How to Create a Cozy Northern Virginia Screened Porch
A screened porch is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors without having to brave the elements. A true living space, screened porches allow you to avoid getting sunburn on a hot summer day, chilled on a snow day, or even those pesky mosquito bites in the late spring. Far too often, homeowners allow their screened porch design and décor to be boring, bland, and even utilitarian. With just few quick design fixes, you can design your Northern Virginia screened porch as a bungalow-like extension of your home’s indoor living space.
When designing your screened porch, make sure it blends seamlessly with your house. When possible, design the porch roof to either match or complement the main roof of the house, as well as use the same building materials and trim details. If architectural compatibility with your home allows, consider using a vaulted ceiling for your screened porch, as a vaulted ceiling helps hot air rise, ensuring a cooler, more comfortable indoor environment.
Once your screened porch is constructed, don’t be afraid to get creative with its décor. Follow these tips to make enhance your porch’s bungalow feel:
- Incorporate colors and items, such as mirrors, wall hangings, and artwork, thought to be only for indoors. Paint the paneling and ceiling with a rich, vibrant color instead of choosing a bright or pastel shade.
- Add a small-weave carpet to your space, so dust and dirt won’t be easily ground into the carpet. Or choose maintenance-free and water-resistant brick pavers for your floor.
- Choose furniture that features an indoor style with an outdoor twist. Avoid using plastic furniture, and instead opt for wooden, wicker, or wrought iron accent tables and chairs (with comfortable cushions!) to warm up the screened porch.
- Arrange porch furniture in two seating arrangements; the first a table for meals, and the second a conversation area. If your parch is not large enough to accommodate both areas, choose one set of furniture that accomplishes both design goals.
- Install cozy lighting features, such as outdoor chandeliers, floor lamps, table lamps, or stringed lighting to encourage evening screened porch use.
- Add visual interest and height to your space by hanging floor-to-ceiling gauzy or sheer fabric in the corners of the space. Such fabrics create the illusion of window treatments without obstructing your view.
Looking for more expert design advice for your Centreville, Great Falls, Reston, or other Northern Virginia area screened porch? Contact Hal Co Fence to discuss building the fence, deck, or screened porch of your dreams. Established in 1981, Hal Co Fence has installed thousands of quality fences, decks, and screened porches throughout the Northern Virginia area, and specialize in the design and installation of custom screen porches.
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