Texture, comfort, and a seamless transition from indoors to out are key tenets of Sarah’s design. She recommends using a full-size sofa and arranging a conversational seating area with accessories like candles, lanterns, and throws that instill a welcoming touch for friends and family.
When planning this back porch makeover as part of a historical society fundraiser, the first thing that caught Sarah’s eye was a crisp white lattice used mostly as a privacy screen. “I saw that lattice, and I wanted to make it feel Southern and summery,” she says. At the same time, the architect in her felt a strong pull toward the history of the 1910 home, located in Chevy Chase, Maryland, where Sarah’s firm is based. Ultimately, an old-fashioned lawn party emerged as inspiration for the redo, complete with a croquet game and a 1920s Southsides cocktail. “I tried to envision who was coming to this party,” says Sarah. “They’ve played croquet, and they’re going to have Southsides and sit on the porch.”
