Home Remodeling Improvement I Love Lanais Porches and Verandas - Great Design Ideas

I love lanais, porches, verandas - whatever you call them - they are my favorites! I love being outdoors. The ultimate relaxation for me is to be outdoors and comfortable too. That is what the lanai's benefits are to me. Protecting me from the elements of too much sun, too much wind or too much moisture. A lanai or the multiple "lanais" is a roofed patio. Imagine a family room outside - that is my idea of a lanai. A lanai is commonly known as a space to relax, a respite from the beaming summer sun. The term "porch" is commonly used here in Midwestern United States. It is the more temperate climates (the southern and coastal states) that are accustomed to the term "lanai". A lanai is more than a special space to design and accent, it is a room experience. A room to relax and literally take time to enjoy. Journey with us as we explore over a dozen lanai designs, all sizes, all shapes, all colors. In the end, we will simply close with the largest lanai of all - perhaps the largest lanai in the world. Is the very biggest the best?! You be the judge.

Lanai - Such a Strange Term to a Simple Midwestern Girl

Lanai is a term derived from Hawaii, in fact, Lanai is sixth largest of the Hawaiian Islands. The Island of Lanai is also known as the Pineapple Island because of its connection to pineapple plantation. A lanai in our homes is typically larger than a porch, used more often and is often denoted, unlike a porch, with a complete set of comfortable furniture. Porches may have a swing or a chair or two but rarely a full living room with tables and lamps and lighting.

Relax and enjoy the Beauty of Nature

A lanai is ideal for taking in the play of evening lights where evening shadows are cast and the playfulness of a firefly or a butterfly grace you with their flight. Listen carefully for the sounds of the birds and the mating of the insects. If you have water nearby and hear frogs - remember that a pond that has frogs is a good sign of a great eco-system.

Design & Building Consideration

Location

When reviewing your addition, take special note of the effects two locations - the exterior and the interior locations.

Exterior Location Effects

Just as the preference for a porch is facing south, so too, with the lanai. The southern exposure lessens the access to the heat of the day.

West is often not preferred due to the fact the sun is lower and lack of shadows.

Also, take into consideration, how will the extension of the home affect surrounding foliage? Will sun loving plants need to be repositioned? Will shady plants need to be added?

Interior Location Effects

Be especially considerate of the light into your home. Blocking views from commonly used windows will disappoint your overall enjoyment of your home and your beautiful new room. Walk through your home and study each window that is affected with the pending new structure.

Continuity with Home Architecture

The design and the materials of the new structure need to compliment or match the existing exterior. When the budget allows, completely match, when the budget is strained, seek complimentary colors - tan with tan (material may differ - color is the common element), brown with brown, etc.... If a match is not feasible, you might want to consider pulling in an accent color - white from the shutters or some other color already included in your exterior color scape.

Functionality

If continuity is number one, its equal is functionally. Take steps to ensure your roof is pitched for drainage, include drapery for intense sun, and sliding windows or doors for inclement weather. Drainage is always a needed item. Remember when Dubai flooded - and they stated it never rained! Be prepared for the 100 year flood. Let your flooring drain as much as your roof line.

Design Delights

Check out adding a skylight, a column (if appropriate for your home's character), or a wooden ceiling (my personal favorite!).

As the numerous photos showcase, a lanai is as personal as you wish. From modern to classic to cool colors to seashore to warmth of trees for a view combined with the richness of redwood for the lanai ceiling. The choices and sizes are simply endless.

Bolder columns. Consider adding architectural columns to your new lanai. 4x4 or 6x6 posts or column. Go to back to the architectural rule number one and make sure the columns tie into your home's character and are scaled appropriately. Columns can be a great compliment and the variety is endless - round, squared, or tapered. Real or just for show - you are the designer. Let your imagination flow.

Ceiling Designs

Unlike other rooms often, the ceiling is critical in the lanai. Remember it is an outdoor room so the wood ceiling is a perfect reflection of Mother Nature. Also beam and vaulted ceilings work well in the covered porch. Even if your home has standard ceilings throughout, consider raising the bar and having a higher ceiling for your lanai.

The grand daddy of all lanais, of all porches - perhaps world-wide, is the porch on Mackinac Island on the prestigious hotel aptly named The Grand Hotel. The porch spans 660 feet in length¹. A grand location with an equally grand porch. Mackinac Island resides between Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas. A popular tourist destination since the late 1800s. The hotel much like the porch is reflective of the era of the architecture. Beautiful and distinction Victorian complete with matching white rocking chairs that have endured the test of time. True to the Victorian era, the Island does not allow motorized vehicles. Further adding to the overall experience with horse and carriage transportation complimented only by bicycles.

In keeping with Victorian fashion, the grounds at the resort as a splendid display of color with bulbs and annuals filling the vistas, enhancing the view and creating that true Victorian, step back in time moments of delight and enjoyment.

¹http://www.grandhotel.com/aboutgrandhotel/facts

In appreciation:

http://decoration.home-lux.com/porches/