Bringing New Meaning to Screen Time

The Renaissance of the Screened-In Porch

In a society where many of us spend more than our fair share of time staring into the screens of our laptops and mobile devices, its time to turn our gazes outdoors and bring new meaning to the term “screen time.” First making their debut in tandem with the introduction of wire mesh screening in the 1890’s, screened-in porches often served as a summertime living room or sleeping porch before the advent of air conditioning. Today’s screened-in porches can serve those same roles and so much more – a casual dining room, game day watch zone, cozy book nook and/or alfresco gathering space, just to name a few. They represent an ideal opportunity to enjoy nature’s splendor while screening out bees, flies, gnats and mosquitoes. Offering four season enjoyment here in Georgia, cool breezes can blow in on a summer night and an outdoor hearth can add warmth on a gray winter afternoon.

With our luxury lake homes popping up along the shores of Lakes Oconee and Keowee, screened-in porches have become a popular option for many Green River Builders’ homebuyers.While it’s hard to surpass lakeside views – stunningly framed by the posts of your screened enclosure, it doesn’t require a great panorama to reap the rewards of a screened-in porch. Here are just a few ways a screened-in porch can enhance both your home AND your life…

Functional Enhancements

A built-in hearth pre-wired for a flat-screen has extended both the seasonal lifespan and functionality of the screened-in porch. Like a fireplace in the family room, it becomes a focal point of the space – providing both visual interest and warmth. With a TV hung above, it’s easy to imagine countless SEC game day watch parties or nights spent snuggling under blankets in the firelight’s glow to catch a newly released rom com. Not enough room for a fireplace? Make sure there’s an outdoor plug for a space heater on chilly nights. To make it seem more like an outdoor extension of your living spaces, you might want to incorporate all-weather table and/or floor lamps. To beat the heat on sweltering summer days, a ceiling fan is a must.

Outdoor Décor

Your screened-in porch is one big beautiful blank canvas. From cozy conversation seating to a high-top table and chairs, the furniture and décor you select will go a long way in defining the space. Make sure it complements your home’s exterior, as well as your interior décor and color scheme. In doing so, it will create the sense of a seamless flow between the indoors and outdoors. Throw rugs, pillows and blankets can add fun pops of color – lending an air of comfort to the space. If you’re an avid reader, you might want to reserve a corner of your screened in space for a trendy daybed porch swing lined with comfy cushions. Plants make another fantastic addition to this space, blurring the line between your porch and the world beyond the screen.

Enhance Your View

While not everyone is blessed with views of the lake shimmering in the moonlight, there are steps you can take to ensure that your view is enjoyable. Maintain your lawn and create a garden full of colorful blooms that will not only enhance your view, but will also add a sweet scent to the breezes that blow in. There’s a lot to be said for the entertainment a bird bath and bird feeders can bring. Watching the birds that are drawn to your yard – as they dart from the feeder to the bath –can be every bit as entertaining as binge-watching your favorite shows.

At our luxury lake homes, Green River Builders welcomes the opportunity to build the home of your dreams – complete with a screened-in porch where you can while away a lifetime of days and nights dreaming up new dreams. To learn more about us and the neighborhoods where we are currently building, visit us today at www.GreenRiverBuilder.com.To discuss the vision you have for your next home, contact us at 770-790-1096or greenriverbuilder@gmail.com.We look forward to building the next chapter of your family’s story with you!

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