Before and After: 5 Inviting Porches With Fireplaces
See how design and building pros create cozy indoor-outdoor spaces for lounging and entertaining
As the seasons change, a porch offers a flexible indoor-outdoor space for relaxing, entertaining and enjoying garden views. With a fireplace, you can extend porch season even later into the year. The following five makeovers feature stunning fireplaces, comfy lounge seating and other amenities that invite family and guests to cozy up outside even during colder months.
After: Stephens designed a new porch that is 22 feet deep and extends the length of the back of the house. Custom railings add interest and keep the view to the pool and new landscape open.
Stephens used a stone veneer called Hudson Ledgestone on the planter boxes, posts, stair treads and low walls to ground the space with a classic look. An outdoor kitchen and dining area sit at one end, while a fireplace lounge occupies the other side.
Stephens used a stone veneer called Hudson Ledgestone on the planter boxes, posts, stair treads and low walls to ground the space with a classic look. An outdoor kitchen and dining area sit at one end, while a fireplace lounge occupies the other side.
Stephens placed the gas fireplace with faux logs at the open end of the porch to anchor the space. Its Hudson Ledgestone surround ties it into rest of the design. Stephens also framed the fireplace with two built-in benches and left plenty of room for couches and tables in front of it. It’s the perfect protected spot for admiring the fireplace, watching TV and taking in views of the yard.
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Browse patio furniture in the Houzz Shop
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Browse patio furniture in the Houzz Shop
“After” photos by Rex Fuller of Lux Original
2. Indoor-Outdoor Design
Porch at a Glance
Who lives here: Kevin and Urvi Patel and their two daughters
Location: Roswell, Georgia
Size: 384 square feet (36 square meters); 24 by 16 feet
Designer and builder: Gert van Rooyen of Iroko Properties
Before: The small deck off this home’s kitchen had become warped and cracked over time. The homeowners hired Gert van Rooyen to design a larger screened-in porch to replace the existing deck. They also requested expansive openings to take in the breezes and views, and vinyl windows to use during allergy season and when the weather is cold and rainy. “Our goal was to bring the comfort of the indoors outside in a unique, low-maintenance space that we could use all year round,” homeowner Kevin Patel says.
2. Indoor-Outdoor Design
Porch at a Glance
Who lives here: Kevin and Urvi Patel and their two daughters
Location: Roswell, Georgia
Size: 384 square feet (36 square meters); 24 by 16 feet
Designer and builder: Gert van Rooyen of Iroko Properties
Before: The small deck off this home’s kitchen had become warped and cracked over time. The homeowners hired Gert van Rooyen to design a larger screened-in porch to replace the existing deck. They also requested expansive openings to take in the breezes and views, and vinyl windows to use during allergy season and when the weather is cold and rainy. “Our goal was to bring the comfort of the indoors outside in a unique, low-maintenance space that we could use all year round,” homeowner Kevin Patel says.
After: The new porch includes a large screened-in area as well as a small open deck for grilling at one end. Clear vinyl retractable windows from Amazing EZ-Screen Porch Windows keep out rain, wind and pollen when closed and let in the breeze when open.
A new concrete slab and 6-by-6-inch posts provide structural support and help tie the upper and lower levels together. It also can be used as a second seating area and is easily reached by a spiral staircase.
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A new concrete slab and 6-by-6-inch posts provide structural support and help tie the upper and lower levels together. It also can be used as a second seating area and is easily reached by a spiral staircase.
Hire a design-build firm in your area
The Patels chose a linear electronic fireplace to set the tone for the interiors. They paired it with a black 3D tile in a wavy pattern to play up the modern feel and also match the anodized aluminum wrapping on the porch’s support posts. “To reflect our aesthetic choices, we opted for a design that leveraged modern materials and a modern color palette, blending in natural elements such as open wood rafters and a live-edge black walnut mantel for warmth,” Patel says.
