When is a front porch more than simply the entrance to your home?
Sure, your front porch is functional; it serves a specific purpose. But, with a little creativity and planning, your front porch can become your favorite gathering spot to watch the sunset or enjoy a morning cup of coffee.
Here are some of our favorite design ideas for sprucing up your front porch:
Bring the beach to your door
Even if your home isn’t beachfront property, you can bring the seaside vibe to your house with a beach-inspired front porch. We love this cozy gathering spot off to one side of the front door.
A minimalistic ceiling fan with a simple design circulates warm summer breezes while you read or drink your morning cuppa joe. The plantation shutters make this porch feel like the beach is just a few steps away, even if it’s not.
Did you notice the lifeguard motif on the pillows, or the ship’s ropes hanging down from the ceiling to support the sofa?
Swing into every season
Swinging is so relaxing, especially when it’s on an oversized porch swing that’s as comfortable as it is functional. Unwind after a long day, or spend a lazy Sunday morning hovering over the slate.
The rustic design of the swing perfectly complements this traditional style front porch. Neutral colors and natural wood and stone don’t interfere with the beauty of the surrounding plants and trees.
Create a gathering space for friends
If you’ve got the room, why not create a gathering space on your front porch that welcomes friends from the moment they pull up in the driveway? This midcentury modern front porch has it all: Swing, couch, chairs, and a coffee table, with a cozy rug underneath. It’s like a second living room before you ever set foot inside the front door.
While bright sunlight fills this porch with natural light, the furniture is intentionally arranged for people watching and conversation, long after the sunsets.
Southern hospitality
Want to bring some old-fashioned southern charm to your modern farmhouse? Create a wide-open, airy front porch. This soft color palette is soothing to the senses and provides a perfect backdrop for summer evening cocktails. Big, wooden beams provide a feeling of open space.
Every seat on the porch allows you to swing or rock gently, while you sip some sweet tea and watch the kids play in the yard. Your favorite four-legged friend can lounge on the rug at your feet after chasing a ball, while summer breezes keep you cool.
Front porch with a fireplace
This porch has it all — space to eat dinner and one to relax by the fire afterward, especially on a chilly evening. The colors are simple, so the hues of nature become more visible. Overhead light fixtures provide light for the dining area as well as soft illumination for the front of the house.
Maybe you don’t have room for an expansive deck in the backyard, but this space makes up for it in form and function.
