Open Lanai

Though I was raised in Florida I never knew how elevated we were in our outdoor living spaces. What we always called the back porch was a lanai to many in South Florida and eventually to the rest of America. It was not until I watched The Golden Girls that I learned the term and realized I may have had one all along. Just the mention of that show and the word lanai brings back images of Rose on the chaise, Dorothy with her dry wit, and Blanche turning every evening into a cheesecake confessional on late night re-runs. I still love that show no matter how many times I have seen it and a wonderful place to watch it would be on your own lanai. We have seen many enclosed lanais but what about those who want the warm Florida breeze and the glow of late-night fires. Let’s step into a lanai of a Lily Model that is not enclosed yet feels as comfortable and familiar as an old sitcom that invites you to sit down and stay awhile somewhere in the heart of The Villages.

  •  Focal wall
We created a focal wall designed to stand up to the weather. The wall is built with composite beadboard and finished from floor to ceiling, giving the space a polished and durable backdrop. The woodworking specialist added a long shelf that runs the full length of the wall, and it serves three important purposes. The required outlet remains fully accessible beneath the shelf. The shelf also gives us a place to add decorative candles for soft evening light. Most importantly, the wall provides a strong visual anchor for the large television, allowing it to feel balanced rather than floating in the space. This type of wall can be customized to suit any style. If you prefer shiplap or a board and batten look, there are composite materials available that will hold up beautifully outdoors while giving you the design you love.

  •  Candles on Focal wall
It is important to have something beautiful to look at on your focal wall. We chose large candle sconces from Pottery Barn, and each one was coated with polyurethane so they can stand up to the weather. They look wonderful, arranged in two groups of four on either side of the television. Together with the candles on the shelf, they create the soft movement of dancing flame and give the space a calm, moody glow. The candles themselves are electric pieces by Luminara, and their flame looks completely real. With one swipe of the remote they all go to sleep until you need them again.

  •  Curtains
The indoor-outdoor curtains are essential in creating this space. They add softness, and when they are hung close to the ceiling, they draw the eye upward and make the entire area feel larger and more refined. They also add dimension by creating a visual break between you and the birdcage beyond. These panels are true Sunbrella fabric, made for both beauty and durability. They cost more because they are the real thing, and they do not fade. I will say it again because it matters in the Florida sun. They do not fade.

  •  Sectional
The photo makes the room appear larger than it truly is, and with too much furniture it would feel crowded quickly. A sectional turned out to be the most streamlined solution. It gave us the greatest number of seats around the fireplace and created an easy, natural conversation area. We were also able to bring in one piece from the old lanai set, a chair and ottoman that now form a wonderful reading nook. The real key to making all of this work is comfort. It is worth investing in pieces people will actually want to sit in. Every fabric is Sunbrella, ready to handle anything Florida sends its way.

  •  Rug
The rug is a looped outdoor style, made from durable fibers that can handle the elements while still feeling soft underfoot. It’s a deep navy with a border inspired by coral shapes. Those coral pieces carry every color already in the room, from navy to teal to warm tan. The rug is the element that pulls the entire space together and acts as a visual anchor for everything around it.

  •  Fire table
The coffee table is a true multi-purpose piece. With the flip of a switch, it becomes a warming fire with flames that dance through blue glass. Add the lid and it transforms into a smooth surface for snacks or dinner al fresco. Even on warm evenings, the flame can be set low to create a soft glow while you sip wine and watch The Golden Girls.

  •  Side tables
The side tables, which aren’t shown in the photo, are Asian garden pots. They bring a pop of teal to each end of the sofa and work beautifully as small drink tables. They add color, character, and just the right touch of charm to the seating area.

  •  Dining Table
The right end of the lanai received a second rug that matches the one in the conversation area. We were able to keep the original dining table, which shares the same lines as the chair used in the seating area. I like having that similar style in both spaces because it creates a sense of cohesion. Curtains were added along the entire length of the lanai, and they bring a spa-like feeling to the room. Whether you are eating or relaxing, the gentle movement of the fabric makes you feel as if you are at an island resort.
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Before and After Images Below