Take it outside: The best of both worlds
Story by Barry Kaufman + Photography by Lisa Staff
Think your outdoor living space can’t be both a hub for entertaining and a quiet space to relax? Think again.
There are, in the general run of things, two kinds of outdoor spaces. The first is your classic relaxation space, tailored to create the utmost comfort as you laze away in the sunlight and breezes of the Lowcountry. The second is your entertainment venue, built with late-night laughter and daytime soirees in mind. The hard part is having to choose. But what if you didn’t have to? Here we see how a double-decker porch was turned into a dual-faceted outdoor oasis that combines the serenity of a sleeping porch with the outdoor elegance of an al fresco party HQ.
“The challenge was to make sure they could do as much outside as they could inside,” said Kelly Caron, who designed this double-threat outdoor space and shares a few tips on how she did it.
Upstairs
- Daybed swings. Suspended in mid-air, these Lowcountry Originals creations double as an intimate hangout zone or a good space to grab some Zs.
- Sunbrella material. The cushioning not only stands up to mold, mildew and UV rays, its color palate was thoughtfully chosen to complement the home’s décor.
- Indoor/Outdoor fans. Thin blades pair well with the minimalist design while keeping everything cool and comfortable.
- Palm fronds. Livening up an outdoor space is as simple as bringing in some outdoor elements. They provide a pop of color while being easy on the wallet.
Downstairs
- Plateware. Your guests deserve better than Styrofoam. Give them some dazzling dinnerware with these melamine outdoor dishes for a pop of color.
- Mix materials. Switching it up here and there, with resin, teak and concrete all well represented in the case goods, adds visual flair.
- Tread softly. Tabby porcelain flooring not only lends the space a Lowcountry look, it’s soft underfoot and easy to hose off.
- Colors and textures. The fireplace blends natural tabby with heavier wood accents and an accent panel of glass that matches the waterline tile in the pool, tying the outdoor spaces together.