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10 Screened-In Porches With Fabulous Fireplaces
Read more about this project
10 Screened-In Porches With Fabulous Fireplaces
“After” photos by Fine Focus Photography
3. Dream Space for Outdoor Entertaining
Porch at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with a daughter in elementary school
Location: Davenport Ranch neighborhood of Austin, Texas
Size: 480 square feet (45 square meters)
Designer and builder: CG&S Design-Build
Before: Faced with a small back porch that had structural issues and leaking skylights, these Austin, Texas, homeowners turned to CG&S Design-Build for help. The first item on their wish list was a safe outdoor space. One of the homeowners “was afraid to even go outside on the porch, because it was in such bad shape,” project overseer Sara Hadden says.
Also high on the list was a gathering spot for outdoor entertaining that would offer a view of and access to the pool. “They didn’t want to feel cramped when people were out there,” Hadden says.
3. Dream Space for Outdoor Entertaining
Porch at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with a daughter in elementary school
Location: Davenport Ranch neighborhood of Austin, Texas
Size: 480 square feet (45 square meters)
Designer and builder: CG&S Design-Build
Before: Faced with a small back porch that had structural issues and leaking skylights, these Austin, Texas, homeowners turned to CG&S Design-Build for help. The first item on their wish list was a safe outdoor space. One of the homeowners “was afraid to even go outside on the porch, because it was in such bad shape,” project overseer Sara Hadden says.
Also high on the list was a gathering spot for outdoor entertaining that would offer a view of and access to the pool. “They didn’t want to feel cramped when people were out there,” Hadden says.
After: The new porch occupies the same spot as the original, but the redesign brings in the more contemporary look that the homeowners requested. Removing the existing stairs and angling a new staircase off to one side increased usable space without taking up valuable square footage. Those moves also created a safer transition from the porch to the pool.
The team removed the small balcony off the second-floor primary bedroom and opened up the roofline, enlarging the porch interior to increase the sense of spaciousness. The new porch has plenty of room for entertaining throughout the year.
The team removed the small balcony off the second-floor primary bedroom and opened up the roofline, enlarging the porch interior to increase the sense of spaciousness. The new porch has plenty of room for entertaining throughout the year.
A gas fireplace now anchors one end of the porch. The lounge area in front of it has plenty of seating, making it a go-to spot for any gathering. After browsing photos on Houzz, the homeowners chose an encaustic tile for the fireplace surround that is repeated in the outdoor kitchen at the other end of the porch. Partial walls framing the fireplace, with shelving on one side and a bench on the other, provide extra storage and seating while also screening views of the neighbors.
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Photos by Kelley Klein Photography
4. Designed for Entertaining
Porch at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their two children
Location: Dunwoody, Georgia
Size: 530 square feet (49 square meters)
Designer and builder: Renew Properties
Interior designer: Linen & Flax Home
Before: The homeowners and their two teenage children loved entertaining, but their existing deck was too small. They tasked local design-build firm Renew Properties with adding a large porch that would provide a spot for hosting and an easy transition between their home’s interior and yard. “This family wanted an extension of their main living space with an indoor-outdoor feel and an elevated design,” project manager Lindsey Parker says.
4. Designed for Entertaining
Porch at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their two children
Location: Dunwoody, Georgia
Size: 530 square feet (49 square meters)
Designer and builder: Renew Properties
Interior designer: Linen & Flax Home
Before: The homeowners and their two teenage children loved entertaining, but their existing deck was too small. They tasked local design-build firm Renew Properties with adding a large porch that would provide a spot for hosting and an easy transition between their home’s interior and yard. “This family wanted an extension of their main living space with an indoor-outdoor feel and an elevated design,” project manager Lindsey Parker says.
After: The design team replaced the existing deck with a larger porch that measures 20 by 26½ feet. There’s now plenty of room for a kitchen, a dining area, bar seating overlooking the yard and a lounge area in front of a new fireplace.
The finishes include tongue-and-groove paneling, white painted brick and wood decking that was stained to look like natural white oak. Recessed lighting provides illumination. The homeowners wanted the porch to have the feeling of a living room, Parker says.
The finishes include tongue-and-groove paneling, white painted brick and wood decking that was stained to look like natural white oak. Recessed lighting provides illumination. The homeowners wanted the porch to have the feeling of a living room, Parker says.
The stone fireplace at the far end of the porch is the focal point. Its cast-stone surround and limestone mantel and hearth create timeless appeal. The wall-mounted copper lanterns add a soft, warm glow.
