Front Porch Designs That Make Your House A Home

If you are looking for front porch designs ideas that will make your porch the envy of your neighborhood, then I have three inspiring ideas here. Two are front porch designs decorating ideas and the third is all about entertaining on your porch.

I recently saw a porch makeover where a beautiful mirror was hung on a gorgeous contemporary porch.

The mirror was hung from chains and reflected the outdoors. Imagine hanging a mirror on your porch. Not just any mirror but one that has an attractive frame. What would it reflect? The trees in your front yard? Maybe some colorful hanging baskets hanging from your porch? A mirror is a beautiful accent you do not expect to see on a porch.

But as you probably have noticed, more and more people are creating outdoor rooms that are comfortable like the rooms inside their homes.This porch I saw was no exception – it was beautifully furnished with a wicker sofa and striking red and white pillows. A mirror on the porch is a conversation starter for sure. Just be sure to secure the mirror to your porch so that it does not blow with the wind.

My second porch decorating idea is to use landscape lighting in the evening to illuminate your porch. I know someone who invented a plant lamp.The plant lamp works with a potted plant or a hanging basket. It bathes the plant in the evening with a soft glow. The homeowner can put the plant lamp on a timer.

So imagine a very attractive seating area on your porch that is softly lit by lamps that show off your potted plants. Or think about greenery or flowers in pots that line your porch steps and are illuminated in the evening. How inviting would that be? A plant lamp can add the perfect sparkle to your porch in the evening and create a welcoming tone.

My third front porch designs idea is all about entertaining on your porch. How about turning a nice wooden picnic table into a drink and appetizer buffet for your next porch party? I saw this idea in the book titled Perfect Porches.

If your front porch designs or outdoor area is large enough to accommodate a small picnic table, you can toss a pretty checkered table cloth on it (or not!). Then spread out your selection of wine bottles, sparkling juices, crystal wine glasses, pretty baskets filled with fruit, cheeses and crackers. Fill vases to the brim with fresh flowers from your garden. And another nice touch is to put soft pillows on the picnic table benches.

If you are entertaining in the evening, how about lanterns or soft lit candles also? Have a wonderful and informal party on your porch.

I hope you enjoyed these three front porch designs ideas that will make your porch the envy of the neighborhood.

Front porch designs are usually modeled after a home’s architecture – such as country, contemporary, or perhaps a Victorian style. The style of a porch should fit the architectural style of the home as much as possible. Otherwise, it will look out-of-place and not give you the curb appeal you need. But just as important, when deciding the style of porch you want, consider  and plan for its true purpose.

How will your porch be used?

Many builders give little consideration to the porch although that is changing across the country. Many of us are opting for a porch that is both appealing and functional. The stoop just doesn’t do it. So begin by determining what you will mostly be doing on your porch. Whether building a new porch or updating an existing one, cost is always a factor. That given, make the most of what you are able to afford.

We know someone who is going to demolish an existing long and narrow porch to rebuild another one. We advised them to make it wide enough to accommodate a porch swing and give ample play room for their three children. The porch can then accommodate not only their family comfortably but their kids’ friends as well! They will also potentially have space for a conversation area for adults. They are going to incorporate these ideas into a country style porch that will be approximately nine feet wide.

Porches for Entertaining and Celebrations

• Do you envision using your porch for entertaining?
• Or do you prefer to have a space for quiet contemplation to watch the world go by?
• Do you have a view you’d like to take advantage of?
• Will you be celebrating summer-time birthdays and holidays on your porch?
• Do you like to decorate for the holidays?

Once you have identified your porch’s primary purpose, determine what you will need. For decorating purposes additional electrical outlets (on the porch and perhaps in the soffits) would be ideal. If you want more privacy consider its location and landscaping around your porch. If you love to listen to soft music on your porch, consider outdoor speakers.

Screen Porches and Three Season Porches

If you enjoy eating outdoors a great option is to convert part of the porch to a screen porch or three season porch. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing and this way you’ll have the best of both worlds. Because there is such a wide variety of screening materials you can find one that will complement the color of your porch and home.

Small Porches

Most people have small porches. You can improve its design by landscaping around it to give you lots more space. You can then use it for quiet conversations or just to relax and read a good book.

Define your porch purpose and include the requirements in the overall design, whether it is Victorian, southwestern, colonial, or contemporary. You’ll be happy you took the time to think through how you will use your porch. You’ll be more satisfied with the results.

How do you pull together architectural style, landscaping, and furniture to make your porch sizzle? No matter the size of your porch, there are things you can do based upon your home’s architectural style to make your home sizzle. Here are just a few common architectural styles to get you started.

