13 Stylish Upgrades for Decks and Porches
Try these innovative ideas for revving up your entertainment and recreation space.
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December 29, 2015

By:
Jeff Stafford
Related To:
Fire Pit Inspirations
Subtle mood lighting and imaginative fire pit choices make this sunken outdoor living room from Designs by Sundown a desirable twilight destination for entertaining.
Dining Delight
If you want to create an additional entertainment area that adjoins a backyard swimming pool, consider this intimate configuration of a private dining area with a built-in granite fireplace, pavers and a vine-covered pergola entrance by Hoffman Landscapes.
Invisible Walls
This open air design by MOSAIC Group [Architects and Remodelers] allows you to relax in comfort in a screened-in living room with a combination fireplace/media center while enjoying views of the surrounding green space.
The Ultimate Layout
A bird’s eye view of this high end design by Kane Landscapes incorporates pool and spa features into an outdoor entertainment space that is capped by a three-tiered deck, one with spectacular views, one with screened-in features and an underdeck for relaxing.
Mood Lighting
An outdoor deck with a built-in bar and dining area becomes a mellow, laid-back hangout at night due to the artful lighting design.
For Pizza Lovers
The pizza oven in this design is the foodie highlight of a stylish red veneer brick patio that provides a shady retreat for outdoor dining.
Twilight Destination
An idyllic outdoor setting is further enhanced by the addition of several water/spa features and a cored boulder fire pit in this stunning design.
Fringe Benefits
A wraparound porch with ipe decking and Tigerwood tongue-and-groove on the interior porch provides alternate entertaining options in this design.
The Multi-Purpose Scenario
In this imaginative design, an outdoor porch offers exterior and interior areas for entertaining as well as a striking water feature, all of it subtly illuminated by LED lighting at night
Relaxation Zone
An outdoor deck with bluestone pavers and a Connecticut fieldstone wall becomes a laid-back living room space with plenty of seating options for dining or parties in this smart configuration.
The Indoor-Outdoor Media Room
For a more relaxing TV room/entertainment space, consider this creative design which highlights the view of the lush outdoor surroundings from a cozy lounge area.
Lush Green and Earth Tones
An outdoor deck with pavers, lounging areas and a fire pit blends in nicely with the surrounding lawn and natural landscape in this organic, flowing design.
Shade Lounge
If you have an unfinished underdeck you might consider this inviting and practical solution that creates a dining/relaxation area. It offers protection from the sun during the day and, with the right lighting design, a great space for evening activities too.

Photo By: Designs by Sundown, member of The National Association of Landscape Professionals, www.designsbysundown.com