Extended Rooms

Looking Up

A watery-hued ceiling adds a subtly striking top note to the side porch from our 2004 showhouse at WaterSound Beach on Florida's Gulf Coast. Brightly colored pillows and coordinating trim on the chair cushions add punch. Designer Suzanne Kasler and architect John Kirk collaborated on the project.

Room With a View

Architect Mark Finlay designed this Kiawah Island, South Carolina, porch with a spectacular 180-degree view of the nearby marsh; designer Amelia Handegan infused it with rustic elegance. Dramatic black trim and furnishings, along with muted fabrics, help dress up the space.

Fresh-Air Functionality

Overlooking the St. Lucie River in Stuart, Florida, this Jackye Lanham-designed porch blends together living and dining areas for versatility.

Pretty Pergola

Climbing roses shade this inviting pergola, part of an 18th-century estate in Alexandria, Virginia. Although the home sits in the midst of Old Town neighborhood bustle, the pergola offers a welcome sense of seclusion and retreat.

Lovely Loggia

A handsomely furnished loggia, part of an Atlanta home designed by architect Norman Askins, overlooks a sunken garden created by landscape architect John Howard.

Sleeping Beauty

A Chippendale railing encloses this simply sophisticated Florida sleeping porch crafted by architects Anne Fairfax and Richard Sammons.

Makes me ready for spring!!!!!

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Taking a break from Winter

I don't know about you, but I needed a break from winter weather, looking at pictures of  outdoor
extended rooms helps me look forward to spring!!!!

A view of the ocean is all you need to relax, but a beautiful terrace like this one doesn't hurt either. Dark furniture — Janus et Cie's Veneto — grounds the expansive oceanside terrace.




This covered porch has a mix of antique wicker; the fabric is "lemonade- and sangria-proof," says designer Robin Bell. Because who wants to clean up a mess after a relaxing afternoon?



The sitting area in this outdoor kitchen designed by Sandy Koepke blends into the surrounding natural environment. This is an ideal setting for entertaining, even complete with beer on tap.



A pair of wicker sofas from Restoration Hardware suits this classic porch, which is just off this home's living room. Pillow fabrics are Stripe in Chocolate Kiss by Perennials and Mari in Coral by Lulu DK. Casual and cozy!



In this outdoor room, "everything is meant to be a backdrop for the view," says the designer, Fern Santini. "You can see the entire Austin skyline, and a chain of lakes." Classic iron furniture from Janus et Cie.

Now this get's me excited about spring!!!!!!!!!!

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Outdoor Spas and Patios

Triple Threat

The triple waterfall in this design by Paul Wrona provides a soothing and relaxing environment. The square shape of the hot tub is an interesting twist on traditional round designs.

All Stacked Up

This stacked design by Scott Cohen incorporates all of the necessary elements for a great outdoor area: fire pit, hot tub and swimming pool. A raised stone wall provides privacy for a hot tub built for two.

Natural Reflections 

Natural elements like boulders and tall grasses provide an organic feeling, as well as privacy to a backyard hot tub. Flame-lit torches are a more romantic form of lighting than electric lights.

Stairway to Heaven

An intimate spa awaits you at the top of the stairs in this backyard paradise from Scott Cohen. Once you're done in the hot tub, cool off in the lounge chairs located in the pool's baja feature.

Roman Retreat

This elegant hot tub has an Old World feel. Picture yourself in a Roman bath as you drift away into bliss. Hanging wisteria adds a romantic touch to the pergola.

Behind (Almost) Closed Doors

If you're lucky enough to have an indoor pool, why not add an indoor hot tub? This room from the Four Seasons is designed to bring the outdoors in.

The patio is being used today during summer and winter......adding fire and water with a little ambiance of back ground music and a glass of merlot, what better way to have that vacation feeling all year round on your own patio.

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