WWW.SElifestyle.COM · AUGUST 2010 · SOUTHEAST Lifestyle 3 Southern Style Porches S by Denise H. Osborne "If you are lucky to have a porch, you're lucky enough." gence of vintage and urban living, they are on the upswing again. Sprawling open air extensions are designed for relaxation and comfort. No one knows why but originally the ceilings were painted a light shade of sky blue or periwinkle. Porch floors were white or a light shade of gray. Big ferns and plants often adorn the porches. Newer porches are often being built with 8-10 feet of width Neelley Drive ummertime in the South reminds you of informal gatherings, drinking lemonade or iced tea, or swinging on the front porch watching life pass in search of a cool breeze. What could be better than having a cup of coffee outside in the morning watching the sun rise? (Ok, maybe not that early) While that may be a bit nostalgic, it certainly might be one of the reasons that we are seeing a return of the porch. A porch is an open structure attached to a building forming Belvoir Drive a covered entrance to a vestibule or doorway. It is external to the walls of the main building. Verandas usually are quite large and may encompass the entire façade as well as the sides of a structure. Older homes particularly Victorian style often included a porch on the front and the back. When covered, it not only provides protection from the sun and the rain, but essentially is an exterior room that may accommodate tables and chairs to be used as a living space. It is architecturally unified with the rest of the house. Porches declined in the 30's and 40's with the event of central air conditioning, but with the resur- and include architectural columns and roof pitches that drain away from the house. Some are also built with floor venting to prevent moisture underneath. If you are considering adding on a porch, it would be a good idea to track the sun over your property. The sun is farthest to the south on December 21 which is the winter solstice and farthest to the north on June 21, the summer solstice. Along with planning the design, remember to add enough lighting and fans to keep you comfortable. Consider the seating, not only for entertaining and conversation but to make yourself comfortable so you will want to spend time there doing such activities as reading a good book. Often, back porches are screened in to keep the bugs out. Sunrooms made their way into interior spaces as a way to enjoy that space year round. In the last few years outdoor living has made its way back into the buzz of interior design and is a growing segment of the marketplace. I thought it would be fun to photograph some great ideas from here in Southeast Guilford. You can find great inspiration right here. Enjoy! Accessory Design Services is a full-service interior design firm specializing in accessories. Denise H. Osborne has been in the accessory field for more than 25 years and is CQRID-Certified in the field of interior design. Visit her Web site for more information or give her a call. Wright's Back Porch