Northern Michigan Outdoor Living: Enhance Your Space with Wrap-around Porches, Covered Patios, Sunrooms, Decks, and More - featured image

Are you looking for a home that provides a unique and unforgettable living experience? Look no further than Lakeshore Custom Homes! Our team utilizes only the highest-quality materials to ensure the longevity of your outdoor living features, whether it’s a wrap-around porch, covered patio, fire pit, or outdoor kitchen. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your new waterfront oasis!

Wrap-around Porches

A hallmark of traditional Northern Michigan architecture, wrap-around porches provide a charming and inviting space to enjoy the outdoors. These expansive porches typically encircle the entire home perimeter, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. With ample space for seating areas, dining sets, and rocking chairs, wrap-around porches encourage relaxation and outdoor gatherings. Whether sipping morning coffee while watching the sunrise or enjoying a glass of local wine at sunset, these versatile spaces are perfect for connecting with nature and soaking in the beauty of Northern Michigan.

Covered Patios

In Northern Michigan’s ever-changing climate, covered patios offer a sheltered retreat from rain, snow, and harsh sunlight, allowing homeowners to enjoy the outdoors year-round. These extensions of the indoor living space are typically outfitted with sturdy roofing and support structures, protecting while maintaining an open-air feel. Covered patios are ideal for hosting outdoor dinners, cozying up with a book on a rainy day, or simply relaxing in the shade during hot summer afternoons. With comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and decorative elements, covered patios become versatile and inviting outdoor sanctuaries.

Sunrooms

A sunroom is a space that seamlessly connects the comfort of indoors with the beauty of the outdoors. These spaces are designed to capture the natural light and warmth of the sun while also providing shelter from the elements. Sunrooms can be used as a cozy reading nook, a peaceful yoga retreat, or an indoor garden. They create a sanctuary for year-round enjoyment with ample natural ventilation and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Sunrooms offer a perfect blend of comfort and tranquility, providing a climate-controlled environment for relaxation and entertainment. Whether it’s a crisp winter morning or a breezy summer afternoon, sunrooms offer an ideal space to connect with nature while enjoying a comfortable indoor environment.

Interior view of a custom home built by Lakeshore Custom homes

 

Decks

An essential part of Northern Michigan’s waterfront living, offering stunning views and a serene ambiance. Our decks provide large outdoor spaces for relaxation and entertainment, extending from the main living areas or perched atop a bluff overlooking the lake. We design our decks with attention to detail and using premium materials, ensuring they are perfect for enjoying morning coffee, hosting alfresco dinners, or simply basking in the beauty of Northern Michigan’s landscapes. Our decks are constructed to be durable, and their thoughtful design seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings, enhancing the allure of waterfront living. They provide an idyllic retreat for homeowners to unwind and connect with nature.

 

Fire Pits or Fireplaces

Adding warmth, ambiance, and a focal point to outdoor gatherings, fire pits or fireplaces are popular features in Northern Michigan’s custom homes. Whether nestled in a backyard garden or on a patio overlooking a lake, these cozy amenities create inviting spaces for roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, and stargazing on chilly evenings. Fire pits typically feature a circular or rectangular design with built-in seating. At the same time, fireplaces offer a more formal and architectural element.

Outdoor Kitchens

Transforming outdoor spaces into culinary havens, outdoor kitchens are equipped with all the amenities needed for cooking and entertaining alfresco. From built-in grills and countertops to sinks, refrigerators, and storage cabinets, these custom setups allow homeowners to prepare meals and host gatherings without stepping indoors. Outdoor kitchens make cooking and dining in Northern Michigan’s beautiful surroundings a breeze, providing an easy option between indoor and outdoor living, perfect for grilling fresh-caught fish from the nearby lake or hosting a summer barbecue.

Built-in Seating

Maximizing space and comfort, built-in seating options such as benches, seating walls, and outdoor sofas offer functional and stylish solutions for outdoor lounging and entertaining. These permanent fixtures are seamlessly integrated into the landscape, providing designated seating areas that optimize space and enhance the flow of outdoor spaces. Whether surrounding a fire pit, framing a dining area, or lining a garden path, built-in seating invites relaxation and encourages socializing while adding architectural interest and visual appeal to custom homes in Northern Michigan.

Custom Landscaping

Blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings, custom landscaping enhances the beauty and tranquility of outdoor living spaces in Northern Michigan. Native plants, trees, shrubs, and perennial gardens are carefully selected and arranged to complement the home’s architecture and create a cohesive outdoor environment. From vibrant floral displays and lush greenery to meandering pathways and tranquil water features, custom landscaping adds texture, color, and character to outdoor spaces, inviting homeowners to connect with nature and enjoy the serenity of their surroundings year-round.

Lanscpaing surrounding a waterfront custom home near Traverse City, Michigan

Water Features

Add a unique element of serenity and tranquility to outdoor spaces; water features such as ponds, fountains, and streams create captivating focal points and enhance the natural beauty of Northern Michigan’s landscapes. Whether nestled within a garden, integrated into a patio, or positioned alongside a porch, these soothing amenities provide visual interest, attract local wildlife, and create a calming atmosphere for outdoor relaxation and contemplation. The gentle sound of trickling water, the shimmering reflections of sunlight, and the playful movements of aquatic life all contribute to the sensory experience of water features, making them cherished elements of custom homes in Northern Michigan.

