Porches are the structures located at the entrance of a building. They may or may not be covered; however, it provides a passageway from the outside world to the inner haven. But if you stop and look, you can transform this crucial space into a welcoming oasis.
Functionality of Porches
Porches being in the front of the house gives the first impression of your home to any outsiders. More than the look, porches have many functional advantages. Porches are mainly the covered extension of the interiors.
The roofs provide shadow and protect the house from murky weather conditions. In today’s world, porches have a significant role to play, waving out to neighbors while having a morning cuppa or catching up on the latest gossip with your friends around. At the same time, some people enjoy exchanging chats and entertaining guests. Find yourself lucky if you have a space in front of your home which you can utilize to add a measure of luxury to your abode.
There are many ways you can add the soul to the most neglected area of the home, making it look more welcoming and trendy. We have encapsulated a few here to get you pondering and rediscover how you can transform the porches into more functional rather than leaving it a mundane entrance.
Revisit the Tradition of porches
The porches exist in all architectural designs since time immemorial. It is evident from the functional aspect and the beauty it adds to any building. You can easily add them to your current structure for additional function and charm.
Porches covered with screen
ideal for areas with lots of greenery and four seasons, the screened type works well to keep away many unwelcome guests like insects. Yet, they provide the fresh air experience even in the rainy season. It also gives much-needed privacy if your porch is closer to the front walkway.
Open porches
These porches have a wide staircase in front and do not have a top covering. You can do a limited decoration in these, but the utility is restricted due to no overhead covering.
Covered Porches
Covered porches are more versatile as you can experiment with different styling options worrying about the weather conditions. You can utilize them in all seasons too.
Wrap around Porches
A traditional style of porch, which starts at the entry point of the house and wraps around one or maybe two corners of the house. This type of porch saves the home from harsh rain or the sun. This type of outdoor space gives a clean canvas to implement brilliant ideas to utilize them fully.
Design ideas to deck up your porch
Finally, you have taken the big decision of restyling your porch. Now, let’s look at the decorating ideas to get the best vibes.
Add the touch of greenery.
The plants always give out positive energies to the area where they are planted. Use some trendy planters on the fence to create an energetic look. Plant them with seasonal flowers to add the whiff of aroma into the air and break the monotony.
Fixing some pots on the wall can also add up greenery if the space is limited. Vertical gardens can be more appealing and can turn a bare wall into a magical garden.
If working with a bigger space and budget, make permanent flower beds to get better results. They make any area more inviting and vibrant. Add a garden bench to make it functional while tending for your plants.
Tiered displays of the planters can be a great idea to add color without changing the structure permanently.
Don, your thinking caps, use the garage trash like old bottles, baskets and turn them around to add greenery. You will be surprised how useful those junk turns out to be!
Create a theme
Whether you are a minimalist sort of a person or your preference is of traditional style, giving your porch a theme will make it look more appealing.
Keep the lines straight and clean if you like the sleek finish to your porch. Choosing the right furniture, lighting, decoration, etc. minimalist will help you keep up with the theme.
Adding cushioned sofas or wicker furniture can give it a french style look to the overall space. Rustic coffee tables, distressed side tables, old fashioned lamps can add the traditional look to your porch.
To add a character to the area you are decorating can be achieved by sticking to a theme as per personal choice.
Mood lighting
The right kind of lighting can add personality to the surroundings, whether it is the indoor space or the porches you are looking to brighten up. Layered outdoor lighting can set the mood for romantic evenings in your cozy outdoor spaces too.
There are some fantastic solar lighting options available if you want to save on energy costs in the long run without compromising on the vibes you want to create.
Temporary paper lamps can glam up the place on a limited budget too.
Hitch a foldable umbrella
When opting for an open porch, adding a folding umbrella or a retractable sunshade can help you make the porches more versatile. You can make the best use of sunny days by staying outdoors without worrying about over tanning.
Reasonably priced options can also help you add these on a limited budget with full utility. It also adds an alluring look to the porch.
Quintessential furniture
What furniture pick for the porch or whether to invest at all is a big question. The answer mainly lies with the intended usage of the area. Adding a lounger can add a relaxed feeling. Oversized cushions and throws can add a welcoming feel to them.
An extra-large cushioned all-season sofa can add to the coziness. What’s better than enjoying your summer drinks on lazy afternoons?
To make this outdoor space more usable, a piece of temporary work furniture can help you enjoy your outdoors while you attend that important meeting with colleagues.
If you have the luxury of a pool or a small pond in front of your home, there is no reason why you shouldn’t turn that into a lounging place with poolside loungers.
Adding a breakfast furniture set can help you enjoy the morning breeze while having leisure meals on the weekends.
Outdoor bar
It’s a great way of adding a reason to spend time outdoors. Always be ready to enjoy your drink by keeping your bar stocked. Adding a small outdoor bar with your porch decor can give you an excuse to fully utilize this space.
Choose the one with limited storage, keeping the theme and budget in mind. It will blend well with the surroundings too. If not using it as a bar later, store other gardening nick-knacks.
Vibrant flooring
Wooden flooring or rustic tiles depends on the theme you chose at the beginning. But, do invest a good time and energy in deciding this crucial decision while designing the porch area.
All-season flooring is helpful when the porches are open to making them easier to maintain. Geometric floor tiles can make the outdoors look bold and add vibrancy at the same time. Leave it with rustic stones or grass if you want to keep the all-natural look.
Flooring can be expensive and a long-term investment unless you choose to use a rug to cover up. However, the right decision can go a long way in giving it an overall delightful look.
Accessorize it right
Once the main decoration is decided, it’s a brilliant idea to throw in some quirky movable decorations to add a personal touch to your porch. These need not burn a hole in your pocket. It can be as simple as making a planter out of old rain boots, or just throwing some extra large cushions on the lounger can help you enhance the look.
A small hammock or a swinging couch can be inviting too if decorating an open porch; opt for an all-season hammock or the metallic swing to keep the maintenance more uncomplicated.
Upcycle old watering can as flower pots for decorating while keeping the natural beauty intact.
Give your garage trash a good look; there will always be something to turn around into beautiful decorative pieces. Perfect to spruce up your outdoor space.
Adding outdoor toys can keep your little ones busy while you enjoy idle evenings. A trampoline or a mini slide can be a great choice to burn up their energies faster!
The final check
Planning a blueprint of upscaling a porch is a time and money-consuming question. But taking a plunge will help you manifold in the long run. That essential soaking of vitamin D to appreciating the outdoors will be more accessible. Making it attractive and function with these simple hacks will help you utilize it to its full potential. Take a deep breath and make that critical decision that can make your life connected to nature like never before within your own home. If you can’t bring too much outdoors inside your home, make your home outdoors and get some fresh air every day!
