Landscape Design
Patio of the Week
Porch of the Week
Porch of the Week: Screened-In Space for Indoor-Outdoor Living
Tailored details, elevated finishes and stylish furnishings create a warm, inviting home in Canada’s wine country
When a couple sold both their downtown Vancouver condo and their winter cabin in the Canadian countryside to move full time to North Okanagan, British Columbia, they wanted to build a dream home that would marry the best of both worlds. They envisioned a country home that would lean rustic but have modern sophistication and flair — and a screened porch was a must.
The couple worked with Form Collective on the project, from the home’s initial planning phase through the final styling (coordinating with architects and builders along the way). A major emphasis of the project was to create outdoor spaces for comfortable indoor-outdoor living, which is what this article focuses on.
The couple worked with Form Collective on the project, from the home’s initial planning phase through the final styling (coordinating with architects and builders along the way). A major emphasis of the project was to create outdoor spaces for comfortable indoor-outdoor living, which is what this article focuses on.
The porch flooring is stamped concrete with a dark charcoal finish; the designers carried that finish throughout all the outdoor spaces. There are pot lights in the ceiling and sconces on the wall.
An oversize fireplace anchors the outdoor lounge, positioned off center to maintain a clearer view from the house out to the landscape and allow more room for the dining area. The fireplace surround picks up the floor’s gray tones and the wood’s golden color, and the stone adds a rugged texture while still feeling modern and polished. The designers used a fireplace insert with a herringbone back.
Harvey, the homeowners’ dog, is seen here taking in the space.
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An oversize fireplace anchors the outdoor lounge, positioned off center to maintain a clearer view from the house out to the landscape and allow more room for the dining area. The fireplace surround picks up the floor’s gray tones and the wood’s golden color, and the stone adds a rugged texture while still feeling modern and polished. The designers used a fireplace insert with a herringbone back.
Harvey, the homeowners’ dog, is seen here taking in the space.
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Form Collective worked with the homeowners to choose the porch’s furniture and decor, incorporating two black club chairs the couple already had (seen in the previous photo). “We intentionally selected another armchair that was more open to be visually light because of the placement of it,” Serra says.
A round pedestal dining table keeps a small footprint, and string-back dining chairs create an open feel. Area rugs, throw pillows and blankets add comfort and elevate the design.
The stunning scenery just beyond the porch both complements and contrasts with the design’s color palette of rich green, gray and tan with touches of orange. “The client loves orange,” Webb says, so the designers were sure to incorporate it into the design.
Outdoor dining chairs: Blu Dot
A round pedestal dining table keeps a small footprint, and string-back dining chairs create an open feel. Area rugs, throw pillows and blankets add comfort and elevate the design.
The stunning scenery just beyond the porch both complements and contrasts with the design’s color palette of rich green, gray and tan with touches of orange. “The client loves orange,” Webb says, so the designers were sure to incorporate it into the design.
Outdoor dining chairs: Blu Dot
Around the corner from the screened porch (seen in the background), a covered patio off the great room and dining room takes advantage of the property’s spectacular views. Two Adirondack chairs face out to the scenery. A compact outdoor kitchen sits next to the indoor kitchen for easy access.
What to Know About Adding an Outdoor Kitchen
What to Know About Adding an Outdoor Kitchen
Another covered patio sits off the homeowners’ primary bedroom suite, adjacent to an area with a saltwater pool and a hot tub (not pictured). The door seen here leads to a bathroom, so guests can access it from the pool without having to walk through the house or bedroom.
An outdoor shower makes it easy for pool users to rinse off after a dip. The black slats complement the farmhouse style used throughout the project, and also give the shower an enclosed feel without walling it off completely.
An outdoor shower makes it easy for pool users to rinse off after a dip. The black slats complement the farmhouse style used throughout the project, and also give the shower an enclosed feel without walling it off completely.
Clean-lined white patio furniture lends the pool area a resort vibe while tying in with the modern farmhouse aesthetic.
A covered outdoor dining area and bar next to the pool allows the homeowners to enjoy alfresco meals and drinks without needing to head back into the house. The clean-lined design continues here, as does the material palette of wood, concrete and black metal.
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See more photos of this home
More on Houzz
Read more stories about porches
Browse thousands of porch photos
Work with a landscape designer
Shop for your outdoor spaces
Porch at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their dog
Location: North Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada
Size: 315 square feet (29 square meters); the property is 80 acres
Designers: Lauren Webb and Josephina Serra of Form Collective
Builder: Heartwood Homes
The screened porch was designed as an extension of the home and positioned for maximum views. “It’s truly an indoor-outdoor living space,” designer Lauren Webb says. “You can be warm and comfortable and still enjoy fresh air. [You have] all the comforts of home with the benefits of being outside.” The space makes the region’s hot, buggy summers tolerable.
Sliding walls between the porch and house can be opened completely, creating an easy indoor-outdoor flow. (The doors fit behind the kitchen cabinets so as not to clutter the space.) In warmer months, the homeowners take advantage of the fresh air by leaving the doors open. When it gets cold in winter, they close everything up and enjoy the view from indoors.
Inside, the designers used warm, natural oak finishes to achieve the sophisticated farmhouse style the homeowners wanted. “The thought was to continue that outside,” designer Josephina Serra says. The ceiling and wall treatments, therefore, are done in a classic paneled style but with a more modern finish — and are meticulously detailed. “Just as much care went into [the outdoor area] as the interior space,” Serra says.
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