5 Game-Changing Outdoor Space Remodels
With spring upon us, it’s exciting to think about spending more time outdoors. This includes how we can make the most of our outdoor spaces. Our projects have run the gamut of outdoor spaces, with outdoor space remodels that include new decks, patios, pergolas, porches, sunporches and even a spectacular solarium. We’ve rounded up 5 game-changing outdoor space remodels we’ve completed to help inspire your plans for your outdoor spaces.
1. New Covered Deck With Outdoor Kitchen and Lounge
When it comes to outdoor space remodels, decks are a common need from Atlanta-area homeowners. Original decks were often small afterthoughts when homes were built. In addition, they may be falling apart and lack conveniences like roofs, pergolas and outdoor kitchens. Also, decking materials have come a long way, and today there are beautiful and durable composite materials available that look like wood but will last for many more years to come.
These Peachtree Corners homeowners found they weren’t using their outdoor spaces. Their deck didn’t have ample space for much of anything, and it had seen better days. The areas below it in the yard were not very inviting either.
We worked hard during the design phase to meet their needs, and to give them a structure that was cohesive with their home’s architecture. The space allows for dining, lounging, grilling, entertaining, serving cocktails and al fresco afternoon naps.
Before
The existing deck was tired, rotting and way past its prime. The wood, railings, shape and style were dated, and the landscaping was overgrown. In addition, the deck did not suit the architecture of the house.
After
The new deck is cohesive and pulled together. The heavy timbers on the porch match existing architecture on the front of the house. We extended an existing roofline to create the porch for a consistent look.Other materials include used cedar shakes, portico beams, columns and corbels. The stain is warm and works well with the brick and bluestone.
In order to maintain open views to the yard and woods beyond, we used steel cable rails on all the railings. In addition to keeping everyone on the deck and stairs safe, these have a clean modern look. This project also included remodeling the patio and improving the landscaping. The curve of the patio provides softness to all the straight lines of the deck structure. 
Functionality
By enlarging the deck’s area and better organizing the covered and uncovered portions, we made the space much more useable and inviting. Our clients wanted the deck to provide multiple functions including:
Gathering: For family gatherings and other events, there are plenty of spots to gather in groups both large and small.
Sun and shade: The large pavilion structure creates a covered porch with outdoor kitchen and lounge on part of the deck. It also provides shade on hot summer days. The ceiling was an opportunity to create a breeze via ceiling fans. And there’s plenty of uncovered space for soaking up some sun.
Eating and dining: The porch has a dedicated outdoor dining area as well as an outdoor kitchen.
Lounging: A large outdoor sectional sofa is a cushy spot to relax and catch up, or read a book.
Intimate spaces: A table with two lounge chairs and the patio below provide spots for intimate conversations.
Outdoor kitchen
One very popular aspect of all types of outdoor space remodels is an outdoor kitchen. Adding an outdoor kitchen allowed whoever is preparing the food can be a part of the gathering. There’s also countertop space for serving food.
The homeowners now have an expansive deck for grilling, serving food, eating outdoors and lounging. In addition the new deck suits the architecture of their home and is easily accessible from the house and the yard.
2. Solarium and Landscape Renovation
A less common type of outdoor space remodels and additions is a solarium. A solarium is a a fully glass enclosed space with a sun-drenched feel. While often attached to a house, they can also stand alone as an outbuilding within the landscape.
These Ansley Park clients were looking to enjoy the natural beauty of their surroundings. We completed a solarium addition as well as a landscape renovation. The solarium that includes a large stone fireplace, lounging space, a dining area and an outdoor kitchen.
The landscape around the house and solarium is a series of rooms. These include a fire pit area, other seating areas and an imported European fountain that serves as a grand focal point. The wooded site has winding paths and diverse plantings that provide a beautiful complement to the home.
Solarium
The solarium addition provides a place where our clients can enjoy feeling protected by the walls and roof but feel like they are surrounded by nature. Expansive windows and a glass ceiling let in the light and views.
Of course, while natural light is fantastic, sometimes it can be too much! While the glass roof maximizes natural light, it also has a motorized awning to provide shade. This is very handy on days that are too hot and sunny. The windows also have motorized shades.
Outdoor Kitchen and Dining
The long dining table is perfect for entertaining, whether its a backyard barbecue with the grandkids or an elegant dinner party under the stars.