Classical style architecture porches range in size from small to large.  These homes have a central entrance and an equal number of windows flank each side of the door. For landscaping, use clipped hedges, brick sidewalks, and geometrical plantings in containers. Base your furniture selections around teak – a great outdoor wood.

Victorian style architecture features large, one-story porches that extend across one or two sides of the house. They may have multiple verandas with some on the second level and use elaborate details (moldings). For landscaping consider using symmetrical and colorful plantings in containers or window boxes on your steps or balustrades. Base your furniture selections on wrought iron.

Colonial style architecture porches are usually small in size with a pediment and perhaps more ornate door frames; crown molding, pilasters or columns. They feature double-hung windows or multi-pane windows in pairs on each side of front door. Landscaping should include brick pathways, large symmetrical plantings on each side of the door, and geometric beds. Make your front entrance dramatic with striking door color and a wreath. Use classic teak furniture and remember that geometric placement is the key.

Farmhouse style architecture has large wrap-around porches, tall windows, shingles or metal roofs.  You’ll also find dormers, gables, and simple moldings as well as the use of natural materials like cedar or stone. For landscaping use symmetrical plantings, mixed beds and borders. Incorporate simple painted garden furniture, rockers and a swing of course! Brick, flag stone and stepping-stone walkways are especially attractive.

Contemporary or modern style is not easily distinguishable due to many shapes. Porches lack ornate moldings. Wood or stone siding is usually the norm. Use asymmetrical plantings and evergreens in your landscaping scheme. Try flagstones for walkways. Stained or weathered looking furniture looks very attractive in a contemporary setting.

Choose your porch style, landscaping and furniture based upon the style of your home and you will have a great cohesive look. Try some of these ideas for your own home!

Do not forget your front porch designs! Your porch has existing space and with the right front porch designs ideas you can transform it easily into an outdoor living area.

We talked with an expert on front porch designs designs and she offered the following advice for planning your porch living space.

Consider how you will use your porch. Will it be used mainly for relaxing or entertaining. Your answer will determine what kind of outdoor furniture you will need and where it will be placed. It will also determine what amenities you may want. If entertaining, you may need extra storage space for dining utensils, cups, and other items you will want to keep handy. You may also need additional lighting like outdoor table lamps or even exterior chandeliers.

Determine how many people can fit comfortably on your porch. You may exceed that number at times but plan for average number of people you’ll be entertaining or just having over for quiet conversations.

Comfort. We all like to be comfortable when we are outside. Choosing comfortable outdoor furniture should be a priority. Study tables and trays will be appreciated by your family and guests. Adjust for the sun and weather. Use porch blinds, shades, or outdoor curtains to block the wind and sun. Do not be chased back inside due to poor weather or a blazing sun.

Use furniture placement to create a special privacy area for reading or dining. An outdoor rug can be used to define a space also, whether it be a conversation area or bistro table and chairs for two.

Another option is to turn your porch or part of it into a screened room or three season room. Screen porch kits and porch window panels make it so easy to do. It’s an excellent way to prolong your outdoor living season and add value to your home.

Want a quick way to upgrade your porch today? Try these:

Paint. It is the biggest and least expensive improvement you can make. Paint your porch to make it look like it belongs to your home.

Use an outdoor rug to warm up the porch.

Add outdoor curtains to soften the look of your porch.

Design your porch for outdoor living. It will not only create great curb appeal but be a welcoming place for you and your family to enjoy almost year round. Your porch can easily be an extension of your home outdoors. In fact, that is what it was initially designed for. Take advantage of this great space today!

I found the spider on my front porch. I didn’t know whether I should be concerned or not.
Well I compared it to pictures and I does somewhat favor the golden orb spider. But some of it’s characteristics look different. A friend said it looked kinda like a baby banana spider…..I dunno.

They’ve made themselves at home on my porch chairs and now they’re dirty. They poo on the porch and in the yard. I have big dogs but I have seen what they do with a cat when they catch it and I don’t want to have to deal with that when my husband is not home. I love cats and I have indoor cats, but I don’t want stray cats outside. Thanks for any advice you can give.
Like I said, I have dogs. I have seen what they do to a cat once they catch them and I don’t want to go through that or see a cat go through that.

I have morning sun and would enjoy having flowers on my porch as well as window boxes out front, but I need advice… Would the sun between a screen be diffused sun?

I have a first floor apartment. The porch is small with a glass door. Which connects the porch to our living room. Other than that no windows. We are not aloud to plant flowers in the ground. Our porch is made of cement, and right in front of the cement is mulch and stepping stones to our porch. We have two plastic chairs, and a plastic table. I want our porch to be more inviting and less boring. What could I do?! We want this to be fairly cheap.