The existing house had an undersized den with a shallow back porch that did not offer a lot of usable space. Additional service space was also needed in the way of a butler pantry to serve the existing kitchen and a mud room for housing dog related supplies, outdoor apparel, etc.To resolve these issues, the existing den ceiling is vaulted and the space expanded into the back porch and the existing back porch is deepened further towards an existing patio area. These changes make the den more comfortable as a gathering space with a fireplace adding to its warmth. A stronger connection to the new back porch allows better views, circulation and more natural light into the den. The back porch now feels like an outdoor living room with a kitchen that features a grille, sink, under counter refrigerator and oven.The addition of the mud room on the driveway side helps enclose and define the outdoor living room. The previous low wood gate is now replaced with a pair of beaded wood doors that add to the room like feel as you walk through them into the patio area.