Tag Archive for: spring outdoor living

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

Creating Attractive Outdoor Living Spaces

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“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s Party!'”      Robin Williams

Longer days and calmer temperatures signal a return to outdoor living.  Using nature as a backdrop, the open-air space surrounding your home can provide hours of delight and relaxation.  Multiple studies have shown that just looking outdoors will activate the part of the brain related to thoughts of balance and happiness.  Take advantage of natures feel-good with the creation of al fresco spaces that will also enhance the square footage and value of your home.

The most successful outdoor space will be an extension of your homes interior style while blending with the surroundings.  A perfect plan will provide appealing and useful outdoor “rooms” as well as beautiful scenes when you look out the window.

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Where do you start? 

  • Our recommendation is to first make a list of any daily activities that would be pleasurable if moved outdoors.  Often relaxation tops the list, with entertainment, cooking and play space following closely.from website 20180008
  • Take inventory of your property and the available options to create outdoor rooms.  Consider exposure to the elements, the direction of sunlight and your desire for privacy vs. neighborhood interaction.  This will guide the placement of your outdoor living space to the front, side or back yard of your home.

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  • Next evaluate your floor plan and the most logical points for moving from indoors out.  The more convenient this transition, the more you will use your outdoor areas.  When building or remodeling, we like to feature specialty Nano (folding) or French Doors to visually diminish the indoor/outdoor line and encourage fluid movement.

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  • An informal sketch of your property showing home placement will allow you to designate logical active and calm areas.  Allow for entertaining and family fun as well quiet activities like reading, napping and gardening.

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  • Consider ways to lengthen the time you can enjoy spring and summer months by including the protection of a covered porch or three season room.

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  • Connect your outdoor living areas with landscaping, walkways and privacy screening than integrates the outdoor space with the overall architecture of your home.

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  • Finally, remember that there are experts,  like those at Lowell Management,  with the expertise and ability to guide you in the planning and execution of your new home and remodeling projects.