porch

Project Highlight Part 1: Backyard Oasis for Post-pandemic Enjoyment

Outdoor Kitchen

This is a two-part blog discussing the different outdoor living elements of this project.

I’m excited to share this two-part blog showcasing one of my latest projects, which Southern Exposure Landscape Management* installed. This amazing outdoor living project incorporates so many popular design elements that are perfect for total backyard enjoyment.

In this first part, I’ll share about their new porch and outdoor kitchen. Don’t miss my next blog showcasing the firepit, plantings, and outdoor lighting.

Patio

Ultimate Outdoor Living Space

This project utilized a covered porch and uncovered patio area to create the ultimate outdoor living area right outside their back door.

For the covered area with the outdoor kitchen and fireplace, the design utilized dramatic volume ceilings with heavy molding. Throughout the design are stones with a Smokey Mountain veneer. The floor is a lavish and durable tile.

Just outside the covered area, is a patio with numerous comfortable seating options. The patio flooring consists of gorgeous Belgard Mega Arbel pavers. Whereas the walls are Belgard Celtik wall blocks. Overall, these materials create a seamless and stunning look on the patio.

Outdoor kitchen

Outdoor Kitchen with All the Bells & Whistles

The outdoor kitchen in this project had all the top and most amazing features in it. Major elements included:

·       Pizza oven

·       Grill

·       Smoker

·       Attached bar

·       Island with sink & seating

·       Refrigerator

·       Storage areas

It is truly a space where both meals and memories will be made!

Outdoor Fireplace

Custom Stone Fireplace with Comfortable Seating Area

In addition to the impressive and all-inclusive outdoor kitchen, another aspect of the covered porch area is the custom stone fireplace and seating area. On each side of the fireplace are log holders for easy access to wood but remains aesthetically pleasing. Above the fireplace is a mounted TV screen for enjoying movies, games, and TV shows. The seating includes comfortable chairs and a couch.

Outdoor Living

Ready to Create Your Own Dream Outdoor Oasis?

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, I partner closely with every single client to ensure they have their dream backyard. Plus, my 3D landscape design allows clients to see what the area will look like on their property before construction even starts.

Why wait any longer to create your ideal outdoor living space? Call me today at 336-848-7164 to get started! Be sure to follow my Instagram page for photos and inspiration on all things outdoor living! Don’t forget to check out my next blog to see the rest of this amazing outdoor living project!

*All photos by Southern Exposure Landscape Management

Landscape Structures: Part 4 – Picture-perfect Porches

porch

This is part four of four in a series on landscape structures. Part four covers porches.

If you missed the other three parts of this series on landscape structures they covered pergolas, gazebos & sheds, and decks. Today’s blog discusses our last landscape structure… porches.

Porches are steadily increasing in popularity among homeowners due to their many benefits, extension of your outdoor living space, flexibility in design options, and comfort. There are so many different styles of porches that the sky really is the limit when it comes to porch design and materials! Enclosed porches are all the rage right now as they allow people to enjoy the outdoors for all seasons.

In my latest blog below, I discuss the advantages of porches and popular styles and design choices.

Advantages of Porches

Porches provide homeowners with numerous benefits. Here are a few advantages they offer:

·       Creates outdoor space away from the elements

·       Keeps bugs out (enclosed porches only)

·       Increases house’s square footage available

·       Raises home value

·       Provides many possibilities for entertaining

·       Adds a lavish charm to your outdoor living space

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Porch Design Options

One important building aspect to consider in your porch design is the ceiling. Two popular choices are:

1.       Tongue and groove ceiling

2.       Volume ceiling

A tongue and groove ceiling is a popular choice. It is simple yet provides a classic look. Most people love that it provides a natural look. Additionally, some homeowners decide to stain or paint the ceiling to create a color that matches their color scheme for the porch.

In contrast, a volume ceiling is a taller ceiling for those wanting more height on their porch. The effect is much more dramatic with the volume ceiling and the beams can be decorative, adding to the charm of this option. This is the perfect choice for homeowners that are adding a full outdoor kitchen with a custom fireplace or pizza oven.

Another consideration related to porch ceilings is adding a ceiling fan. A fan is popular in the south as it is a great way to add a breeze and cool off those sitting on the porch.

Latest Trend in Porches – EZE BREEZE doors!

One of the newest trends in porches are ‘EZE BREEZE’ doors. These are a porch enclosure system that allows the space to be totally enclosed or totally open air. Homeowners love this simple, yet high-quality product and the flexibility it allows for porch designs.

Why Wait to Create a Porch the Entire Family Will Love?

If you have been dreaming of having the perfect porch, then do not wait any longer. Give me a call today at 336-848-7164 or complete this simple contact form to get started. We will discuss all your needs and budget so I can carefully design a porch your entire family will love spending time on. Be sure to visit my Instagram page for porch inspiration and other fun landscaping tips!

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, I partner with every client to ensure they have a porch design they love, that fits within their budget. I want to ensure this outdoor living element is one they feel comfortable enjoying for many years to come. My 3D designs help my clients visualize what the porch or any landscape feature would look like on their property. It is the ideal way to see a project before construction even begins or to make any last-minute adjustments.

Porches are all the RAGE!

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Porches! This year has been the year of home renovations, many including screened or grilling porches. This porch is off of a stately home on High Rock Lake. The porch serves as a covered area for outdoor dining and entertaining off of the new pool! The design not only included the porch with grilling/dining area and custom fireplace, but also a new shotcrete pool with infinity edge and spa. Other porches I have designed this year have many other types of amenities:

*Fireplaces and other Fire Features

*Built In Kitchens- these kitchens can include more than just a grill, how about a pizza oven, Green Egg, kegorator, or a built in bar?

*’EZ Screen folding doors, that can allow the porch to either be open air, or open entirely to allow the fresh air and dining alfresco:)

*Built in Hot Tubs

*Built in Showers

The sky is the limit when designing these wonderful home renovations. Most homeowners can expect a return of 84% on their investment when they add a porch to their home- so a great value for the money! Using my 3D imaging technology, customers are able to see the finished porch before construction:) See more projects such as this on my Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/3dlandscapearchitect/