An Award-Winning Outdoor Oasis: Exploring Our Showhouse’s Exceptional Exterior Spaces
In the extensive, year-long journey of designing our showhouse, some of the most captivating and rewarding spaces have been the outdoor areas, often unseen from the street. Each of the seven showhouses was encouraged to extend its design prowess beyond the interior, embracing the potential of outdoor living. Our property proudly features not only a stunning front porch but also a thoughtfully designed back porch and a charming back patio, complete with a magnificent stone fireplace. These exterior zones became true collaborative canvases where our vision seamlessly blended with the expertise of the builder and architect, resulting in spaces that emerged as genuine favorites among the entire team.
The culmination of our hard work and creative synergy was met with incredible recognition. We were absolutely thrilled when our house clinched first place – the coveted “Gold Award” – in two highly competitive categories: Curb Appeal and Outdoor Living. Given this was our inaugural showhouse project, we approached it with a healthy dose of humility, never truly expecting to win any accolades. To receive two Gold Awards, alongside a Silver Award for Creative Home, was profoundly surprising and exhilarating. This triumph underscored the success of our collaborative approach and the impactful design choices made for every outdoor element.
The Alluring Front Porch: A Masterclass in Curb Appeal
The front porch has, without a doubt, become one of the defining and most talked-about features of our showhouse. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and colors, meticulously chosen to create an inviting and memorable first impression. The rich, exposed wood ceiling, stained with Sikkens in their warm “Cedar” color, adds a rustic yet refined elegance that beautifully contrasts with the main siding. This striking navy hue, Benjamin Moore’s “Newburg Green,” provides a deep, sophisticated backdrop, perfectly framed by the crisp white trim, painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Steam.” This carefully curated palette not only highlights the architectural details but also sets a welcoming tone for the entire home.
Our commitment to curb appeal extended beyond the structure itself. The landscaping and hardscaping played a pivotal role in elevating the home’s exterior. While we had previously discussed the porch’s core features, it truly came alive after the landscaper worked their magic, and our impressive limestone pathway was laid. Complementing the aggregate driveway and front pathway, we sought to create a uniquely charming access point from the street. After sharing several inspiration photos with both the landscaper and the builder, they ingeniously sourced large 2 x 4-foot slabs cut from the same luxurious limestone material used for the porch’s stone column caps. These magnificent slabs were then carefully laid, with lush sod meticulously placed around them, creating an inviting and visually stunning approach to the front door.
An interesting, albeit challenging, aspect of the landscaping process involved the community’s developer. Both John, our dedicated builder, and Chris, the talented landscaper, had to submit their detailed plans for approval. Intriguingly, the developer requested modifications, ultimately nixing several larger plantings that we had initially envisioned. While we personally appreciate the mature, established look that larger bushes and trees provide, the developer’s preference for a more open, expansive aesthetic for the showhouse meant adapting our plans. This collaborative compromise ultimately contributed to the light and airy feel of the exterior.
Designing Dual Seating Zones for Ultimate Comfort and Style
The front porch boasts generous dimensions, creating ample space for distinct outdoor living zones. To the left of the main entrance, a spacious 14 x 11-foot area was transformed into a primary seating arrangement. This cozy corner features a comfortable sofa, a versatile ottoman, an additional chair, and a selection of stylish side tables. While some of these accessories might not be fully visible in every photograph, the overall composition is designed for relaxation and convivial gatherings. This section serves as a perfect spot for morning coffee or an evening chat, allowing guests to soak in the serene outdoor ambiance.
On the opposite side of the porch, an equally inviting 11 x 12-foot space offered another opportunity for creative outdoor design. Here, we introduced a classic porch swing, a sophisticated swivel chair, and another charming red side table, thoughtfully tucked behind the chair. This dual-zone approach ensures that the porch can accommodate various activities and guest preferences, from quiet contemplation on the swing to engaging conversations in the swivel chair. Each piece was selected to maximize comfort and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the porch.
A significant portion of the outdoor furniture gracing our front porch comes from the exquisite Wyatt collection by Arhaus. This includes the luxurious sofa, the practical ottoman, and the elegant swivel chair, all generously donated for the showhouse. Their contribution was invaluable, providing pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also exceptionally comfortable – a testament to Arhaus’s commitment to quality. We are immensely grateful for their partnership, especially as they also agreed to host a giveaway, offering an identical set of outdoor furniture to one fortunate reader, further extending the joy of outdoor living.
To infuse personality and vibrant color into the space, we meticulously sourced smaller accessories from popular retailers. The charming red metal garden stools and the patterned medallion pillows were delightful finds from Lowe’s, adding pops of color and functional charm. Bolster pillows from Target further enhanced the comfort and visual appeal of the seating areas. These colorful accents beautifully complement the grounding foundation of the porch: the dark 12 x 24-inch porcelain tiles, generously donated by The Tile Shop. These elegant tiles provide a sophisticated, durable surface that ties the entire design together.
Capturing the full beauty of the porch in photographs proved to be a delightful challenge, especially with the sun’s shifting angles. Forgive us for including a photograph from an earlier day – easily identifiable by the absence of sod next door – but it was the best shot we could get of another exceptional piece: a magnificent swiveling egg chair paired with its coordinating side table, sourced from Green Front Furniture. This particular chair was a must-have, especially for Sherry, who humorously claims a genetic predisposition towards the irresistible comfort and unique design of an egg chair.
Another capture from that same day offers a clearer view of the elegant light fixture we selected from Restoration Hardware. Its striking angles beautifully complement the peaked wood ceiling, creating a sophisticated visual interplay. To ensure comfort during warmer months, we integrated ceiling fans from Hunter, precisely the same reliable models we installed in our own sunroom, a testament to their performance and aesthetic appeal.
