The front porch is an often overlooked space which is, in our humble opinion, a shame. A cozy front porch is a perfect refuge from any inside chaos. It’s the first thing a guest sees and a private place for an intimate conversation with a close friend or family. Here are some tips to help you create the front porch you’ve been dreaming about:
- When in Doubt, Add Plants
- Let Your Door Speak For Itself
- Lighting, Lighting Lighting
- Less is More!
- Pick Comfortable Seating
1. When in Doubt, Add Plants
One of the simplest ways to level up your porch is to add some plants and flowers. Choose real plants if you have the time and motivation you to keep them alive or, if your thumb is less-than-green, just stick with faux. Either way, a little bit of green adds a lot of life and color to a house!
Throw a couple of potted ferns like these on either side of your door to add a touch of green without going overboard. Simple, but effective.
Look, we know not every house is blessed with beautiful draping greenery like this one, but who could resist this Secret-Garden-like oasis? If you’ve got a green thumb, this front porch is one to aspire to.
Flowers
If you want to turn the head of any passerby, flowers are the way to go. They add a pop of color and are a guaranteed way to brighten everyone’s day!
Potted flowers are a good solution if you have a minimal front yard or no flower beds. This porch’s flowers are to die for, but you don’t have to have this many for a stunning result! Even tossing a couple of pots next to your door can add vibrance and life.
Hanging flower baskets are a classic way to add some dimension to a porch. Choosing to hang flowers instead of having them on the ground can also save space so you won’t have to sacrifice the porch set you’ve had your eye on.
2. Let Your Door Speak for Itself
You can do a lot to dress up a front porch, but if the door is lackluster, you’ll be hard-pressed to make the rest of the porch shine. Whether you paint your door, replace the hardware, or replace the whole door with something more your style, don’t forget to give it some TLC!
Whoever picked the color on this door should be given an award! This minty green pops against the red brick, and the gold hardware ties the whole look together.
A simple wooden door can bring warmth to a neutral-painted house like this one. We love how the sconces match the hardware on the door of this home to create a cohesive look. Even the smallest detail is accounted for and we’re impressed!
3. Lighting, Lighting, Lighting
Lighting is a simple way to take your porch to the next level. There are tons of options to choose from, but two of the most common (and effective) front porch fixtures are sconces and pendants. If you have a larger porch, you should also look into recessed lighting to give you more light.
Sconces
A sconce is a wall-mounted light fixture that’s often used next to or above the front door. Picking the right ones for your house makes a big impact on your porch’s aesthetic and style. Check out how well these homeowners did!
These sconces have a rustic feel that contrasts beautifully with the white siding. They give this home just a spritz of farmhouse!
This sconce has a little more flair but is still a classic style you won’t need to replace when trends change. We also giving this porch bonus points for the fan above the rocking chairs! There’s nothing better – or more refreshing – than a cool breeze in the summertime.
This porch’s clean lines flawlessly match the sconces, giving the whole look a modern edge we love!
Pendants
A pendant is a light fixture with a cord or chain and usually just one light attached. They’re commonly used above a door in an entryway with a higher ceiling. Pendants are practical, but they also make a gorgeous focal point. Here are a few to inspire your next porch project!
The warm stone flooring on this porch needs some contrast to make it feel up to date. The black-finished pendant combined with the matching black door complete the whole ensemble.
This porch is timeless. A warm door combined with a simple, but elegant pendant is a classic combination to make any house feel inviting.
Pendants are incredibly versatile and work well in a number of locations – not just above the doorway. They’re also a great choice above porch furniture to create a comfy space for a leisurely chat with a friend.
4. Less is More!
Redoing your front porch can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. These simple porches prove that less really can be more with some expert advice!
There’s nothing prettier than a warm wood door and black shutters, especially on clean white siding. This porch has. it. all. Symmetrical greenery, gorgeous sconces, some simple furniture, and a fan are truly all you need to have a beautiful and functional porch.
If you have a small porch, using some hanging elements (pendants, flowers, etc.) will add dimension and will give you space for some furniture without sacrificing a beautiful result.
We love the creativity of this small porch! Since there’s no room for plants next to the door, this homeowner added greenery on the sconces. The arched window above the door is the prettiest focal point to bring together an elegant, but minimal look.
This porch looks bigger because of the reflection of the windows on the door. The rest of the space is also well-used. From the small plants placed on stands to make them look taller to the hanging pendant, every inch is accounted for!
5. Pick Comfortable Seating
There’s something nostalgic about sitting on the porch on a summer night – like an ode to the simpler times of days gone by. Picking comfortable seating will make you want to sit on your porch, reflecting and enjoying the simplicity of the moment.
Porch Swings
There’s nothing more soothing than the back-and-forth motion of a porch swing!
The cozy cushions and pillows on this swing make it the ideal spot to snuggle up with a blanket for an autumn nap or to curl up with a book.
This swing lends itself perfectly to a conversation with a friendly neighbor, family member, or friend.
Rocking Chairs
Make the most of warm spring and summer days by relaxing on a rocking chairs with an ice cold lemonade sitting on a table beside you!
Rocking chairs are a comfortable seating option, but they take up less space and aren’t quite as permanent as a swing. The pillows on these pretty white rockers tie in the shutters on the house and are the perfect spot to enjoy a bit of nature.
Rocking chairs are simple and inviting whether they’re styled or not. We love the idea of watching the neighborhood kids ride their bikes, watching the dogs be walked, and seeing the world slow around you as the sun sets from the comfort of your rocking chair.
Don’t let your front porch fall by the wayside any longer! When you’re ready to get to work creating the porch of your dreams, give Desert Lighting a call. We’ll give you all the tips you need to make your dreams a reality.
