According to the Alexandria-based Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), homeowners are taking a new look at their yards as places to create more living space for entertaining or relaxing. A step above the standard deck or patio, some homeowners are splurging on a screened-in porch.
These two homeowners created new areas of their homes that merged high-end design with practical space.
Converted Carport
Just a few blocks west of Fort Hunt Elementary School, the Lough family asked the design team at Marks-Woods Construction Services to create an outdoor living space with a West Coast feel that allowed in plenty of natural light. They wanted the space to have a quiet and private feel while providing them with access to both the house and the side yard.
The perfect spot to create this indoor-outdoor living space was the home’s existing carport. It was demolished to create a new covered patio with steps into a screened-in porch with skylights. Combined with new landscaping, a new walkway and a new driveway, the space tied into the existing home’s style and entryway seamlessly.
Regis Vogt for Marks-Woods Construction Services
A Decked-Out Deck
In the Waynewood neighborhood, the Nurnbergers sought a more usable outdoor space that included a deck and screened-in porch with easy access to their backyard. Marks-Woods Construction Services removed the old deck and replaced it with a new, larger deck — part of it was used for a screened-in porch. New stairs led to the backyard below. A new backdoor on the home and exterior lighting made the space welcoming day and night.
The new screened-in porch features skylights, a shiplap wall and ceiling, and an oversized fan. The three black-framed glass panel double door entries were added for contrast against the white shiplap. The new deck featured a unique cable railing to give the space an open feel.
Regis Vogt for Marks-Woods Construction Services
