New Covered Porch With Outdoor Kitchen and Lounge
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.
We redesigned these spaces so that our clients would make the most of outdoor living. This project includes a large deck with a large covered portion, an outdoor kitchen and access to a patio below. Come take a tour and glean inspiration for your own outdoor spaces.
Site Planning and Placement
Light and shade: By locating the covered portion of the deck off one end of the house, we minimized how much this would affect natural light reaching the interiors.
Access and circulation: Another important aspect to the design was creating easy access to the patio off the walk-out lower level. The plan included placing a set of exterior steps in just the right spot. As a bonus, the structure of the deck provided the perfect place for a porch swing.
In addition to the new deck and covered porch with outdoor kitchen and lounge, we cleaned up the area beneath the new deck to make it more inviting. We also improved the landscaping around it.
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.
Materials
Structure: The heavy timbers on the porch match existing architecture on the front of the house. We used cedar shakes, portico beams, columns and corbels. The stain is warm and works well with the brick and bluestone. We extended an existing roofline to create the porch for a consistent look.
Railings: 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.
Patio: The curve of the patio provides softness to all the straight lines of the deck structure. Our clients’ patio furniture picks up on the mix of wood tones and steel of the deck.
Style
The deck has transitional style. Transitional style lands somewhere between traditional and modern. It’s all about balancing this mix. Here we took cues from the home’s architecture and brought in rustic and modern touches.
Here, the timber frame structure of the covered portion of the deck nods to traditional design. It works nicely with the stone chimney and the traditional-leaning architecture of the brick house. Meanwhile, the minimalist railings with steel cable rails mix in a modern element. So does the outdoor furniture.
Before
This photo shows the rotting condition of the decking. Also, an odd gazebo broke up the deck space. It made laying out the furniture awkward.
Multiple Uses
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:
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.
Covered Outdoor Lounge
Outdoor furniture has come a long way, hasn’t it? Our clients opted for cushy woven sofas with white cushions for a beachy look.
Tip: Durable outdoor fabrics are more water and fade resistant than ever. Know that you’ll have lots of options when choosing outdoor fabrics. Now, you can think about outdoor rooms in a way that’s very similar to the way you think about indoor rooms.
Covered Outdoor Kitchen
Functions: This is a small outdoor kitchen and at the same time, it’s a large grilling station. In addition to the gas grill, there are burners, a beverage fridge and storage.
Surround: The surround is cedar. The knots in the wood add to the rustic part of the transitional mix of styles.
Countertop: The countertop is soapstone with rough edges. There’s enough counter space for placing platters while grilling. This countertop can also serve as a bar during parties.
Appliances: The grill, burner and storage unit are from BBQGuys.
Check Out Another Pavilion With an Outdoor Kitchen
Climate Control
We don’t pretend we can control all the elements outdoors. But features like ceiling fans and heaters can help to make the climate more comfortable when needed. In addition to fans and heaters, the ceiling also contains integrated lighting and speakers for the stereo system.
This photo also shows the white V-groove paneling on the ceiling. The light color keeps the covered portion of the deck from feeling too dark. And the boards add texture overhead.
10 Ways To Improve Your Outdoor Living Space
Layout: The dining area is out in the open. The portion of the deck covered by the porch creates a cozy and protected feeling for the outdoor lounge.
Outdoor kitchen: The outdoor kitchen is close to the entry to the house. At the same time, it’s tucked out of the way. Trees along the property line make this a nice private spot.
A/V Equipment: The outdoor area also enjoys a Sonos sound system. We installed the speakers in the ceiling.
Lighting: There are new recessed lights in the ceiling, and new outdoor sconces have a traditional lantern look.
Now our clients have a versatile and beautiful space where they can enjoy fresh air, relaxing, and spending time with friends and family.
We hope you’ve enjoyed taking a virtual tour of this lovely new covered porch with outdoor kitchen and lounge. If you enjoyed this post, here are a few more you may enjoy:
Countertop Material Options For Your Outdoor Kitchen
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