As the seasons shift, our minds naturally turn to exterior home projects that can help our clients enjoy the outdoors just a little longer. When it comes to decks, porches, and patios, we love finding creative ways to extend our clients’ time outside, even as the temperatures start to dip. This week, we’re excited to highlight the transformation of a screened-in porch into a beautiful, functional 3-seasons room that these homeowners will be able to enjoy well into the winter months and beyond.
Designer Nina Schmidt and Project Manager Doug Schauerman worked with these homeowners to craft a cozy and inviting space. We turned what was once a screened-in porch into the perfect spot for year-round relaxation. Whether sipping hot cocoa on a crisp fall evening or gathering with friends during the cooler winter days, this 3-seasons room offers a seamless connection between indoor comfort and outdoor living.
The Deck Before
This screened-in porch offered a pleasant retreat during the spring and summer, providing shelter from the sun and keeping pesky insects at bay. However, it did little to protect against other elements like cold, heat, or snow and made it a less functional space for year-round use. Though the structure remained solid, the overall design had become outdated, with lattice accents that no longer suited the homeowners’ style. The composite decking also allowed debris and cold air to seep through, diminishing the porch’s comfort and usability.
Our clients envisioned something much more: a fully updated, versatile space where they could comfortably gather with family and friends, no matter the season. They wanted a room that seamlessly blended outdoor living with indoor comforts—an inviting space that could withstand the elements while maintaining a modern, polished look.
Exterior
Interior
Plans & Elevations
The new porch occupies the same footprint as the old one, but has been completely reimagined with enhanced features and more robust structure designed to withstand the elements. The walls are built using post-and-beam construction with standard insulation, ensuring the space remains comfortable throughout the seasons. We incorporated an abundance of windows that flood the space with natural light and offering uninterrupted views of the garden.
Two standout features define the new design: a 14-foot sliding glass door that seamlessly connects the interior with the outdoors and a cozy new fireplace that makes the space extra inviting.
Floor Plan Before
New Floor Plan
Transforming a Deck into a 3 Seasons Room
Next, we pulled up the composite decking and prepped the foundation for a new concrete slab that would serve as the base on which to build.
With the insulation and sheathing now installed, the space felt truly protected from the elements.
Windows installed and the cedar shakes are giving the exterior a homey feel!
As all of the interior finishes started going up, the space really started to come together!
A Room For All Seasons
This new 3-seasons room strikes the perfect balance between indoor comfort and outdoor charm, offering protection from the elements while maintaining a sense of openness. Each side of the room features a solid door flanked by operable windows, allowing for a refreshing cross breeze on warm summer days. The outermost wall is now almost entirely made of glass. Two fixed transom windows that bathe the space in natural light. The expansive sliding glass doors, when fully opened, blur the line between indoors and out, seamlessly connecting the room to the garden and making it feel as though you’re truly immersed in the outdoors.
On the opposite side of this wall, a new gas fireplace takes center stage, beautifully finished with natural stone and crowned by a rustic wooden floating mantel. We installed a large television above the mantel—perfect for cozy movie nights or watching the Chiefs all season long. We replaced the composite decking with large-format porcelain slate tiles, grounding the space with both elegance and durability.
The room’s tongue-and-groove walls add a touch of rustic charm. We painted the original red brick a soft white, giving the room a fresh, inviting feel. The exterior is finished with classic cedar shakes, adding a timeless and natural look.
These homeowners and thrilled to have this new cozy retreat that blends comfort with the outdoors no matter the season! If you’re looking to extend your time outside or have an exterior home project in mind, contact us today—we’re ready to bring your vision to life!