08/03/2026
I just love a back porch.
There is something special about a place that allows you to slow down, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy being at home. A great back porch is more than a covered outdoor area. It becomes a place where everyday moments happen—morning coffee, casual dinners, conversations that last longer than expected, and gatherings that bring people together.
Over the years, at Perrin Architecture, I have found that many homeowners have a similar opportunity. They already have a great house in a great neighborhood, but their outdoor space does not allow them to fully enjoy their property. They may have a small concrete slab or an open backyard, but without shade, shelter, and a place designed for gathering, the space often goes unused.
This Greenbriar residence was a perfect example.
Working with the homeowners, Mary Beth and Jonathan Walsh, and the contractors, Caleb Sutter and Austin Clause with C4 Capital, we wanted to create a backyard space that matched the way they lived. They did not need another room inside the house—they needed a place outside where they could relax, entertain, grill, watch sports, and spend time together while the kids played in the back yard.
The existing home was approximately 2,030 square feet and had a small uncovered concrete slab at the rear of the house. The goal was to transform that unused area into a true outdoor living space.
The result was a 934-square-foot covered porch designed to function like another room of the home.
The design is organized around several different experiences. At one end is a horseshoe-shaped outdoor kitchen and bar featuring a built-in grill, sink, under-counter refrigerator, two beer taps, and seating for six. The layout allows the person cooking to remain part of the gathering while still enjoying views of the backyard.A television above the sink allows those seated at the bar to watch the game while visiting and enjoying the space.
Moving through the porch, the space transitions into a dining area and then into a more relaxed seating area with a sofa, chairs, and coffee table. At the far end, a brick fireplace creates a natural gathering point and provides warmth and character during cooler months.
The fireplace was an important part of the design from the beginning. Since the home did not have an indoor fireplace, creating a true wood-burning fireplace gave the family a place to gather around a fire as part of their outdoor experience.
Two televisions were incorporated into the design, at the fire place and at the bar, so the porch could support multiple activities at once. Whether watching different games or enjoying the same event throughout the space, the layout allows everyone to participate.
One of the most important design decisions was making the porch feel like a natural extension of the existing home. The addition ties into two existing exterior walls, works with the existing door locations, and integrates the new roof with the house rather than creating a separate structure.
After living with the space, Mary Beth described it perfectly:
"It's essentially our second living room. We spend much of our time on the patio, all together and even separately. The space was intended to entertain, and we do. A lot! But it also became a bit of a retreat."
That is what makes a great back porch special. It is not just a place for parties. It is also a place for quiet moments, family time, and enjoying the simple pleasure of being outside.
The best outdoor spaces do more than add square footage. They expand the way a home is experienced.
That’s why I just love a back porch.
d that many homeowners have a similar opportunity. They already have a great house in a great neighborhood, but their outdoor space does not allow them to fully enjoy their property. They may have a small concrete slab or an open backyard, but without shade, shelter, and a place designed for gathering, the space often goes unused.
This Greenbriar residence was a perfect example.
Working with the homeowners, Mary Beth and Jonathan Walsh, and the contractors, Caleb Sutter and Austin Clause with C4 Capital, we wanted to create a backyard space that matched the way they lived. They did not need another room inside the house—they needed a place outside where they could relax, entertain, grill, watch sports, and spend time together while the kids played in the back yard.
The existing home was approximately 2,030 square feet and had a small uncovered concrete slab at the rear of the house. The goal was to transform that unused area into a true outdoor living space.
The result was a 934-square-foot covered porch designed to function like another room of the home.
The design is organized around several different experiences. At one end is a horseshoe-shaped outdoor kitchen and bar featuring a built-in grill, sink, under-counter refrigerator, two beer taps, and seating for six. The layout allows the person cooking to remain part of the gathering while still enjoying views of the backyard.A television above the sink allows those seated at the bar to watch the game while visiting and enjoying the space.
Moving through the porch, the space transitions into a dining area and then into a more relaxed seating area with a sofa, chairs, and coffee table. At the far end, a brick fireplace creates a natural gathering point and provides warmth and character during cooler months.
The fireplace was an important part of the design from the beginning. Since the home did not have an indoor fireplace, creating a true wood-burning fireplace gave the family a place to gather around a fire as part of their outdoor experience.
Two televisions were incorporated into the design, at the fire place and at the bar, so the porch could support multiple activities at once. Whether watching different games or enjoying the same event throughout the space, the layout allows everyone to participate.
One of the most important design decisions was making the porch feel like a natural extension of the existing home. The addition ties into two existing exterior walls, works with the existing door locations, and integrates the new roof with the house rather than creating a separate structure.
After living with the space, Mary Beth described it perfectly:
> "It's essentially our second living room. We spend much of our time on the patio, all together and even separately. The space was intended to entertain, and we do. A lot! But it also became a bit of a retreat."
That is what makes a great back porch special. It is not just a place for parties. It is also a place for quiet moments, family time, and enjoying the simple pleasure of being outside.
The best outdoor spaces do more than add square footage. They expand the way a home is experienced.
That’s why I just love a back porch.
