New homes often have a coverd patio or deck. In older homes, they have often been enclosed to expand the amount of space in the house or they are not in good repair. A best case scenario would be if a patio or deck is in good repair to use it as an outdoor living area. This gets the family outside into the fresh air and makes it part of the house whether it becomes the favorite dining are in summer or the best place for crafts, a well designed shade for sun protection can enhance its use and also be the least expensive way to make it a well used part of the house.
Cover can come from a simple latice type roof which might support vines in the summer and then let the sun shine through in the winter. It could be a more substantial corrugated cover which reflects summer heat, it could be a more extensive extension of the existing roof . It could even be strategically planted trees. Even a table with an umbrella placed on the deck can provide enough shade to make a comfortable nook.
Most homes lack the wide, comfortable front porches of days gone by. Our outdoor time at home is much more likely to be spent in the rear of the home or in a courtyard. Screened porches, front or back allow another option to bring the outdoors in or at least provide a transition from indoors to outdoors. With a little thought and attention to detail, a sunroom, porch or mudroom can become a multiuse space that eases transition from indoors to out and also serves as a place to remain protected from the elements while still connecting with nature.
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