How to Design a Porch

Although porches are outside of the house, they are fundamental aspects of a home's design and decor. They serve several purposes-- they beautify homes, they give the first impression, and serve as a welcome point to the visitor. Porches are used to entertain visitors, to relax in the morning or afternoon, or to enjoy a romantic night. It is important that the porch is well-kept because it is a reflection of the house itself. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when designing a porch.

Things You'll Need

• furniture
• decor, accents
• plants

Instructions

How to Design a Porch

1. Select the proper furniture. Porches are like an extension of a living room. They usually contain a furniture set such as chairs and/or tables. Rocking chairs are also popular porch pieces. Some porches opt for a couch swing, while others opt for cushion seats. Whatever furniture you choose, pay attention to the structure of your porch as well as the climate in your area. Take into consideration whether the porch is covered or not and how much space you have to work with. These things usually dictate the kinds of furniture you can place in your porch.

2. Try to plan your porch around a central theme that relates to your home's overall design or ambience. Since the porch is separate from the house, you may want to incorporate some designs that complement the house. A completely different porch would further split the two spaces. The porch should prepare the visitor on what to expect regarding the interior of the house.

3. Add personality to the porch through accents. Rugs, tables, and mantlepieces can be added to a porch to emphasize a certain theme or feeling in a subtle way. They dress up an ordinary porch without seeming too flamboyant. Other table pieces, baskets, pots, lamps and throw pillows can also be used to accentuate the porch.

4. Use plants on the porch. As mentioned earlier, a porch is an extension of the living room, but it is also shares characteristics of a lawn or garden. The porch is a space that is both considered interior an extrerior, a bridge between the house and the world outside. Porches blend both the comfort of a living room with the relaxation and peace that nature brings. Plants are usually found in the porch through hanging pots and terra cotta clay pots.