See how award-winning actress, director, and writer Sarah Wayne Callies’ West Coast porch was transformed into a warm, welcoming r
While saving up for more than a dozen years, award-winning actress Sarah Wayne Callies spent a lot of time imagining what her private dream retreat would look like. Today, sitting on her sprawling porch, this funny, down-to-earth actress, writer, and director opens up during a Phantom Screens interview about her idyllic life living in her new home on the Canadian West Coast.
Nestled in the ethereal forest, Sarah’s family home, which she shares with her husband, their two children, and their collection of pups, was designed to blend into the surrounding natural beauty. Sarah reveals that the expansive porch is her “happy place.”, and it’s easy to see why. Combining a rustic woodshed architecture thanks to old-growth forest reclaimed wood beams, paired with sleek, contemporary design, the family’s porch is worthy of a postcard, or, in Sarah’s case, the big screen.
“I am more comfortable outside rather than inside … just stepping outdoors onto the porch, I feel my perspective shift; I feel peaceful and grounded,” she says.
Like most outdoor spaces, Sarah found herself battling with bugs, pollen, and less-than-ideal weather anytime she or her family wanted to enjoy their patio space. With Phantom Screens motorized retractable screens enclosing their outdoor space the entire family, dogs included, can now enjoy their outdoor space to its full extent. Rainy days, allergy seasons, or bugs are no match for this family.
“In the fall and the winter, when most people spend so much time indoors, for us to be able to come out onto a covered outdoor space with the sound of the rain and birds, we receive that gift of rejuvenation, even during the cold months,” Sarah says.
“Now, when my guests leave, they always ask when they can come back,” Sarah says with a smile. “To have a home everyone wants to come back to, it’s a beautiful thing”
With the click of a button, Sarah’s screens conveniently roll down to provide comfort and protection. When not in use, they simply roll up out of view. Her porch heaters, combined with her motorized retractable screens, have created an outdoor oasis that retains the heat, blocks the wind, and keeps those bugs out.
“The greatest party trick ever is when I raised the screens, and my mom’s eyes get really big,” Sarah quips.
Another reason Sarah is a huge fan of her motorized screens are for dogs, which Sarah jokes they have about a hundred and fifty of them. Her four-legged Four-legged friends can be found lounging on the porch, soaking in the sun rays. Like all dogs, they’re usually on the wrong side of the door (or screen), so when they’re ready to come in or out “magic” happens.
“What’s really cool is that with the click of the button, I can raise one screen a couple of feet so that the dogs come in and out without crashing into them,” says Sarah. During the crisp, cooler air, Sarah can wrap herself in a warm, cozy blanket and take in her spectacular vistas any time of year.
Sarah’s screened-in porch is a relaxing pavilion in the trees, one which is bathed in the sun and the sounds of the birds, this outdoor oasis can become the perfect addition to their floorplan. One that can merge the indoors with the out for the ultimate home comfort
You too can expand your home and create a wonderful space you’ll get great use of for all four seasons. Visit phantomscreens.com.
Jessica Croft | November 2022