Despite the lures of television and air conditioning, the front porch is re-emerging as a popular request in both new homes and renovation projects, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. According to the National Association of Home Builders, adding or enclosing a porch is among the most common requests on remodeling and home improvement projects. Additionally, front porches were included in about 65% of new home builds in 2016, up 40% from 20 years earlier. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review shares a few best practices to spruce up any front porch.
Make It Comfortable
“Comfortable seating is an important part of any front porch,” says Jenny Reimold of the Nashville-based design firm Whim & Willow and a style expert for the retailer HomeGoods. She suggests a traditional outdoor bench or classic Adirondack chairs in a fun color such as teal.
Place a rug to anchor the seating area and provide comfort underfoot, she says. A rug is also a good way to bring more pattern and color to the porch, when you may not have much room for decorative elements.
Pick Your Style
At Target, the rustic farmhouse vibe, currently popular indoors, can be brought to the porch. Galvanized steel pots can hold real or faux greenery. Smith & Hawken’s Montpelier collection provides deep, comfy Sunbrella cushions in chunky, whitewashed, eucalyptus-wood frames. Or for narrower porches, Opalhouse’s outdoor wicker chairs may be worth a look.
If you have no electrical outlet handy, you can still illuminate your front-porch seating area with battery-powered or solar lighting.
“Outdoor lanterns are essential elements for any outdoor space because they’re not only functional but versatile,” Reimhold says. “Lanterns also transition well from summer to fall, making them a great purchase for year-round decorating.”
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