A porch is much more than a deck with a roof on it. While some may be designed as simply as that, a great front porch design is more like an indoor room. It just happens to be missing windows and walls. Flooring on porches is more finished than on decks, porch ceilings have an attractive finished look, and a porch’s supporting posts are not mere decoration; they are a structural element. From an aesthetic point of view, you can furnish a porch with pieces that wouldn’t withstand the harsher elements.
Front Porch Design
Porches are not just for retirement rocking chairs. If you want a fun outdoor place to relax or entertain, a porch can be a useful addition to your home. They connect your interior to the exterior and provide additional living space. Front porches keep you connected to the neighborhood, while back porches are a perfect spot for outdoor dining.
A well-designed front porch acts as a transition space that can breathe new life into your home’s appearance. To design the perfect porch for your home, ask yourself how you plan to use the space and what options your budget will allow.
- How do you want to use the porch? This helps determine the porch’s dimensions. If you want a place to sit and sip a coffee while surfing the news, you’ll need less square footage than if you want to use it for family gatherings and entertaining.
- When do you want to use the porch? There are details you can add that make a porch usable three out of the four seasons. Some homeowners install fireplaces, insulation in the ceiling, screens to keep out bugs, and ceiling fans.
- Will you be entertaining on the porch? If you have the room for it, a “destination” porch for guests that includes separate seating and dining areas makes for a lovely addition. All weather-furniture and indoor/outdoor rugs can be used to create “rooms” where friends and family can enjoy meals, cocktails, and conversation.
Front Porch Design Features
In the Greater St. Louis area, we have a nice blend of new and old housing stock. Older homes tend to have a more traditional sitting porch at the front of house, while newer homes have a small landing with an overhang. Younger generations tend to “live” in their backyards, but others love the idea of a place to watch the world go by out front.
If you want to add a front or back porch to your home, one of the most important considerations is making sure it blends in with the rest of the house. For example, if your home is built with brick or stone, use at least some brick or stone in the construction of your porch that ties it in. Pay attention to attention, too, to color, textures and materials. Stucco homes should have some stucco, etc.
You can also add some decorative features like stamped concrete and round or square columns. Take your cues from the house itself. Does your home have arches over its windows? Repeat the look on the porch.
The Value of a Porch
Yes, a well-designed front porch can offer you some return on your investment. It also helps improve your home’s curb appeal and make it look bigger or more stylish. Porches are a wonderful place to spend time. From simple to the unique, they’re an inviting space that always says welcome!
If you’d like to learn more about extending your home’s living space by adding a new front or back porch, schedule a conversation with us today. We look forward to meeting with you!