The elegant curved white walls on either side of the fireplace tie in with the white brick on the home’s facade. They also provide discreet screening from the neighboring home.
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The elegant curved white walls on either side of the fireplace tie in with the white brick on the home’s facade. They also provide discreet screening from the neighboring home.
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Photos by Cat Wilborne Photography
5. Screened-In Retreat
Porch at a Glance
Who lives here: A family with two young kids and a puppy
Location: Apex, North Carolina
Size: 850-square-foot (79-square-meter) screened porch and 400-square-foot (37-square-meter) deck
Designer: Catherine French Design
Before: A North Carolina family hired designer Catherine French to replace their existing deck with a place where they could lounge, eat and entertain while their kids played. “Her dream had been to have a screened-in porch,” French says of one of the homeowners.
The family’s wish list didn’t stop there. Having a connection with the surrounding woodland while also having protection from the region’s pesky mosquitoes and allergy-inducing pollen was equally important. Plus, it needed to be a place where one of the homeowners could work from home full time.
5. Screened-In Retreat
Porch at a Glance
Who lives here: A family with two young kids and a puppy
Location: Apex, North Carolina
Size: 850-square-foot (79-square-meter) screened porch and 400-square-foot (37-square-meter) deck
Designer: Catherine French Design
Before: A North Carolina family hired designer Catherine French to replace their existing deck with a place where they could lounge, eat and entertain while their kids played. “Her dream had been to have a screened-in porch,” French says of one of the homeowners.
The family’s wish list didn’t stop there. Having a connection with the surrounding woodland while also having protection from the region’s pesky mosquitoes and allergy-inducing pollen was equally important. Plus, it needed to be a place where one of the homeowners could work from home full time.
After: French gave the family everything they wanted in a space with Scandinavian-inspired style, influenced by photos one of the homeowners liked on Houzz.
The new screened porch is a protected space that can be used year-round, including when allergy season hits. “The worst part is the pollen, so we used a PollenTec screen that keeps 99% of the pollen out,” French says.
French also added a deck directly off the porch, which eases the transition from the home to the yard and can be used when the weather, mosquitoes and pollen allow.
The new screened porch is a protected space that can be used year-round, including when allergy season hits. “The worst part is the pollen, so we used a PollenTec screen that keeps 99% of the pollen out,” French says.
French also added a deck directly off the porch, which eases the transition from the home to the yard and can be used when the weather, mosquitoes and pollen allow.
The screened porch includes a gas fireplace that is centered on the far wall of the porch. It provides plenty of warmth during the cooler months, with generous seating in front of it and a raised hearth.
The hearth, fireplace surround and floor are finished in the same 12-by-24-inch porcelain tile. “Being able to hose it down was important,” French says of the material. A mix of overhead and wall lighting allows the family to enjoy the porch day and night.
Upholstered furniture: Alfresco Home with custom Sunbrella fabric
Read more about this project
More on Houzz
Read more stories about porches
Browse and save porch photos
Hire a local general contractor
Shop for outdoor products
The hearth, fireplace surround and floor are finished in the same 12-by-24-inch porcelain tile. “Being able to hose it down was important,” French says of the material. A mix of overhead and wall lighting allows the family to enjoy the porch day and night.
Upholstered furniture: Alfresco Home with custom Sunbrella fabric
Read more about this project
More on Houzz
Read more stories about porches
Browse and save porch photos
Hire a local general contractor
Shop for outdoor products
1. Poolside Paradise
Porch at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple of empty nesters
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Size: 820 square feet (76 square meters)
Designers: Scott Stephens of SMS Architects (architecture), Steve Koprowski of Koprowski + Associates (landscape architecture) and Cynthia Gaertner (interior design)
Contractor: John Chandler of Chandler Construction
Before: While their existing deck was fairly expansive, these Richmond, Virginia, homeowners wanted an even bigger covered outdoor space that they could enjoy from early spring to late fall. “They love to entertain, and wanted to be able to bring their large gatherings outside,” architect Scott Stephens says.
Working with landscape architect Steve Koprowski and contractor John Chandler, a frequent collaborator, Stephens created a relaxed, upscale space that checked off every item on the homeowners’ must-have list, including a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen and custom railings.
Find a local architect on Houzz