Our clients had two beautiful porches overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, but it was the upstairs space, bathed in light and surrounded by views, that captured their attention most. While the lower level had already been set up for outdoor dining and lounging, the upstairs porch didn’t yet offer a place to truly land. We stepped in to create a more intentional layout, one that supported everyday use and felt just as livable and inviting as the rooms inside.
To make the most of the space, we relocated the clients’ round dining table to the far end of the porch, placing it in front of the built-in bench to create a relaxed dining area that’s both functional and easy to gather around. A custom cushion in durable outdoor fabric made the bench more comfortable and visually cohesive, while layered pillows and flanking topiaries helped soften the architecture and define the space. The nearby sectional and swing brought in the comfort and flow they were craving, creating distinct zones without sacrificing openness. After designing several of their interior spaces, we were thrilled to return and expand the vision outdoors—connecting inside and out with intention and ease. To ensure a cohesive flow between both porches, and between indoors and out, we pulled from the home’s existing color story of soft blues and greens and leaned into materials that speak to coastal living, like teak, resin wicker, and faux caning. Each piece was selected with durability, weight, and weather resistance in mind, while still prioritizing comfort and character. The result is a set of outdoor spaces that feel like a natural extension of the home: layered, relaxed, and ready for everything from quiet mornings to hosting on the water.