Over the course of the year-long showhouse project, we hadn’t yet shared some of our favorite outdoor spaces. Each of the seven showhouses was encouraged to include memorable outdoor areas in addition to the interiors, so beyond the curb appeal there’s a generous front porch, a back porch and a patio anchored by a stone fireplace. The outdoor zones were where we collaborated most closely with the builder and the architect, and they became some of the most rewarding parts of the home.
To our surprise and delight, our house won first place (the Gold Award) for both Curb Appeal and Outdoor Living, and we also received a Silver for Creative Home. This being our first showhouse, we didn’t expect awards, so those honors were an exciting validation of the design choices we made.
Front Porch and Curb Appeal
The front porch is one of the home’s defining features. We paired exposed wood stained in a warm cedar tone with deep navy siding (Benjamin Moore’s Newburg Green) and crisp white trim (Steam by Benjamin Moore). After the landscaper finished and the big limestone pathway was installed, the whole entry felt more polished. In addition to an aggregate driveway and a front pathway, we wanted a charming, pedestrian-friendly approach from the street. Working with the landscaper and builder, we used large 2 x 4′ limestone slabs—cut from the same material as the porch’s column caps—and planted sod around them for a clean, intentional look.
One interesting constraint: John the Builder and Chris the Landscaper had to submit planting plans to the community developer, who asked for a more open look by limiting larger, mature plantings. While we prefer fuller, established landscaping, the developer’s guidelines steered the final plant selections for the show.
The porch itself is spacious. To the left of the door is a large 14 x 11′ seating area with a sofa, ottoman, chair, and side tables that create a welcoming conversational zone. The opposite side, roughly 11 x 12′, accommodates a porch swing, a swivel chair, and a small side table—perfect for relaxing and enjoying the front yard.
The main outdoor furniture is the Wyatt collection from Arhaus—the sofa, ottoman and swivel chair—which was generously provided for the show. These pieces are comfortable and durable for outdoor living. Smaller accents, like red metal garden stools and medallion pillows, came from big-box retailers and helped add color. Dark 12 x 24″ porcelain tiles donated by The Tile Shop (brand noted for context) help ground the porch visually.
We included a swiveling egg chair and a side table from Green Front Furniture for an additional cozy nook—clearly a favorite. A pitched light fixture from Restoration Hardware complements the peaked wood ceiling, and Hunter fans offer comfort and scale for the covered porch.
Back Patio and Outdoor Fireplace
Walking around the side of the garage, the limestone slabs continue, leading to the stamped-concrete patio that’s framed by a generous outdoor fireplace. The builder and his crew deserve most of the credit for the fireplace and patio execution; they moved quickly and nailed the details while we focused on other rooms. The result is an intimate, inviting courtyard that naturally draws people in.
To keep the patio relaxed, we kept styling minimal so the fireplace remains the focal point. Woven outdoor lounge chairs, simple pillows and planters—sourced from local retailers—create a comfortable conversation area. Behind the patio are two staircases: one up to the mudroom with hidden storage beneath, and the other up to the back porch.
Back Porch Dining and Finishing Touches
The back porch repeats the exposed wood ceiling look from the front porch but uses a Trex floor for durability. French doors open to the living room and kitchen, making the porch a natural place for outdoor dining. The dining table and chairs were part of a curated selection from Green Front Furniture, while the indoor/outdoor rug and other tabletop accents bring texture and color. Lighter styling and practical choices—planters, lanterns and casual accessories—help the yard feel lived-in but cohesive.
Other thoughtful details include carpenter-built window boxes under a trio of garage windows and decorative dark bronze rain chains on the front porch in place of traditional downspouts—both small touches that add personality and curb appeal while serving a function.
Wrapping Up the Outdoor Tour
That wraps up the outdoor tour. We kept the layouts flexible and focused on comfortable, durable pieces so the spaces can function well in everyday life. Next we’ll share remaining interior areas—bedrooms, bathrooms, the laundry room and mudroom—along with a video walk-through of the complete house. Stay tuned for those final reveals and more detailed room photos, floor plans, and selections.
Psst – Want to see more showhouse photos and the full tour, including final room images, the floor plan, budget details and a video walk-through? Check the showhouse gallery and materials we prepared for this project.
