()– Summer cookouts Relaxing nights. Weekend staycations. Homeowners love to relax with their families and entertain friends. These spaces are characterized by serene porches or oasis-like patios. Design professionals are working with natural materials, such as cypress, to make them stylish.

Beautiful and Durable

Jane Frederick of Frederick + Frederick Architects is a Beaufort, South Carolina-based architect and president-elect of American Institute of Architects. “Our area is hot and humid,”She adds. “Screened-in porches with ceiling fans continue to be extremely popular upgrades in new construction and renovations.”

Frederick says that full outdoor kitchens no longer are a must-have. “Most people want porches with a simple kitchen, integrating a grill and plenty of countertop space, storage, and seating – good-looking light fixtures, too.”

Frederick opts for cypress ceilings, overhangs and rafter tails to add a luxurious touch to a porch. What’s the secret? “First and foremost, cypress is a beautiful material. But equally important, cypress is naturally resistant to decay and mildew. And it’s locally sourced.”

Let’s say you like a “Prefab”Are You Looking for Structure that Will Last?

“Pergolas and pavilions offer open, airy outdoor spaces, yet provide relief from direct sunlight, to enjoy dinner or cocktails after a long day at the office,”Hubert Burns, My Outdoor Rooms, Dothan (Alabama) “They can also be outfitted with TVs and fireplaces, and adorned with plants and drapery to add privacy and a personal touch.

“Most importantly, outdoor living spaces are an investment. Therefore, homeowners should expect high-quality structures to last. Since more than ten year, we’ve built with cypress. It is durable, resistant to insects, and more beautiful than wood that has been treated with pressure.”

Building a gorgeous, outdoor cypress pergola or pavilion need not be a daunting task. Burns says that companies across the country specialize in prefabricating structures and ship nationwide, taking the stress out of design and construction. “They are prefabricated and are ready to be installed quickly.” Burns adds. “Three people can easily install a 16-foot-by-16 foot pergola in five hours.”

For more tips on creating your outdoor living space with cypress, visit .CypressInfo.org”>www.CypressInfo.org.