14 Ways to Create Welcoming Indoor/Outdoor Living Spaces for Your NC New Home

Building indoor/outdoor living into your NC new home can make it feel more open and spacious – with easy flow through to extra space where you can stretch out and enjoy natural light, fresh air, scenery and activities.

Get ideas from these 14 photos of indoor/outdoor porches, decks, windows and doors. See what comes standard (or can be easily customized) when you build a new custom home with Travars Built Homes.

Sliding glass doors

Double sliding glass doors are one of the most exciting new trends in NC custom homes. Framed by matching windows on either side, they promote natural light as well as access to a covered porch, screen porch, deck or patio through multiple entrances that extend gathering areas into everything your outdoor living area offers.

Indoor outdoor living spaces | NC new homes

Open space

Note how much more open space is felt in this NC custom home by adding outdoor living space separated by a wall of glass. The more you can view, the more your indoor open space can create a connection with back yard nature. Ask NC custom home builder Travars Built Homes about ways to add more – and bigger – windows, all over your new home, with modifications in its design phase.

Open living room with light hardwood floors, gray walls, white fireplace surround, white ceiling fan, sliding glass doors to a screened porch, and bright natural light.

Wall of windows

Indoor/outdoor living space that is connected through a glass door as well as a wall of windows adds extra dimension. This Modern Farmhouse screen porch extends living space with massive windows across the entire area. Note the dark framed windows – a huge trend for NC new homes.

Alternative viewpoint of the screened porch looking toward three massive dark-framed windows accented by white wainscoting panels below, crafted by Travars Built Homes.

Deck extension

Extending outdoor living area with a deck that stretches beyond a screen porch offers even more opportunities to leverage all the activities conducive to including nature in your new home.

Rear perspective of an expansive open wood deck scattered with leaves, connecting seamlessly to a custom screened-in porch module, designed by Travars Built Homes.

Big screen porch with detail work

Think through the size of your screen porch when you’re looking at blueprints with the builder. Some floor plans already dedicate space that’s integral to the home. Others can have a porch added on. Note the detail work that makes this indoor/outdoor living especially inviting.

Screened back porch with wood decking, beadboard ceiling, ceiling fan, large screened panels, and double doors to the living room by Travars Built Homes.

Patios

Consider stepping down from your screen porch to a patio below suitable for a hot tub spa, barbeque, or other fun outdoor gathering space. Check with the general contractor about impervious space and other regulations, to see what’s possible where you’re building.

Indoor outdoor living spaces | NC new homes

Railings

Whether rails are required due to height or you simply prefer to have deck space walled in, there are various approaches you can take with a custom home. Wood railings and wrought iron railings are the most popular treatments in NC. See how creative you can be, when you create a special look with Travars Built Homes.

Scenic view from an elevated wooden deck showcasing classic wood railings and balusters, looking across a wide open pasture lot and dense treeline, built by Travars Built Homes.

Maximize (outdoor) open space

Open space isn’t just for the interior of your home. When the world awaits outside, relax on a wide open deck where you can sit and ponder. This deck was designed to encompass two entrances into the home (the breakfast room and the laundry/mud room). Want more? The possibilities are nearly endless, when you build a custom home in NC.

Full rear view of a massive two-story custom home highlighting a spacious open wood deck, an impressive central double-height window wall, and an expansive, flat grassy backyard, crafted by Travars Built Homes.

Fans and lighting

Screen porch ceiling fans come standard in Travars Built Homes, to add further enjoyment to outdoor living space. Lighting extends enjoyment of gathering areas like this no matter what time of day you feel like relaxing or getting together on your screen porch.

Interior view of an expansive covered screened porch highlighting clean wooden deck flooring, a central ceiling fan, and a panoramic view of an open field and forest framed by a modern wood-and-iron railing, crafted by Travars Built Homes.

Personality

See the personality you can build in, through the design decisions you make – and the craftsmanship of a Travars Built Home. See the difference in choice with this wrought iron railing as compared to wood railings. The deck that stretches from the screen porch you see here was designed for maximum space. Note the detailed trim and ceiling treatments. Everything adds up, as you create your home the way you want it.

Exterior perspective of a spacious natural wood sun deck featuring a custom safety railing with modern wavy black iron balusters, positioned adjacent to a covered screened porch under a clear blue sky, built by Travars Built Homes.

French doors

The classic tradition of French doors can add an inviting touch to your outdoor living area. Tag on additional windows, for even more access to everything you want to see and do from the inside, out.

Outdoor Living Spaces | Chatham County New Homes

Open or enclosed

Travars Built Homes enclose your screen porch in comfort so your outdoor living enjoyment can be at its fullest. Screen walls. Screen door. Screen under the decking. Beadboard ceiling. Fan. Check out the details and relax. You’re going to love this.

Extending the view

Got views on all sides of your new home? Ask us about floor plans that give you a glimpse around the corner from your screen porch, like this NC custom home. Soak in all the reasons you chose your homesite, as you maximize your indoor/outdoor living with a view.

Custom screened-in back porch designed for outdoor living, featuring natural wood railings and support posts, a white beadboard ceiling with a fan, a brick accent wall, and expansive views of a green field.

All brick

Wrap your indoor/outdoor living space with the solid feeling of strength, on your all brick home. This screen porch is an integral part of the home, with a doorway tucked into the brick corner that adds dimension.

Covered outdoor screened deck area highlighting a rich brown brick veneer exterior wall, double-hung windows, a glass patio door, and low-maintenance wood plank flooring.

In North Carolina, new home exteriors are typically sided in fiber cement, brick or vinyl. The material and colors you choose are dependent on your community covenants as well as personal taste. Talk with your custom home designer at Travars Built Homes about more indoor/outdoor living ideas.

Have any Questions? Get in Touch Today!