New-Old Porch Ideas and a Book Giveaway

rocker photo courtesy of Shutterstock.com

Soon I'll need to decide what to do about the back porch on the new-old house.  Long ago, it was screened-in, but now it's open. Dr. G is in favor of adding windows and making the area a sun room. Me, I don't know.  The kitchen/breakfast area faces the porch, and I can totally see what he means by bumping out the window and making a glassed-in breakfast room. But that would make the rest of the porch look strange; funny how that one little imaginary bump sets off an imaginary design maelstrom.

Always does, right? :-)

The breakfast room and glimpse of the porch.

Here's another view:

My table and the rooster bench might bump out a bit, even with the "leaves" down.

I could try to sell the rooster table (sobbing) and use a narrower table:

A view of the back porch. It has 3 French doors and the triple kitchen window. I could, of course, get an estimate to bump out each end of the porch (breakfast room, bedroom), and leave the porch open (and unscreened) in the center. But I'm not sure if the HVAC stuff can be extended into these hypothetical spaces.
Bandwidth votes to leave the porch alone and do something with the kitchen island for seating (remove island and add an old table; I love that idea, too).

A bay window in the breakfast room might work (if the porch isn't too narrow), or we could (don't tell Dr. G) extend the porch on the far side.


I added a few inspiration photos from Houzz at 6:50 pm.

traditional porch design by atlanta general contractor Dresser Homes

I like the L-shape of this porch (love the doors, too, and the pale blue ceiling).

traditional porch design by charleston interior designer Alix J. Bragg

There's much to be said for an open porch. I love the shutters, beadboard ceiling, and wooden floor.

traditional porch design by charleston architect Frederick + Frederick Architects

Then again, a glassed-in room can lift the soul on a wintry day.

eclectic porch design by interior designer Karen Gallagher Interiors

traditional porch design by new york architect James Crisp

A fresh, clever idea--don't extend the roofline, extend the steps ... and the living area.
Love the herringbone pattern.

traditional porch design by charleston architect Christopher A Rose AIA, ASID

Another photo that strengthens the vote to leave the porch alone.:-)

traditional exterior design by nashville architect Norris Architecture


Shutters on the upstairs windows would add charm, as in the photo (Atlanta home) on the right.

Do you have any ideas?

Today's news in the book world:
Happy release day to author Lori Wilde. November 29 is the publication date for Raylene, book 2 in The Christmas Cookie Chronicles!!! Lori is my dear friend and a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She is giving away free copies of her new book to everyone who orders Acquainted With the Night. This is so kind and generous of her. Her generous spirit is just one reason that Lori is beloved by her students and peers. Thank you so much, Lori!
You can read about Lori's books and the offer at Lori's Blog.