Bringing the Outside In

This lovely St. Matthews Cape Cod was purchased in 2003, and over the years, the homeowner has been making steady improvements. With the intention of staying in the home long-term, the homeowner undertook a major back porch renovation in 2018.

Previous homeowners had enclosed the screen porch to create an additional indoor living space. Due to age and neglect, the porch had become dilapidated and moldy. The current homeowner wanted to create a welcoming outdoor area that would harmonize with their existing indoor living space. They also wanted to do away with the unsuitable screened porch. The homeowner worked closely with contractor Todd Stengel, as well as architect Beverly Baker, Bittners designer Libby Rush, and Digs Home and Garden to make their dream a reality.

Door Store and Windows was proud to collaborate with the client and contractor to select the perfect patio doors and windows that bring the outside in while providing comfort, security, and beauty for years to come.

Project Highlights

• The homeowner loves to be outdoors and realized that, rather than increasing the amount of indoor living space, they simply needed their outdoor space to be more livable. So, instead of renovating the existing screened porch, they returned to an open porch, allowing for a picturesque outdoor living space that blends beautifully into the patio and yard.
• The patio door entryway was increased by four inches in both width and height. The homeowner elected to forgo a screen door in favor of an outswing patio door, maximizing the amount of space in the modest living room. Additionally, the patio doors lay flat against the exterior walls, allowing the homeowner to utilize the full depth of the outdoor area for entertaining.
• Key to this remodel was opening the exterior family room wall to create light in the formerly dim central living room. In addition to doing away with the screened in porch and increasing the opening size for the patio door, the homeowner chose to install petite custom-made double hung windows in lieu of sidelights. These small Marvin windows allow for additional airflow in the living room and look charming alongside the patio door.
• Another small window was added to the gable of the porch roof. This FrontLine full circle window is made of cellular PVC, which is an impervious wood alternative ideal for its outdoor placement.
• The homeowner, architect, contractor, and designer worked in concert to ensure that the project came together from the earliest plans to the smallest finishing touches. The homeowner was particularly grateful to Todd Stengel for his eye for design and details.

Results

The homeowner is ecstatic about the results of this home remodel. The outdoor living space perfectly complements the original design of the home. It offers thoughtful details that will allow the homeowner to comfortably age in place, while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.

“Prior to the remodel, the client’s back porch was purely functional. Ultimately, they wanted something that was both practical and beautiful. Using what they had, adding depth, detail, and light, we were able to really connect the inside and outside, taking the space from something that was just “okay” to something that the client will love and use for years to come.“

– Beverly Baker, Architect

“I couldn’t be happier – this remodel met and exceeded my expectations and was worth every penny.“

– Homeowner