Who wouldn’t want to enjoy their outdoor living spaces for longer? With a multi-season room, you can create the perfect spot to take in the view and relax—and maybe even watch the big game. T&S spoke with Courtney of Broadview Screen Company and John Howell of Two Rivers Stone Boutique to learn more about how homeowners are elevating their indoor-outdoor living spaces.
Know your goals. When transitioning a space to a multi-season room, Courtney suggests first thinking about what you want to use it for. Are you looking for a room to simply enjoy your outdoor spaces when the weather gets cooler, or are you wanting to create an outdoor living room with a TV, fireplace and other elements? “Most people want unobstructed views of their yards, pools and gardens,” he says. “However, a lot of others are looking for a cozy place to watch football games outside during the fall.” Knowing your goals for the space will help determine what you need to bring to the room.
Think about the challenges. “In the summer, bugs are the biggest concern, but in the fall and winter, heating the space is going to be the focus,” Courtney says. He explains that Broadview offers three main ways to screen multi-season rooms.
- Standard fixed screens: They can be customized through the addition of doors and integrated railings, but typically, these will offer the least adaptability. While they help with bugs and maintaining views, fixed screens do work as well at addressing the weather and won’t keep out rain or cold.
- Eze-Breeze: This vertical enclosure system features clear vinyl panels that are custom-made for porches, patios, decks and more. A three-season system, it is designed to keep out bugs, pollen, snow and rain while still allowing for enjoyment of the outdoors.
- Phantom retractable screens: A motorized screen system, it can be fitted with different materials to address different issues, such as insect mesh, solar protection and clear vinyl. “A popular trend is to have two rollers,” Courtney adds. “One has insect mesh, so you can enjoy summer weather without worrying about bugs. The other can be clear vinyl, so the room stays warm in the fall and winter. You can have the best of both.”
No stone unturned. “Natural stone is a great addition to a multi-season space because it’s super durable and holds up really well in all kinds of weather,” Howell says. “It also adds a natural, timeless look that works year-round, cool and fresh in summer, and cozy especially with exterior lighting and heat sources during the cooler months. Plus, it’s low maintenance, which is always a bonus!” He adds that stone is commonly used in outdoor spaces for things like water features, outdoor kitchens and fire pits. It can make a great addition to multi-season rooms through fireplace frames, furniture and more.
Don’t take granite for granted. Not all natural stone is going to work as well in outdoor spaces as others. Howell suggests denser stones like granite, quartzite and slate. “They are durable and handle temperature changes, moisture and wear really well,” he explains. “Softer stones like marble or limestone can weather more easily. It’s not necessarily a deal-breaker, but they might need a bit more care or sealing.”
Consider color. When it comes to a color palette for your outdoor spaces, Courtney says black, white and dark brown as most popular for screen frames. Howell says he’s seeing homeowners are leaning into a natural, organic look with a focus on warm, earthy tones, like soft beige, sandy cream and warmer grays. “Finishes like honed and leathered stone are really popular right now for adding depth and character, especially on walls and fire features,” he adds.