Tim Hewetson

Front porches aren’t just for storage and protection from the weather while you enter your house. They are a great additional outdoor space for your home with many benefits. When utilized as a living space they are a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, meet your neighbours and enhance the sense of community. Whether you are kicking back sipping your favourite beverage watching the world go by or entertaining, a front porch can be a welcoming urban oasis to escape hectic city life.

Dressing up your porch is easy and affordable. Elements such as drapery, bamboo roll blinds, and rugs bring warmth and comfort to an otherwise cold space. These elements, when done correctly, also enhance the curb appeal of your home. If you’re not sure, stick with neutral colours with some contrasting colours to break up monotony. Draperies and blinds are a great way to hide objects such as bikes, provide shade from sunlight, and can be pulled closed for privacy. Using plants creates warmth and provides green. Ornamental palms are a great low maintenance way to give a tropical feel. Sisal area rugs are durable, natural, and another way to add ambience and warmth. Don’t forget to accessorize. Candles and accent lighting provide a relaxing atmosphere and have a dramatic lighting effect at night.

Furniture is another important element of any outdoor space. Teak furniture provides neutral tones and warmth but requires yearly maintenance to keep it looking its best. Powder coated aluminum and wicker furniture are relatively maintenance free and can be kept outdoors all year around but wicker isn’t always the most comfortable to relax in. Make sure when purchasing your furniture that it’s to scale with the size of your porch.

These websites have some additional ideas for decorating your porch.

Porch 32
Quick, Chic Outdoor Decorating
Home Decorating Room by Room