When it comes to your outdoor living space, creating something cozy and inviting is all in the details. “Your porch is an extension of your home, and the ceiling plays a large part in making it feel like another room, not just an enclosed space,” says Normandy Designer Maury Jones. “A rustic paneled ceiling radiates warmth and charm, inviting relaxation and conversation.”

You can choose an all-weather synthetic material or natural material depending on your desired look, budget, and level of maintenance, according to Maury. All-weather materials come in a variety of styles and colors, including options that mimic natural wood. Because of their durability and low maintenance, these synthetic options are a bit more expensive.

Natural wood is more cost effective, and requires slightly more maintenance – basically a stain, varnish or paint reapplication every 10 to 15 years – but offers an outdoorsy charm. “A natural wood ceiling is a timeless choice,” Maury says. Some varieties are more resistant to decay, like fir or cypress, and varieties like cedar or redwood have a nice patina as it weathers if you leave them raw. You can also stain or paint the wood.

Some people opt for a mix of materials in their porch design. “You may choose to have your ceiling be natural wood, while the columns and flooring are all-weather material,” Maury says. “Use your porch addition as an opportunity to play with contrasting colors and materials. A color gradient from dark to light is very impactful.”

A welcoming porch with a paneled ceiling and beautiful lighting is great for entertaining. “It provides overflow for parties where guests don’t feel like they’re leaving the house, or that they have to go inside if it’s raining,” Maury says. “A porch just doesn’t provide shelter and shade, it’s where you want to feel at peace and grab your favorite drink and watch the sun set.”

If you’d like to discuss your porch vision as an extension of a larger addition project, make an appointment with Maury. For more home design inspiration, you can follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest and TikTok for regular photos and tips. To see more of the home addition work done by Normandy, take a look at our photo gallery.