Outdoor Lighting

Extending the usability of outdoor spaces into the evening hours, strategic outdoor lighting solutions enhance safety, ambiance, and visual interest in Northern Michigan’s custom homes. From soft accent lighting to illuminate pathways and highlight architectural features to functional task lighting for cooking and dining areas, outdoor lighting adds warmth and depth to outdoor environments while creating inviting and enchanting nighttime landscapes. Whether enjoying a cozy dinner under the stars or hosting a lively outdoor gathering with friends and family, well-designed outdoor lighting enhances the beauty and functionality of outdoor living spaces in Northern Michigan.

Outdoor Entertainment Systems

Creating immersive entertainment experiences in the great outdoors, outdoor entertainment systems allow homeowners to enjoy music, movies, and more while basking in the beauty of Northern Michigan’s landscapes. Integrated speakers, outdoor TVs, and sound systems are strategically positioned throughout outdoor spaces, providing high-quality audiovisual experiences for outdoor gatherings, parties, and events. Whether hosting a backyard barbecue, watching the big game under the stars, or relaxing with a movie on a balmy summer evening, outdoor entertainment systems enhance the enjoyment and versatility of custom homes in Northern Michigan.

Hot Tubs, Spas, and Saunas

Providing relaxation, rejuvenation, and therapeutic benefits, hot tubs, spas, and saunas offer year-round enjoyment and luxurious comfort in Northern Michigan’s custom homes. Nestled within secluded backyard corners, on private decks overlooking scenic vistas, or within dedicated spa areas, these rejuvenating amenities create intimate retreats for unwinding after a long day or celebrating special occasions with loved ones. With customized features such as massage jets, LED lighting, temperature controls, and aromatherapy options, hot tubs, spas, and saunas provide personalized wellness experiences that promote relaxation, stress relief, and overall well-being amidst the natural beauty of Northern Michigan. Whether enjoying the warmth of a sauna on a crisp winter’s day or soaking in the therapeutic waters of a hot tub under the stars, these rejuvenating amenities enhance the outdoor living experience and create cherished moments of relaxation and indulgence in Northern Michigan’s breathtaking surroundings.

Privacy Screens or Fencing

Creating secluded retreats within outdoor spaces, privacy screens or fencing offer homeowners peace of mind and intimacy in Northern Michigan’s custom homes. Whether surrounding a patio, enclosing a garden, or separating neighboring properties, these architectural elements provide privacy from prying eyes and shield outdoor areas from unwanted noise and distractions. With various materials such as wood, metal, or composite, privacy screens and fencing can be customized to match the style and aesthetic of the home while enhancing the comfort and seclusion of outdoor living spaces.

Natural Stone or Paver Walkways

Enhancing curb appeal and functionality, natural stone or paver walkways provide durable and visually striking pathways that connect outdoor spaces and guide visitors throughout the property. Whether leading from the driveway to the front entrance, meandering through a garden, or encircling a patio, these meticulously crafted walkways add texture, pattern, and visual interest to outdoor environments while facilitating safe and easy navigation. Selecting from a vast range of materials, colors, and patterns, homeowners can create custom walkways that complement the architecture and landscaping of their Northern Michigan homes while adding charm and elegance to their outdoor living spaces.

Climate Control Features

Ensuring comfort and usability year-round, climate control features such as ceiling fans, outdoor heaters, and misting systems help regulate temperature and create ideal outdoor environments in Northern Michigan’s custom homes. Ceiling fans provide gentle airflow and help circulate cool air during hot summer days, while outdoor heaters offer warmth and coziness on chilly evenings and throughout the winter. Misting systems cool outdoor spaces by dispersing a fine mist of water, relieving sweltering temperatures, and creating a refreshing oasis for outdoor relaxation and enjoyment. With these climate control features, homeowners can extend the usability of their outdoor living spaces and maximize comfort in Northern Michigan’s ever-changing climate.

Storage Solutions

Organizing and protecting outdoor essentials, storage solutions such as outdoor storage boxes, sheds, and cabinets provide convenient storage options for gardening tools, outdoor furniture cushions, and seasonal decorations in Northern Michigan’s custom homes. Designed to withstand the elements and blend seamlessly with the home’s architecture, these functional storage solutions keep outdoor spaces tidy, clutter-free, and ready for use year-round. Whether storing gardening supplies in a shed, stowing away patio furniture cushions in a storage box, or keeping barbecue accessories neatly organized in outdoor cabinets, homeowners can maintain a clean and organized outdoor environment while preserving the beauty and functionality of their custom homes in Northern Michigan.

Customizable Elements

Adding personality and charm to outdoor spaces, customizable elements such as built-in planters, pergolas, and outdoor art installations allow homeowners to express their unique style and preferences in Northern Michigan’s custom homes. Built-in planters provide opportunities to showcase colorful flowers, herbs, and greenery, adding vibrancy and life to outdoor environments. Pergolas create shaded retreats and architectural focal points, supporting climbing vines, hanging plants, and outdoor lighting fixtures. Outdoor art installations, such as sculptures, murals, and mosaics, add visual interest and intrigue to outdoor spaces, sparking conversation and delighting the senses. With these customizable elements, homeowners can personalize their outdoor living spaces and create distinctive and inviting retreats that reflect their tastes and lifestyles in Northern Michigan’s breathtaking natural surroundings.

Lakeshore Custom Homes is a specialized company that creates custom-built homes that seamlessly blend in with the beautiful landscapes of Northern Michigan. Our experienced designers and builders work with you to understand and bring your vision to life while ensuring that every aspect of your home complements its surroundings. Our team takes immense pride in our collaborative approach and is dedicated to delivering exceptional results that exceed expectations. Let’s work together to bring your vision to life!

Please view our portfolio to see examples of some of the finest homes in Northern Michigan.

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