What started as a screened porch that our client could enjoy in balmy weather grew into an indoor-outdoor living space he can use almost year-round. Our client is now enjoying his completed all-season porch, and we’re thrilled to show you how the climate-controlled space turned out.

Back-Porch Addition

A. Houck Designs collaborated with Alexandria-based Lyon Architecture on the design, architectural drawings and permitting process for the 20′ x 30′ addition, as well as the new deck that extends off it.

As you can see, our builder, Chris Kupczak of K-Quality Services, beautifully executed the plan — inside and out.

Thoughtful, Four-Season Plan

The client loved our initial vision for his new porch. Although his bungalow was well-appointed, he was excited about the idea of extending his living and entertaining space. So excited, in fact, that he asked us to turn what we had envisioned into a three-season space into an all-season porch.

The stacked-stone fireplace — with its sleek, linear box — was always an integral part of the porch plan. We were counting on it to provide the necessary warmth in the spring and fall. And it does that well, thanks to an outdoor gas unit from White Mountain Hearth.

But we started exploring other ways to control the climate and make the space comfortable year-around. For starters, we installed Sunspace porch windows, which were custom-made for this project.

These vinyl windows keep the elements out in colder months, while preserving a porch-like feel. They easily slide up when you want just a screen in balmier weather. To be honest, I was initially hesitant about going with vinyl windows, but I was pleasantly surprised by their high-end look. We also added a ductless mini-split system to effectively heat and cool the all-season porch.

Indoor-Outdoor Living and Dining

We created separate zones for living and dining, using Summer Classics outdoor furniture. Durable yet stylish rugs from Stark Carpet delineate the two areas.

The bungalow does not have a designated dining room; the kitchen island, lined with bar stools, suffices. So, needless to say, the homeowner was thrilled to be gaining a dining table through the porch addition. To give the zone a proper dining-room-like feel, we painted the back feature wall a deep blue.

We installed a funky chandelier, which nods in a mid-century direction, from Tech Lighting. A mix of two chair styles ups the interest.

In sum, we treated the porch like we would an indoor space, adding both designer and personal touches.

The owner’s Buddha statute brings peace and positive energy to the indoor-outdoor space.

All-Season Porch

In chilly weather, you’ll find our client and his beloved dog, Isaac, sitting by the fire on the all-season porch. Or comfortably entertaining friends in the addition’s well-appointed dining area. We hope you find a warm spot to sit and socialize in the coming season. We’d be happy, of course, to help you create one.