This simple porch makes me think a lot about how we usually furnish outdoor spaces, and how we use them. Too often, outdoor furniture just isn't all that comfortable, and the focus is more on dining than it is on just hanging out. This sofa looks like a nice spot for a nap, though. I like the idea of using outdoor rooms for more than just meals.
This country ranch house is miles away from the beach, but it's got the same vibe as the beach house above. It's easy to imagine lazy afternoons spent on the porch, just watching the sun set.
I love the little sofa placed on this porch. It's sandy color blends in perfectly and the comfort factor is high.
This flagstone patio merges indoor and outdoor spaces. Set in mortar, it's easy to clean and maintain and provides an ideal segue to the dry-laid flagstone path running to the landscape beyond the house. The colors of the stone repeat the colors of the walls and the roof of the house, which ties everything together nicely.