Tag Archive for: porch

Hello Summer – Outdoor Living

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The art of outdoor living embraces the comforts of home, with the added benefit of fresh air.   What better way to celebrate summer than stunning spaces where you can relax and share sunny days with friends and family.  We love the way our homeowners and their designers at North Shore Nest created versatile outdoor environments. The photos by Aimée Mazzenga beautifully capture their new Lowell Custom Home on Geneva Lake.  We hope to inspire you to build your own outdoor living retreat!

Go With The Flow

The secret to a great open-air experience is space that transitions seamlessly from indoors to outdoors. This upper porch is accessed directly from the living room and surrounded with neoclassic railing which integrates the home’s coastal architecture.  It transforms the deep covered porch to an outdoor lounge with ample protection from the elements.  Furnished with comfortable seating and a casual dining area, homeowners can move outdoors with ease.

Enjoy the View

Of course, location is everything in a lake home and this vantage point opens to a relaxing panoramic view.

Al Fresco Dining

Fine food and refreshing drinks can easily accompany the al fresco experience with an outdoor kitchen and dining patio overlooking the lake.

A Gathering Space

The lower level finds a covered patio with cushy weather resistant seating and a swinging daybed for afternoon naps.

Poolside Paradise

And just steps away poolside umbrella seating offers sun or shade options along with a dip in the infinity pool.

Staycation Motivation

At a time when vacation and travel plans are often up in the air, the most reassuring alternative for summer fun can be your own backyard.

To see more of the stunning details of this Lowell Custom Home visit Poolside Paradise in our Featured Home Gallery.

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Custom Home by Lowell Custom Homes

Interior Design by North Shore Nest

Photos by Aimée Mazzenga

Porch Appeal

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Front or back, the porch has a timeless charm that encourages relaxation and conversation.  While the architectural appeal is timeless, we find ourselves truly  enamored during the spring and summer months.  Whatever the size of your home, there is always room to incorporate this welcoming respite.

The Entry Porch

This architectural feature will protect your entry from the elements while directing guests to the front door.  It is a familiar option compatible with most home styles while lending a flattering first impression.

The Overhang Alcove

The extension of your roof line will create an intimate niche where you can enjoy the view and unwind.

Feelin’ the Breezeway

Linking spaces with a semi-enclosed area is a structural treat.  It creates a place to catch a breeze without full exposure to the elements.  Furnish with comfortable chairs or your outdoor kitchen equipment.

Wrap-Around Charm

There is not a better spot for an iconic pair of rocking chairs.  Reminiscent of the good old days, the wrap around porch is ideal for escape or entertaining at home.

Protected Paradise

Protected with screening or Plexiglas panels, an Indoor-Outdoor living area creates an easy transition to you outdoor activities.  To see some of our favorite indoor/outdoor spaces click here.

 

Sleeping Porch Arrangements

Popular in the early 20th century before air conditioning became the norm, these semi enclosed areas provided the most comfortable nights sleep.  Now they are nostalgic additions, usually on the second floor, where you can catch a breeze or enjoy a peaceful nap.

Whether you’re looking to add character or expand living space, be sure to consider all of the possibilities a porch has to offer.

 

Lowell Custom Homes is known for building and remodeling homes with a creative and customized approach.  We invite you to stay in touch by signing up for our blogs where we cover the latest design ideas and inspirational projects!

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Screened in porch interior Lowell Custom Homes in Lake Geneva WI

Screened Porches – Bug Free Outdoor Bliss

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The fine art of “porching” may have been introduced in the south, but here in the Midwest we expand the tradition with protective panache.   Even the official Porch Sitters Union approves of the screened-in variety.  It is a highly respected option offering a laid back defense against bugs and weather conditions.

Lowell Custom Homes screened in porch exterior

Ideal Location for Your Porch

To help you identify the perfect location for your screened porch click here..  The idea is to achieve a seamless indoor-outdoor connection where you can enjoy nature without pesky bugs or excessive heat.   Depending on construction, this could be a year round extension of your home’s living and entertaining space.

Lowell Custom Homes screened porch with access from kitchen

The Anatomy of a Screened Porch

Overhead – The most appealing roof design is an extension of your home architecture.  A well constructed roof will offer protection from the elements with a shed, hip or gabled style.  The materials should be high quality as well as compatible with the main structure. This home received all new roofing that features long lasting composition shake shingle from DaVinci Roofscapes.

most appealing roofline by Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva WI

Enclosure – Full screening will promote a lovely cross breeze while the addition of windows can provide year round comfort for the space.  A large variety of window styles will work.   One of the latest trends is to install a glass wall of windows that folds back for an unobstructed view.

Interior –  Architectural details can take this space from elementary to enchanting.  Here we feature a beadboard ceiling, arched corbels and versatile lighting for after sunset. Ceiling fans and fireplaces are popular additions as well.

screened porch interior Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva WI

Underfoot – Moisture seal is imperative as a base layer before construction begins.  From there the flooring material should be durable with a level and visually pleasing transition from interior rooms.

exterior view of screened porch with access to outdoor leisure

Final Touches

Comfortable seating will complete your indoor-outdoor space.   Use sturdy pieces and fabrics for easy care and stress-free entertaining and relaxation.  Durable fabrics like those from Sunbrella are a modern miracle that will help you weather the elements in style.  Be sure to include drink tables, a place to prop up your feet and some perky accents, plants and flowers.

Screened porch outdoor furniture Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva WI

Here’s to all of the ways our home can help us celebrate the spring & summer season!

Fun facts about this home:

This home was originally built by Lowell Custom Homes and designed by M & E Architects.  The renovations in 2018 are by Lowell Custom Homes with architect Todd Cauffman and General Manager/Project Superintendent Rich Kinter.

To see more of the lovely details visit our gallery by clicking here.

Photography is by Shanna Wolf, S.Photography and Styling

The new roof is by DaVinci Roofscapes and features a long lasting composition shake shingle.

Here is a better look at the new kitchen by Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC which features cabinetry from Plato Woodwork, Inc.

We always love hearing from you and are happy to discuss your personal home projects! Building a new home or remodeling can be an exciting adventure and our team of experts is available to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030