The front porch is the first area your guests encounter when they visit your home. Is it cluttered with kids' toys, junk mail and empty soda containers? Or should it be a pleasant welcoming area that invites guests to sit a spell? Here are some ways to create a pleasing porch for your home.
Prepare Your Porch
If you'd like to do a 'porch makeover' you should prepare your porch by removing everything from it. Sweep it well, mop it using Murphy's Oil Soap (if it is wood) and clean any windows facing the porch. Starting with a clean porch will enable you to rethink how you'd like it to look. Use a piece of paper and pencil to do sketches of different ways to arrange furniture, plantings, etc.
Porch Decorating Touches
If you have the budget, new porch furniture is a great way to revitalize a porch. The new resin wicker furniture looks exactly like wicker but does not weather, making a rocking chair, patio set or porch swing a perfect addition for comfort and practicality. Adding small touches like an area rug, small side table with plant or candle for evening gatherings, or an antique bird feeder can make a big difference. Try not to add too many items on the porch as this will look cluttery from the road.
Porch Eating Area
One excellent way to enjoy your front porch is through the addition of a small eating area patio set that would include a small coffee table and settee or side chairs. Even with a small porch, a side table can be added beside a porch rocker, creating an area where you or your guests could enjoy breakfast, snacks and lemonade or iced tea, or cocktail hour. Try to think of conversation when you set up the area- obviously two chairs is better than one, but if four people can gather, it makes for a lovely eatery setting.
Porch Plants and Container Gardens
The easiest and least expensive way to create an inviting porch is by adding plats or container gardens. Consider whether plants will require sun or will tolerate shade, and add geraniums, petunias, ferns, or container plants like spike plant, bacopa, verbena, etc. Impatiens are perfect for shade. Fresh plants will encourage you to water and therefore spend more time on your relaxing front porch!
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