The inviting porch swing, a cherished addition to the other side of the porch, was a delightful purchase from Hayneedle.com. To ensure its aesthetic harmony with the rest of the porch’s sophisticated palette, we undertook a small DIY project: spray-painting its original gold chain a sleek black. The transformation was subtle yet impactful, allowing the swing to blend seamlessly with the dark accents of the space. It’s hard to admit just how many “breaks” we took during the showhouse preparation, simply to enjoy a moment of peaceful swinging out here. Our daughter, Clara, was arguably its biggest and most enthusiastic fan, making it a truly beloved spot.
Adjacent to the swing, a comfortable chair from the same Arhaus collection offers complementary seating. Its swiveling functionality, mirroring that of the egg chair on the opposite side of the porch, introduces a dynamic flexibility to the arrangement. This thoughtful design choice allows occupants to effortlessly pivot, whether engaging with those on the porch swing or turning towards the main seating area, fostering a more interactive and adaptable outdoor living experience.
To complete the lush ambiance of the front porch, various potted ferns were strategically placed, injecting a vibrant burst of natural greenery. We sourced both the elegant pots and the verdant ferns from Lowe’s, ensuring that these simple additions harmonized with the overall design, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere.
Beyond the immediate porch, we extended our design touches to enhance the home’s overall exterior. We commissioned the skilled carpenter to construct custom window boxes, strategically placed beneath the trio of windows on the right side of the house. This area, which cleverly conceals the garage with side access, benefited immensely from these floral additions, bringing a charming and lively flourish to an otherwise utilitarian facade.
Another distinctive feature we incorporated on the front porch was the choice of dark bronze rain chains instead of conventional downspouts. We believe most would agree that traditional downspouts, while functional, rarely contribute to a home’s charming architectural details. These elegant, decorative chains offer a beautiful alternative, guiding rainwater gracefully from the gutter into a ground-level drain, transforming a necessary utility into an aesthetically pleasing design element.
The Inviting Backyard Patio: A Fireside Oasis
Transitioning from the front of the house, the same elegant limestone slabs that define our entryway continue around the side of the garage, forming a cohesive pathway that leads guests to the tranquil patio area nestled behind the home. This thoughtful continuation of materials creates a seamless flow, inviting exploration of the entire outdoor landscape.
At the heart of our backyard oasis lies the stamped concrete patio, which is almost literally embraced by the grandeur of the outdoor fireplace. This striking feature is largely a testament to the incredible vision and craftsmanship of our builder, John, and his talented team. While we provided input on the desired stone type and a few key design details, John and his crew brought this magnificent structure to life with astonishing speed, seemingly building it overnight while we focused on other interior spaces. Stepping out to witness its completion for the first time, our immediate reaction was one of awe and delight: “Yes, we could definitely get used to this.” The fireplace quickly became the focal point, promising countless evenings of warmth and gathering.
Given the limited time and our desire to let the impressive fireplace truly shine, we opted for a light and minimalist approach to the patio’s styling. Since a dedicated outdoor dining area was planned for the back porch (which we’ll explore shortly), an additional dining table here felt redundant. Instead, we envisioned a casual seating arrangement, perfect for relaxed conversation and fireside comfort. The woven outdoor lounge chairs, complementary pillows, and charming planters were all thoughtfully selected and purchased from Lowe’s, ensuring both comfort and aesthetic appeal without detracting from the fireplace’s grand presence.
As you stand facing the outdoor fireplace, two distinct staircases ascend behind you. One leads directly up to the mudroom, a practical entry point that also cleverly incorporates enclosed, covered storage underneath – ideal for stowing away yard equipment and other outdoor essentials. The second staircase gracefully leads to the elevated back porch, creating a natural flow between different levels of the outdoor living experience.
The Elegant Back Porch: Elevated Alfresco Dining
Ascending to the back porch, one immediately notices the continuity of design, with the same beautiful exposed wood ceiling that graces the front porch. This consistent architectural detail creates a harmonious feel throughout the home’s outdoor spaces. However, in a subtle departure, this area features durable Trex flooring instead of the porcelain tiles found on the front porch, offering a different texture and practical advantage for this specific zone. French doors connect this porch directly to the living room and kitchen area, making it an ideal and natural extension for an outdoor dining experience, seamlessly blending indoor comfort with alfresco enjoyment.
The outdoor dining area on the back porch is furnished with a sophisticated dining table and chairs, expertly sourced from Green Front Furniture, known for their quality and distinctive pieces. Beneath the table, an inviting indoor/outdoor rug from Dash & Albert adds warmth and defines the dining zone. Finishing touches, such as the elegant runner and refreshing sodas, were discovered at World Market, contributing to the casual yet refined ambiance. All other styling accessories, including the decorative planter and the charming lantern gracing the table, were delightful finds from HomeGoods, completing a curated look that is both stylish and welcoming.
This concludes our comprehensive tour of the remarkable outdoor spaces of our showhouse – a journey that spanned from the award-winning front porch to the inviting fireside patio and the elegant back porch dining area. We’ve poured immense creativity and collaboration into every detail, and the recognition we received for Curb Appeal and Outdoor Living truly validates that effort. We still have several exciting interior spaces left to reveal, including various bedrooms, bathrooms, and practical areas like the laundry room and mudroom. Stay tuned, as we eagerly anticipate sharing a full video walk-through of the entire house, complete with detailed sourcing, in the coming weeks.
Psst – Eager to delve deeper into our showhouse journey? Click here for Our Full Showhouse Tour, an exhaustive resource featuring final photographs of every single room, the complete floor plan, insightful budget information, a captivating video walk-through, and a comprehensive guide to all shoppable showhouse furniture and accessories. Discover the full story behind our award-winning design!