A charming beach house porch offers family and friends a comfortable place to socialize while being cooled by ceiling fans. The exterior of this mid-century house needed to remain in sync with the neighborhood after its transformation from a dark, outdated space to a bright, contemporary haven with retro flair.

photography by Rob Karosis
Beach style porch idea in Portland Maine with decking and a roof extension

Rob Karosis, Photographer
Country yellow exterior home photo in New York

The house was a traditional Foursquare. The heavy Mission-style roof parapet, oppressive dark porch and interior trim along with an unfortunate addition did not foster a cheerful lifestyle. Upon entry, the immediate focus of the Entry Hall was an enclosed staircase which arrested the flow and energy of the home. As you circulated through the rooms of the house it was apparent that there were numerous dead ends. The previous addition did not compliment the house, in function, scale or massing. AIA Gold Medal Winner for Interior Architectural Element. For the whole story visit www.clawsonarchitects.com

A striking 36-ft by 18-ft. four-season pavilion profiled in the September 2015 issue of Fine Homebuilding magazine. To read the article, go to http://www.carolinatimberworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Glass-in-the-Garden_September-2015-Fine-Homebuilding-Cover-and-article.pdf. Operable steel doors and windows. Douglas Fir and reclaimed Hemlock ceiling boards. © Carolina Timberworks

The nearly 10’ island is an ideal place for food prep, a quick bite, buffet set-up, or sharing a glass of wine with friends. 2.5” thick marble countertop on the island gives substance and a professional feel.

Screened porch is 14'x20'. photos by Ryann Ford
Elegant screened-in porch photo in Austin with decking and a roof extension

Photo: Ben Benschneider
Living room - modern living room idea in Seattle with a standard fireplace and no tv

Elegant sunroom photo in DC Metro

This porch features stunning views of the lake and running trails. The furniture in the space is a mix of old and new, and designer furniture and custom made furniture. We used navy blue flooring material on the ceiling to add interest, color and texture. A new Waverton Cambria top sits on an antique Weiman lacquer table base. Mark Ehlen Photography.

A traditional house that meanders around courtyards built as though it where built in stages over time. Well proportioned and timeless. Presenting its modest humble face this large home is filled with surprises as it demands that you take your time to experience it.

Photography by Rob Karosis
Inspiration for a large timeless u-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen remodel in New York with marble countertops, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, paneled appliances, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash and an island

Lake Front Country Estate Entry Porch, designed by Tom Markalunas, built by Resort Custom Homes. Photography by Rachael Boling
Single front door - huge traditional single front door idea in Other with a medium wood front door

Brandon Webster Photography
Trendy screened-in porch photo in DC Metro with a roof extension

Our Town Plans
Country beige tiny house idea in Atlanta

The shape of the angled porch-roof, sets the tone for a truly modern entryway. This protective covering makes a dramatic statement, as it hovers over the front door. The blue-stone terrace conveys even more interest, as it gradually moves upward, morphing into steps, until it reaches the porch. Porch Detail The multicolored tan stone, used for the risers and retaining walls, is proportionally carried around the base of the house. Horizontal sustainable-fiber cement board replaces the original vertical wood siding, and widens the appearance of the facade. The color scheme — blue-grey siding, cherry-wood door and roof underside, and varied shades of tan and blue stone — is complimented by the crisp-contrasting black accents of the thin-round metal columns, railing, window sashes, and the roof fascia board and gutters. This project is a stunning example of an exterior, that is both asymmetrical and symmetrical. Prior to the renovation, the house had a bland 1970s exterior. Now, it is interesting, unique, and inviting. Photography Credit: Tom Holdsworth Photography Contractor: Owings Brothers Contracting

Tuscan Columns & Brick Porch
Inspiration for a large timeless brick front porch remodel in New Orleans with a roof extension

Rehme Steel Windows & Doors Don B. McDonald, Architect TMD Builders Thomas McConnell Photography
Example of a mountain style single-wall medium tone wood floor kitchen design in Austin with a farmhouse sink, gray cabinets, shaker cabinets and stainless steel appliances

The Port Ludlow Residence is a compact, 2400 SF modern house located on a wooded waterfront property at the north end of the Hood Canal, a long, fjord-like arm of western Puget Sound. The house creates a simple glazed living space that opens up to become a front porch to the beautiful Hood Canal. The east-facing house is sited along a high bank, with a wonderful view of the water. The main living volume is completely glazed, with 12-ft. high glass walls facing the view and large, 8-ft.x8-ft. sliding glass doors that open to a slightly raised wood deck, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor space. During the warm summer months, the living area feels like a large, open porch. Anchoring the north end of the living space is a two-story building volume containing several bedrooms and separate his/her office spaces. The interior finishes are simple and elegant, with IPE wood flooring, zebrawood cabinet doors with mahogany end panels, quartz and limestone countertops, and Douglas Fir trim and doors. Exterior materials are completely maintenance-free: metal siding and aluminum windows and doors. The metal siding has an alternating pattern using two different siding profiles. The house has a number of sustainable or “green” building features, including 2x8 construction (40% greater insulation value); generous glass areas to provide natural lighting and ventilation; large overhangs for sun and rain protection; metal siding (recycled steel) for maximum durability, and a heat pump mechanical system for maximum energy efficiency. Sustainable interior finish materials include wood cabinets, linoleum floors, low-VOC paints, and natural wool carpet.