Getting your family away from the TV and into the great outdoors can sometimes be a daunting challenge—unless you have a prime place for gathering. That’s what Gaye and Frank George discovered when they turned their back porch in Valdosta, Georgia, into one cool spot. “Frank and I—and especially our kids—are always having friends over to our house, and this porch invariably becomes the main go-to space,” says Gaye.

One Popular Place
The space is outfitted with practically everything that you would find indoors—tables, comfortable chairs, pillows, lamps, rugs, a clock, and even a pillar candle or two. A couple of inexpensive oil paintings hanging on the back wall complete the look. A true crowd pleaser, the Georges’ outdoor hangout accommodates both their living and entertaining needs.

Made for Heavy Traffic
In keeping with the home’s brick and columned exterior, residential designer and builder Todd Wilson, also of Valdosta, encircled the porch on two sides with handsome box columns. He also covered the inner walls with lap siding, not only to weatherproof the space, but also to give it texture. Anticipating the constant flow of this ever-active family, Todd installed handsome brick flooring for its permanence and good looks. Counterbalancing these hard surfaces, comfy cushions and pillows fashioned from patterned and solid fabrics fluff up the seating. Large ferns and hanging baskets of bougainvillea soften the space and serve as a constant reminder that you’re not inside—just in case you forget.

"Hang Out on the Porch" is from the May 2008 issue of Southern Living.