At her revamped townhome, a designer’s favorite spaces are outside
My philosophy has always been simple: if you own the space, use the space. Whether you live in a townhome, a small house, or a large property, every area has potential. You do not have to renovate everything all at once, either. If your budget is tight, focus on one room at a time. Create that room exactly the way you want it to feel. Enjoy it. Live in it. Then begin saving for the next project.
The last “room” of our townhome turned out to be our backyard. Instead of looking at it as a small outdoor space with limitations, we decided to see it as an extension of our home—another living area waiting to be created.
We designed a large screened-in porch, added a composite deck that now serves as our outdoor dining room, and even created a dedicated area for our beloved Yorkiepoo, Hazel. Every square foot was planned with purpose. Living in a townhome community meant working within HOA rules and regulations, but rather than seeing that as a setback, we used it as a guide to create something functional, beautiful, and lasting.
Because our property slopes downward, we had to build up the foundation for the screened porch. Stepping out from the porch, we transition to the deck, then down a few steps into Hazel’s area. The different levels gave the yard dimension and made the entire outdoor space feel larger and more intentional.
Privacy was also important to us. We planted arborvitae around the perimeter of the property, knowing that over time they would grow tall and full, naturally screening the road behind us. To add even more greenery and softness, we purchased maintenance-free planters filled with horsetail reed. Once fully grown, they create a dense, sculptural wall of greenery that adds texture, beauty, and additional privacy.
This outdoor living area has become one of the most used spaces in our home. We drink our morning coffee there, enjoy meals in our outdoor dining room, unwind in the evenings, entertain friends, and simply enjoy being outdoors. With the exception of the colder winter months, we use it daily.
If it fits within your budget, outdoor heaters can completely transform the space for year-round use. When we built the screened porch, we planned ahead by installing two outlets along the back wall—one for a television and the other for a future fireplace. I can already envision how cozy and inviting the space could become, but for now, we love it exactly as it is.
