What’s on your inspiration board for a dreamy outdoor living project? Earning the top spot on our Archadeck of Raleigh-Durham’s Pinterest page is this stunning open porch, which has been pinned over a thousand times:
Open porches are a favorite structure in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area. North Carolinians love to enjoy fresh air and a nice breeze, with coverage from the hot sun and afternoon showers. Let’s look at some of the details that make this widely admired porch so appealing.
Open Gable Roof
The open gable roof is one of the most popular choices in Raleigh porch design. It is easily identifiable by its triangular shape. The open gable style maximizes natural light for a bright and airy feel inside the structure. This particular roof features a truss – a triangular framework of rafters supporting the roof – with a “king” post in the center. In this example, it is painted white to match the trim and creates a lovely visual symmetry with the double doors over which it is located.
Rustic Wooden Ceiling
Inside the open gable roof is a stunning wooden ceiling. The natural wood planks in varying shades of deep brown lend a cozy, rustic feeling to the space. The built-in recessed lighting and skylights offer soft natural lighting, for enjoying the porch in the day or evening. The ceiling fan serves a center focal point for the room, as well as helping to cool the relaxing space on warm summer days. Atop of the roof, a classic cupola with a weathervane gives the porch a vintage farm feeling.
White Porch Frame
Framing the French doors are large columns and a raised railing that wrap around the porch and add to the classic design. The porch’s white columns, tie beam, and king post truss stand in beautiful contrast to the warm browns and earth tones of the wooden ceiling, railing cap, and natural stone wall. The brown and white color scheme is continued through the open deck and stairs, creating a nice visual flow from one part of the outdoor living space to the next.
Open Deck and Tiered Staircase
The open deck and tiered staircase continue use of the TimberTech low-maintenance decking found in the covered porch. The deck boards are laid in a diagonal design that meets in the middle for a welcoming guide through the French doors. The wrap-around, tiered staircase flows down into the yard. This style of staircase creates a gentle transition from one level to the next and offers extra seating when entertaining larger groups.
If you’re in the Raleigh-Durham area and dreaming of an open porch like this top-pinned, beautiful example, call us today for a design consultation: 919-973-1523. We look forward to working with you!
