How much attention do you give to your front porch? During the summer months, the hubs and I often take evening drives to look at the flowers blooming and to enjoy the sunshine. As we tour through neighborhoods, it amazes me(well, not really) how many homes have lack luster front porches. I know that the front porch is often the last thing on the to-do list but it is the first impression that your home (and you) make to anyone that comes for a visit. Like many people, you probably have a flower pot or two out front and maybe even a door mat but that’s where the decorating of your porch stops.
Summer is the perfect time of year to give your front porch some attention and love and doing that is easier than you think.
ADD FLOWERS
Accessorizing your front porch really doesn’t get any easier than this. You can buy pre-assembled flower pots at the nursery or create your own. Mixed arrangements add a lot of charm while a single variety arrangement like these hydrangea are more classic. Go for something tall and wide to add drama to your porch.
Look for ways to up-style simple flower boxes like adding a decorative iron grill to the outside.
PAINT THE PORCH CEILING
I’m seeing more and more bloggers doing this with their front porch. A little paint on the ceiling can give your porch a cozy feeling and add visual softness.
PAINT THE FRONT DOOR
If you did nothing else to your porch, I’d suggest an accent color on your front door. A bold color won’t work for everyone but I know there’s a color in the paint deck that will work for you. A painted door adds so much impact and curb appeal to your home. It’s also a great way to visually frame your porch area.
ADD A DOORMAT
A decorative doormat is an easy and inexpensive way to add a little style to your front porch. You can buy one with a pattern already on it or DIY one for cheap. I’m hoping to finish up a doormat project over the weekend and will share it with you on Monday.
HANG A WELCOME WREATH (or a plaque)
A boxwood wreath is a simple sign of welcome and hospitality and an inexpensive chalkboard plaque will allow you to convey a welcome message in a fun way.
(if you are having a party for someone special use your plaque as a party element and write Happy Birthday, Cheers to the Graduate or Let the Party Begin)
UPDATE YOUR LIGHTING
I can’t even begin to tell you how many homes I’ve gone to where the lighting is old, dated and practically falling off its hinges. Lighting is a safety necessity on a front porch and stylish lighting should be a design necessity. Add lighting that mimics the style of your home or that fits with the design statement you are making on the porch.
Lighting doesn’t have to be expensive to look good and here are a few of my fave outdoor light fixtures to prove that point.
Carriage House Ceiling Light from LampsPlus–$95.91
Bellagio Outdoor Hanging Light from Lamps Plus–$89.95
Progress Lighting Resort Wall Lantern from Home Depot–$59.97
CREATE A LOUNGE SPACE
No matter the size of your porch, you can create an area that feels welcoming with the addition of seating. On a small porch consider a garden stool or small bench and if you have a larger porch space, a larger bench or chairs will do the trick. Come. Sit. Relax!
Remember that indoor/outdoor fabrics work best but on a covered porch you can get away with an everyday fabric as long as it’s not exposed to the elements.
ADD DESIGN STYLE WITH A RUG
Have you ever considered a rug on your front porch? A bold patterned rug will help contain a sitting area and add some real personality to your porch space. Also consider a runner that can run from the edge of the porch to the front door as another way to decorate with a rug.
This happens to be my favorite outdoor at the moment.
Simple touches go a long way when it comes to decorating a porch but the message it sends is worth the effort.
Sent from my iPhone Carol F. Lindberg (404) 281-3228 cpacarol@bellsouth.net