Dallas outdoor living is usually defined by what you do with your backyard. These days, most of us seem to feel most comfortable relaxing and enjoying the balmy weather on a back patio, deck, or gazebo. It is generally a more private option. However, this approach ignores the potential of half your real estate! Perhaps it’s time to bring back the front porch as a viable location for socializing and just putting your feet up at the end of a long day.

 

A lanai (also called a Florida room) is an example of an upgraded porch or veranda that takes a boring front yard landscape and turns it into something exceptional. While you can fully enclose a lanai creating a sunroom, many of these structures are simply left open to the elements. Screening is an excellent compromise between these two extremes and can prevent mosquitoes from ruining your evening. It also affords a little extra privacy.

 

Components and Options for Lanai

Your lanai will need to have an overhang. This does more than just keep out the midday sun. You can also install tropical patio ceiling fans overhead to create an artificial breeze. Adding a misting system can cool you down even more (except in August when Dallas outdoor living is marred by humidity that makes the air practically drinkable).

 

Finely turned woodwork and elaborate metal accents surround a lanai. Series of waist high balusters can be topped with fancy gallery railings. Vintage style spandrels and brackets add visual interest along the upper edge of the enclosed porch space. Finials, medallions, and intricate fretwork complete the look for a front porch that evokes days when leisure time was not spent in front of a flat screen TV.

 

Of course, if your home doesn’t boast Georgian or Victorian style architecture, you may want to stick with sleeker lines. Not every lanai needs to have “gingerbread” look. Consider using materials like stone and vine covered lattice work for a more natural transition between your Dallas outdoor living space and the rest of your landscaping.

 

Wood components can be painted to match the trim of your house. Or, you may stain them to match the deck flooring of your upgraded front patio. Metal can be powder coated to make it remarkably resistant to rusting. Porch posts or pillars that connect the underside of the roof overhang with the ground are often polyurethane. This material and PVC are also used for many detailing features since the plastic won’t corrode and is impervious to termites.

 

Finishing Touches

Complete your lanai with comfortable outdoor furniture. This is, of course, the ideal location for a porch swing or a rocking chair. Provide a sofa and plenty of cushions for a great place to sit and read. Include a round, glass topped occasional table to hold drinks. Add outdoor speakers if you want to listen to some quiet, soothing music in your new open air room. Incorporate soft lighting for nighttime enjoyment.

 

Looking for more ways to create Dallas outdoor living environments on your property? Contact us anytime. We’re happy to offer a free consultation at your convenience.