The key to designing a successful outdoor living space is to create an area that reflects the architectural character of the home as well as the personalities of the homeowners.

With regard to porch, patio, and deck design, first consider the activities your family wants to pursue within the space. Then think about the ways you can divide the space into distinct areas for each activity. For example, families who enjoy quiet time reading or sunbathing may want a designated relaxation zone as part of the design.

Entertainment areas can be sectioned off and include an outdoor kitchen. Built-in benches, tables, and planters add a note of permanence and visually tie the space to the landscape.

The use of paint and color aid in visually extending and attractively unifying outdoor living areas with the home's unique architectural flavor. One effective way to relate the home's architecture to the exterior space is through the use of design repeats.

Repeating a prominent element such as a shutter cut-out on the deck railing, for example, is a practical and attractive way to marry the exterior of the home to the deck. You can emphasize the repeat even further by painting the home and deck detailing the same.

Implementing patterns and colors that are prominent in other areas of the exterior living space can also visually connect the distinctively separate areas. Introducing a festively painted pergola or portico offers a touch of shade protection while creating the sense that you are part of an interior space. Flowers and greenery in handsomely painted planters are wonderful decorative accents that introduce texture, fragrance, and color to a front courtyard space. Painted columns and posts may be utilized to mark transitions between various outdoor vignettes.

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