My grandfather used to tell me that in his youth, he loved taking siestas in the afternoon on a hot summer day. Some cultures throughout history have had some form of a daytime nap, especially in the hotter latitudes. All that was required was a shaded space out of the sunlight that would allow the prevailing breezes to blow through and a comfortable chair or daybed. These outdoor rooms were typically built on the front or quiet side of a house, with a view of the landscaped yard or neighborhood.

Architecturally, a variety of spaces have been developed for the purpose of relaxation — some with common names, such as patio, porch or stoop, and some with exotic names to evoke sophistication, such as loggia, lanai, veranda, gallery and piazza. In the days before air conditioning, these areas were a necessity to escape the heat and sometimes even to sleep. In order to control and mitigate the bugs and other earthly creatures, these areas were generally screened or louvered. Furnishings and decorations were very light and informal so all items could be brought in when desired or at the end of a season. Typical decor included wicker and iron furniture with cushions in brightly printed fabrics.

With the advent of fans and cooling systems, some of these porches were needed less, and many have been transformed. Over time, the screened openings were replaced with windows and doors, and these spaces have become a part of the interior of a house. In older homes, they have been integrated as a foyer, study, sunroom or other bonus room. This has added to the quirkiness of these charming houses.

In places where the weather is a blessing for six months out of the year, an indoor-outdoor area developed that gained so much popularity during the 1950s and '60s that it gave way to yet another architectural type of space, a truly American invention: the Florida room.

The old sleeping porches served as a springboard for these rooms, and they became larger and also incorporated other activities, such as cooking and eating. This defined the concept of outdoor living for many Americans. The Florida room also relegated the living room to just a ceremonial room. This less restrictive room turned out to be the favored place for casual entertaining. Bamboo and painted wood furniture became all the rage, along with the chaise longue and freestanding bars.

Today, these Florida rooms can be quite elaborate. Many are outfitted with outdoor kitchens, built-in bars and outdoor flat-screen TVs for watching the latest game or breaking news. Furniture design has also taken a turn, as a larger variety of weather-resistant materials and fabrics have become available.

Times may have changed, but I have to agree with my abuelo. There is nothing more comfortable than having a favorite room in which to read, relax and even take a nap. I love to come home, kick off my shoes and head to my Florida room to sip some iced tea or, better yet, a cocktail.

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: at Unsplash