While technically not out in the open air, the solarium’s kitchen has grilling capacity, as well as a sink, dishwasher, fridge and lots of storage and countertop space. The silhouette of the backsplash elevates the look to the level of a sophisticated indoor kitchen.
Lounge
The solarium is divided into two large areas: Kitchen and dining and fireplace lounge. The new chimney is stone that’s rugged enough to fit into the landscape, yet refined enough to go with the elegant Italianate house. The slate floor also rides that line between rugged indoor and sophisticated outdoor character.
A rug and overstuffed furniture bring comfort to the space. The metal frames of the chairs and sofa nod to garden furniture style. Meanwhile, the soft cushions and pretty throw pillows add living room style.
The oversized lantern also lends a landscape lighting feel. The stone coffee table top balances in a more rustic element and plays off the hearth.
Greater Landscape Redesign
This example of outdoor space remodels also included a large landscape redesign. It’s a woodsy garden full of staggered pathways that lead to discover of intimate seating areas as well as this outdoor fire pit lounge. We installed new stone pathways that led to the solarium addition and fire pit area. One favorite feature is the 1,000 bulbs planted throughout the yard that delight when they pop up in the spring.
3. Pavilion With An Outdoor Kitchen
A very impactful kind category of outdoor space remodels is a pavilion. These rare open-air structures completely separate from the house — think of a covered picnicking spot in a park. However, unlike most park pavilions, residential structures often have many more accoutrements like fireplaces, cushy furniture, outdoor kitchens, sophisticated surfaces, ceiling fans and heaters.
Our Atlanta clients wanted to make the most of their backyard by adding a pavilion with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace. A spot where they could enjoy time with family outdoors and have outdoor gatherings. They also had a big wish list of features they wanted in their outdoor kitchen including a fireplace with wood storage, heaters, heaters, an outdoor kitchen and a pizza oven.
The pavilion’s location, nestled in the back corner next to the woods, makes it an alluring destination that feels like a true getaway. Our clients wanted a picturesque look. Natural materials including cedar beams and trusses stained a deep rich tobacco hue and fieldstone make the pavilion a focal feature in the backyard.
Fireplace Lounge
The fireplace provides a strong welcoming focal point inside the pavilion. The main event is watching games al fresco while enjoying the fire. The stone fireplace continues the rustic look and ties into the walls. And the heart pine mantel adds a cozy touch. Cedar blinds provide privacy when the leaves have fallen off the trees. And their wood warms and cozies up the space.
While the stone floor adds a rustic touch, the woven lounge furniture provides maximum comfort outdoors.
Wood Storage
The family uses a lot of wood for both fires and to fuel the pizza oven. We created stone shelves for the wood that can also double as extra bench seating.
Outdoor Kitchen
Now, for the outdoor kitchen — our clients knew exactly what they wanted. The list included a gas grill, a ceramic Big Green Egg grill, a fridge, storage and a trash pull-out. We used the same stone used on the pavilion’s walls to integrate the kitchen in a seamless way. The proximity to the lounge allows everyone to hang out when cooking.
The architecture of the pavilion fits right in with the wooded setting. Details like the curved corbels and beautiful lanterns enhance the style.
When it comes to outdoor space remodels, this one is a favorite for the whole family. Since completion, the homeowners have expressed how much they use the new pavilion, especially for watching sports and making pizzas. The ceiling fans, fireplace and heaters allow them to use it year-round.
4. Stylish Update For a Sunporch
While we consider sunporches, also known as a sunrooms, as outdoor space remodels, these spaces lean more indoor than outdoor in terms of comfort. They can be insulated and comfortably heated and air conditioned all year round. At the same time, they can be opened up to let in the breeze, provide expansive views and lend an outdoor feel.
This stylish update for a sunporch was part of a larger scope of work on this Buckhead couple’s home. After living in their house for 15 years, they were ready for a refresh. An impactful part of the renovation was this down-to-the-studs renovation of a seldom-used sunporch. The new design forges strong connections between the house and the yard.
Before
The sunporch had a lot of glazing. But we knew that our clients could add much more light to the space and create much stronger connections between indoors and out with a new design.
After
New metal doors with a dark copper finish let in the light from the floor to the roofline. We added transoms and side lites around the double doors to create walls of paned glass. And the modern gridded pattern of the new doors updates the facade of the sunporch in a fresh way.
The sunporch also has a new standing seam metal roof in dark bronze. This plays beautifully off the new door and new gutter system. A new copper lantern suits the home’s architecture. A mix of metals play nice together while also keeping things interesting!
