Bree here, from Home Zone Furniture.
Nothing says summer like a well-appointed front porch. While not all of us are lucky enough to have a wrap-around porch on which to spend lazy afternoons sipping sweet tea, anyone can make their porch a feel-good oasis with just a few small additions.
Whether you’re looking to make some big changes or just do a seasonal refresh, these suggestions will turn your porch into a stylish destination with some serious curb appeal!
Paint
The quickest way to see a difference in your house from the street is with high-impact color. Summer is a great time of year to rethink the color of your front door and shutters. You’ll be amazed at what a difference a fresh coat of paint can make. How about switching from a safe brown or cream to a pastel blue or fire engine red? Sure, it’s intimidating to take the plunge, but keep in mind that paint is temporary — you can always change it. So go ahead, be bold!
Furniture
Once you’ve got your color scheme locked down, it’s time to move on to furniture. Before you go shopping, ask yourself how you plan on using your porch. Will you sit and stay for a while? How many people will be sitting at a given time? How much furniture will your porch be able to comfortably hold?
While all aspects of your home should work for your family and your lifestyle, it’s important to maintain a sense of minimalism when it comes to the front porch. Even if you have a large family, you don’t want a bunch of furniture cluttering up your porch!
In my opinion, two chairs and a small side table is a safe option. Depending on your style and that of your house, you might choose a slim bench or even a porch swing instead.
Textiles
For a cohesive front porch, consider your textile choices carefully. Textiles will come into play not only for your outdoor furniture, but also for the curtains you have hanging indoors. For summer, think light pastels and spicy, vibrant hues.
Don’t be afraid to add fun prints into the mix, as well! Stripes are a classic summer favorite, as are bold florals. When it comes to prints, my suggestion is to think big. From the street, a small-scale print can get easily lost. A large-scale print, on the other hand, is modern, energetic and eye-catching.
Plants
Regardless of the season, no front porch is complete without a fabulous display of greenery. To make your porch pop, try a combination of plants, both planted and potted. Several varieties of plants all layered and intermingled results in a lush, multidimensional look.
If you’re starting with a blank slate, begin by defining your “hero” plants: the large, distinctive ones you want to emphasize. Place those in central locations, and from there, build out your foliage display with complementary blooms and a nice mix of hardy greenery.
What are your tried-and-true tips for designing a fabulous front porch?
Bree