By Southern Living Editors
Updated on September 2, 2023
It’s no secret that we Southerners live for our porches. Is there any memory sweeter than those of childhood suppers on screened porches, or drifting the night away on the perfectly-designed porch swing? We pay for our mild winters with our sultry summers, and while modern air-conditioning may have made the deep porches of the past unnecessary, our Southern spirit just can’t imagine our homes without our porches. From porches to patios, our outdoor spaces are an extension of our home that can be multi-functional based on our needs, whether to entertain or for a private escape (or both!). Once you land on the porch or patio’s purpose, it’s time to build on your outdoor space with some personal style. Take a look at some of our favorite porch designs; maybe you’ll find some ideas for your own perfect perch.