The Magic of a Screened Porch
Who doesn’t love a screened porch? In this modern take on a Montana summer cabin, rattan sofas and ipe wood rocking chairs offer laid-back comfort on the screened porch, where the stained-and-scored concrete floor is covered by an indoor-outdoor rug.
But these favorite summertime spaces can pose a design conundrum. Thankfully, Atlanta-based Carter Kay, of Carter Kay Interiors comes to the rescue with some tips for achieving easy elegance out on the porch.
1. COMPLEMENT THE HOUSE
“Porches are created for reading, relaxing and rejuvenation, with or without cocktails! The colors and design should definitely reflect the comfort and colors of the house of which it is the relaxed extension.”
2. HAVE A COLOR STRATEGY
“The color palette usually reflects either the softening or intensification of the home’s colors. My favorite porch colors are all neutrals: beige, taupe, greens, browns (all of natures’ colors). In using them, people become the focus in the room, while nature grounds us all.”
3. FIND THE RIGHT FURNITURE
“For me, porch furniture needs to be wicker or rattan. These two materials live well in humid areas, and each one conveys a relaxed state of mind.”
4. LIMIT THE LIGHT
“Porch lighting, for me, needs to be subtle and soft. My focus is always on the people around me and the view beyond. No overhead lights. Period!”
5. GO WITH THE FLOW
“Air movement is a key on porches, so a fan above, or one in each corner.”
See the whole home at A Summer Cabin, Redefined.
