Perfect Temperature, Inside and Out at HGTV Smart Home

Tech expert Carley Knobloch shares high-tech highlights from the stylish and cozy outdoor space at HGTV Smart Home 2016.

HGTV Smart Home 2016 Sitting Area on Screened Porch

Pretty Porch

This wide view from the two-sided fireplace between the screened porch and master bedroom shows the different zones of the well-detailed space with a dining table and two sitting areas.

From: Tiffany Brooks

By: Carley Knobloch

More and more these days, outdoor spaces are being designed to serve as extensions of the home, and the covered porch at HGTV Smart Home 2016 is a perfect example. It’s styled like another room of the house, and serves multiple functions— with it’s dining area and two seating areas, it’s a beautiful room to enjoy with guests, or just enjoy reading the Sunday paper alfresco.

As outdoor spaces are sporting indoor-style furniture, lighting and floor coverings, it’s only natural that we start thinking about exterior climate control— how the temperature of outside spaces can be manipulated just like it is inside.

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The outdoors brings it’s challenges, to be sure; inclement weather, insects, and extreme temperatures that make enjoying an outdoor space short lived. So HGTV Smart Home 2016 porch was designed with some architectural elements and technology to help extend it’s use into the hotter and colder months.

Here are some of my favorite features of the screened porch, and a breakdown of the outdoor climate control technology we installed to make it one of my favorite rooms of the house.

HGTV Smart Home 2016 Living Wall Frames Yellow Abstract Art

Lovely Living Wall

A stunning living wall with plants takes up the entire back wall of the screened porch, and frames black, white and yellow abstract art that adds a burst of color to the dining area.

From: Tiffany Brooks

First things first, the screened porch is covered with a roof, which provides shelter from the both the sun and rain, extending the amount of time you can spend here enjoying the outdoors. But that’s just the beginning...

HGTV Smart Home 2016 Screened-In Porch With Skylights

Skylights and Fans

Three remote operated skylights allow natural light inside, with remote operated shades controlling the amount of light during peak sun hours. Two black smart fans operated by wall switch or smartphone feature an internal temperature sensor that increases or decreases the fan spin depending on the weather.

From: Tiffany Brooks

The roof sports some serious tech for keeping this space temperate: smart, connected fans have temperature sensors built right inside, so they will automatically turn on to keep things cool as things heat up. And the skylights have remote controls so you can easily ventilate the space without getting up from your lounge chair.

HGTV Smart Home 2016 Porch With Motorized Window Screens

User-Friendly Screens

A simple push of a button on a remote (which can also be added to smartphone or tablet) operates three motorized screens that go up and down, to keep bugs out but also lift up and out of the way when full views are desired.

From: Tiffany Brooks

Automatic screens can lower if you’re after a bug-free experience in the warmer months, and they provide additional sun shade and privacy to boot.

HGTV Smart Home 2016 Yellow-Slipcovered Armchair on Screened Porch

Pop of Yellow

The two outdoor chairs have yellow frame slipcovers that attach underneath for a seamless, tailored look.

From: Tiffany Brooks

Here’s another view… and it’s all operated with a remote control— again, no need to get up from your lounge chair. Can you tell I’m jonesing to hang out in one of those yellow lounge chairs?

HGTV Smart Home 2016 Screened Porch Sitting Area With Fireplace

Welcoming Fireplace

A floor-to-ceiling cultured stone fireplace adds a warm and welcoming feel to the screened porch, with a stone mantel that includes black-and-white abstract art and modern hand sculptures.

From: Tiffany Brooks

When things get colder in the winter months, a fireplace helps extend the use of the covered porch. Close up the skylights, lower the screens (which will help keep the heat in) and curl up in front of the fire to keep toasty.