Grilling Porch
The new glass doors continue on a second side of the sunporch, creating even more of a connection to the outdoors. They also provide easy access to the grilling space. A new overhang above this patio provides protection for the grillmeister during inclement weather.
Interior
The husband wanted a space that could be open to the outside where he could enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning in a space that felt like a bakery or bistro,” senior designer Sabrina Brown says. French bistro chairs, a marble-topped table, a slate floor and a comfy armchair with a side table for a mug create just the right vibe.
Chic Home Bar
One of the most important features is this chic built-in bar. It serves as a coffee station for a morning cup in the light-filled space. It also serves as as a cocktail bar when the homeowners are entertaining and as a buffet when they are grilling out on the patio and serving dinner on the sunporch.
The paint color on the home bar is Sherwin-Williams’ In the Navy. The countertop and backsplash are Desert Silver Silestone. This is a durable quartz with delicate veining that makes it look like natural stone.
When it comes to outdoor space remodels of an existing space, this one has made a dramatic difference. It serves our clients’ lifestyle from morning to night year-round.
5. A Grand Porch Renovation
A porch is one of the most welcoming spots on a home, whether out front or back. Porch swings, dining tables and lounge furniture feel right at home, and invite gatherings with a glass of iced tea.
Our Alpharetta clients had a beautiful pool and an attractive back porch. But the porch and an additional small deck left a lot to be desired. They wanted to expand the porch to make room for an outdoor fireplace, a TV lounge and a dining area. In other words, they were ready for a grand porch renovation.
In addition, an important part of the this grand porch renovation was circulation. We added a statement staircase that connects the porch to the yard and pool. And we took over the small separate deck with an outdoor kitchen, adding a walkway deck between it and the back porch.
Back Porch Before
The house had a lovely back porch, but it wasn’t functioning very well and was disjointed. For example, to the left there was a smaller deck with steps that led down to the pool. But in spite of being very close to the porch, the two were not connected. The main porch had a second set of steps off the left down to the pool, which was odd.
Back Porch After
It wouldn’t be a grand porch renovation without a grand staircase! We removed the two existing staircases and replaced them with a generously wide staircase. This was the biggest architectural change to the back of the house. We were able to preserve the existing porch roof.
We also replaced the deck and some of the structure beneath. There are new brick columns that match the new outdoor fireplace, seen on the left corner of the porch. The railings are updated as well. To the left, you can see a new walkway deck that connects to the small deck off the left side of the house.
Main Porch
The main porch has areas for lounging, dining and sitting by the spectacular new wood-burning outdoor fireplace. The circulation was one of the biggest issues on the project. To get from the small deck to the back porch, the homeowners would have to go back into the house, walk through some rooms and then out a door that led to the back porch. Or down the steps to the pool, onto the pool surround and up the stairs to the back porch. The redesigned small deck is now attached past the bench on the right.
Separate Deck Before
Before, there was a small separate deck off the great room that had a set of stairs down to the pool. This deck was not large enough for much more than a grill and a small table. And it was completely disconnected from the back porch.
Also, when the homeowners used either set of these stairs, they would have to walk around the pool to get to the rest of the backyard. Our plan was to improve the flow from inside to out, from the back porch to the deck and from the deck to the backyard.
Separate Deck After
An important part of the design was connecting the small deck to the back porch. The deck now wraps around and connects to the back porch. This part of the renovation made room for an outdoor kitchen on the deck.
This photo also shows the new railings, which are in keeping with the home’s architecture.
Outdoor Kitchen
The smaller portion of the deck contains an outdoor kitchen. This side includes a grilling station with a gas grill as well as a Big Green Egg. There’s plenty of counter space for prep and lots of storage for grilling tools and platters.
Across from the grilling station there is an outdoor fridge, separate burners and additional storage. This countertop provides a nice serving area. The family and their guests can make up a plate, walk across the walkway deck and eat in the dining area on the porch. A far as outdoor space remodels go, this one solved so many issues the homeowners were having with their existing porch, deck and general backyard circulation.
We hope these 5 game-changing outdoor space renovations have provided inspiration for your own home plans. If you’re starting to think about improving your outdoor or indoor spaces, please click on the link at the bottom of this post to schedule a free design consultation and get the design build process started.
If you enjoyed this story, here are a few more links we think you’ll enjoy:
How To Plan a Fabulous Outdoor Kitchen
10 Ways To Improve Your Outdoor Living Space
