Take it outside: From the porch to the pool

From the porch to the pool, this outdoor space in Palmetto Bluff captures the best of both worlds.

Story by Barry Kaufman + Photography by Josh Gibson

Marrying together Southwestern and Lowcountry vibes is one thing when you’re working with a kitchen or a living room. Letting those two architectural forms play together on a back porch, which is far more a hallmark of the Lowcountry, took a little more creativity. Fortunately, Court Atkins Group knew exactly how to achieve that cross-discipline look for this home in Palmetto Bluff.

“I like that the porch feels like a porch. A lot of times the surface materials we’re working with are tabby and brick, so they feel a little more like enclosed terraces,” Court Atkins said. “This feels more like a porch.”

The wood trim running up either side of the door and around the custom range hood carries the Southwest-inspired wood tones found throughout the home.

“The wood tones really reinforce that look,” said Court. “And it’s very subtle in the way it’s mimicked in the wood floor, which doesn’t transition to stone until the pool deck.”

The back porch enjoys a great amount of depth by design. This extra shade in the rear allows for larger windows in the great room without overheating the interior. But it isn’t all about mitigating the heat.

“That porch has such a great amount of space,” said Diane. “Everything is very simple, comfortable and livable.”

Stepping outside the screened confines of the back porch brings you face-to-face with the shimmering waters of the inland waterway and to the edge of a blissful outdoor living space, incorporating a side plunge pool and fire pit.

“The pool terrace is in a great spot because the bluff it’s on is in constant light,” said Court.

Southwestern simplicity meets Lowcountry charm

The back porch features warm wood accents and a custom range hood that echo the home’s Southwestern-inspired design, while the spacious table invites laid-back outdoor living.