A recent (and glorious) patio renovation project took advantage of several of our favorite indoor-outdoor features, and we couldn’t wait to share them with you. Grab a seat on your back porch and be inspired by all the ways you can increase the amount of natural light, living space, and enjoyment of your home.
Retractable Patio Screens
Powered retractable screens can make the great outdoors instantly more comfortable, whether you are shielding yourself from the sun’s glare, the rise of mosquito season, or the world beyond your patio walls. Today’s retractable screens come in a variety of colors and transparency levels, and can be sized to fit individual windows, large openings, or full walls—all without sacrificing your view.
Infrared Patio Heaters
Heaters can easily turn your one-season porch into a three-season phenomenon (or longer if our winters get milder). Available in several different sizes and safely powered by electricity, infrared heaters can be mounted on walls or ceiling as seen below, or they can be camouflaged as a corner fireplace.
Swinging Daybeds
Rocking chairs and porches go hand and hand, so it’s not surprising that swinging daybeds and patios get along so well. Sturdily hung from four ropes, our favorite daybeds are made from all-weather wood like teak and acacia. When topped with outdoor fabrics and cushions, there’s no better place to take a summer siesta or, when properly bundled, a long winter’s nap.
Outdoor Fans
Beautiful outdoor fans add some function to form by keeping the patio temperature comfortable with the added bonus of keeping bugs at bay. When choosing the best fan for your patio, make sure it’s sized appropriately and outdoor-rated. Made with special all-weather blades, galvanized steel, powder-coated paint, and waterproof seals, these special fans are equipped to handle wet and damp conditions and will look great season after season.
Sliding Glass Patio Walls
Huge moveable window walls like the ones from NanaWall, Milgard, Pella, and Anderson seamlessly connect homes to the beautiful outdoors. Bigger than a traditional patio door, but with the additional capability of multi-slide stacking, glass wall systems can even be tucked into a wall cavity if you have enough room on either side. They are gaining popularity in Boston’s MetroWest because they not only let in natural light all year long, but also can be completely opened up during our temperate seasons to extend the size of your home—or your patio, depending on your perspective.
Indoor Outdoor Finishes
Coffered ceilings, shiplap, temperature control, plush textiles, and wall color—there is no limit to how much “home” you can bring to your patio spaces. Treat it as you would any other room in your home, and you’ll find yourself migrating outdoors more often.Which of these features makes it to the top of your must-haves list?
If you’re ready to bring new life to your patio, so are we! Request a project consult to get the ball rolling.
