The Porch Company - Custom Porch Design and Construction - Nashville, Tennessee

Open Porch with deck, patio, fire pit, and water feature

The story about this featured porch in Franklin TN is about transitions and multiple living areas. Although it may not be apparent at first glance, there is a severe slope from one side of the yard to the other. By having the porch, deck and patio at different levels we’re making a gentle transition from the home to the outdoor living area and from there into the back yard. There are only 3 steps with each transition so each transition is very gentle allowing this family to gently traverse to their outdoors.

While the stairs are an overt transition, we created a water feature between the deck and patio areas for a visual barrier between those 2 living areas. Water is so soothing and relaxing and also creates a cooling effect. By the proximity to both the deck and patio, people in both areas will be able to enjoy the soothing water sound. Enjoy the soothing sound in this video.

Open air porch with wrapped columns

You will notice that the columns are very much of a focal feature in an open porch. We always use beefier columns in our open porches because of big expanse between columns. They need to be bigger to look appropriate. The porch has a gable roof to tie into the house. We want all of our porches and outdoor living areas to look original to the home.

There’s a beautiful arch in the gable adds softness by bringing a curve motif into to structure. This curve motif is continued in the patio portion. The porch’s interior ceiling has multiple ceiling fans. This is another accoutrement we add as a standard. The more air movement under the porch, the better.

Franklin TN open porch with curtains and a grill area

On the far side of porch is extension where we’ve set the grill. This allows the grill to be up at the same level as the house but it’s not under porch roof. This keeps smoke off the porch. The owners can stand under the cover of the porch while cooking. This also doesn’t necessitate allocation of porch space to a large grill.

In this picture, you will also notice that there are screen curtains that are on a track at the top. These can be easily opened and closed for mosquito protection and protection from other elements.

Deck and patio with water feature visual barrier

The attached deck uses pressure-treated wood installed using a hidden fastener system. By using this system, there are no visible nails on the boards. The bubbling fountains in the water feature are made of stunning copper which will patina and blend into the porch.

The circular motif in the patio ties in to the circular motif on the porch. The retaining wall also serves as a wrap-around bench.

Finally, from a functional perspective, the decorative skirting creates a huge under-porch storage area which is so large the owners can walk in the storage area.

As you can see, there is a lot that goes into designing out outdoor living spaces. Every feature and every detailed is carefully planned to meet the homeowner’s needs and wants and our strict and discerning design standards.

Nancy Moore, Founder – The Porch Co Nashville

Give us a ring for a free design consultation at 615-662-2886. We look forward to hearing from you.