Your front porch is often responsible for the first impression people form when visiting your home. If it looks rundown and unkempt, visitors may form a negative opinion before ever setting foot inside. If it’s clean and welcoming, they’re sure to feel differently. With these top 15 porch styling tips you are sure to make an improvement to your outdoor living space.
Whether or not you expect company, taking the time to spruce up the front porch area of your property can be a powerful mood-changer and enhance the value of your house. However, aside from displaying lights during the holidays, most homeowners don’t put as much effort into enhancing the front porch as they do some other areas. That’s too bad, because with a little design help, your front porch could be just as comfortable and inviting as your backyard.
For example, a simple porch styling tip is to clear the clutter and put out a few chairs. You’ll create a tidy look while also providing visitors with a place to stop and chat for a few moments. Other ideas are just as easy to implement, such as adding a container garden or hanging some string lights. Of course, a good pressure-washing and a fresh coat of paint also can greatly impact how people perceive your facade. See the accompanying checklist for these and many other tips you can use.
Your front porch can significantly impact how you and your guests see your home. Here are a few ideas for creating a more welcoming environment for your front porch.
Remove Clutter
A cluttered front porch sends the wrong message to guests. Keep it neat by storing garden tools, boots and toys in your garage or shed. You also could invest in a storage bench to keep items out of sight when not in use.
Pressure-Wash Your Façade
Dirt, cobwebs and debris can build up on your walls over time, making the front of your home look dingy and dilapidated. Each spring, pressure-wash your front porch to blast away grime.
Try New Porch Light Fixtures
Porch lights, door hardware, house numbers and other elements can help improve your home’s look. Coordinate these with the same colors or materials, and you’ll notice a difference right away.
Manage Your Landscaping
Overgrown hedges, bushes and trees not only make your property look unkempt, but they can obscure architectural details you may have worked hard to improve. Keep plants trimmed and replace any that have died.
Apply Fresh Paint To Your Front Porch
Even if you’re not planning to change colors, a coat of paint can work wonders on your front porch. If you have a wood porch, it’s also a good idea to repaint it for protection.
Fix Your Front Door
The door is most often the focal point of your house’s facade. That’s why it’s a good idea to clean it every year and give it a fresh coat of stain or paint.
Add Seating
Adirondack chairs, benches or hammocks create an inviting spot for welcoming visitors or enjoying a warm summer day. There is no need to hang out in the backyard if your front porch has a seating area.
Create a Container Garden
Potted flowers and plants add a splash of color, and they’re easier to maintain than other plantings. They also allow you to change with the seasons. Add a container garden in your front porch styling.
Display a Welcome Mat
A welcome mat is a relatively inexpensive way to add a little character to your doorstep. Choose one that matches your decor and personality.
Wreaths Work
A festive wreath isn’t just for the holidays. Seasonal wreaths give your front door a touch of excitement no matter what time of year it is.
Light It Up
Front porches with overhangs can benefit from some additional lighting. Simple string lights can transform your space into a gathering spot after the sun sets.
Cool Off
Depending on your house, you might be able to add an outdoor fan above your porch. This will go a long way toward making the hottest days of the year more comfortable.
Crank Your Tunes
With a Bluetooth speaker and your smartphone, you can bring your music outside. Create any mood you want while enjoying the comforts of your front steps.
Wash Your Windows
Cleaning your windows inside and out will make them look brighter and contribute to a fresh look. Make sure to remove your screens for a good scrub, as well.
Refresh Your Gutters
Your home’s gutters are an underrated element of its look. Repair or replace any dented or broken sections and paint them if needed.
These 15 outdoor decorating tips will help make your front porch styling the talk of the neighborhood.
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