By Nancy Mattia, CTW Features
There’s nothing like a house with an inviting front porch. It’s the idyllic place to relax, have a drink, read, nap and catch up with family and friends. If you’ve got a front porch, spruce it up so that it lives up to its fullest potential. Simple things like a fresh paint job or new pillows can make a big difference in how it looks and feels. Check out some ways to give your front porch a lift, whether you want to make multiple changes or just one!
Paint the front door
You’ve heard it before—paint is the easiest, most affordable way to transform a dull wall. But the magic also works on front doors. A coat of deep gold (like Benjamin Moore’s Marblehead) or classic navy (New York State of Mind) paint will transform a ho-hum brown wood door into a work of art that everyone notices.
Think about the floor
Painting a porch floor that’s showing signs of wear and tear is another way to make a difference. Pick a color that goes well with the front door’s hue. A few made-for-porch colors to consider, also by Benjamin Moore: Opaline, an off-white; Guilford Green, mixed with tones of blue, and Georgian Brick, a striking reddish-brown.
Opt for season-appropriate materials
Heavy-looking furniture and materials that shout “winter” won’t contribute a summery feel on your porch; instead, when shopping for a sofa, tables, or chairs for your outdoor space, go with materials that are weather-resistant, won’t fade and can withstand high temperatures like wicker, synthetic resin, wrought iron, and teak.
Fluff new pillows
Even with a small budget, you can make a big impact on your porch. Something as simple as new throw pillows for the sofa in pretty solids, florals, or stripes will liven up the porch instantly.
Install new pavers
Technically not on the porch, pavers are small decorative slabs that you could use to create a walkway leading to the front porch. Pavers come in many different materials (concrete, natural stone, clay brick, porcelain, and even recycled rubber that resembles natural stone) and colors like terracotta, charcoal, and mocha.
Lay down a rug
An outdoor rug will protect your porch’s new paint job and gives you another chance to inject pops of color and personality into the mix. Look for outdoor-friendly materials like nylon, jute, sisal, polyester, and polypropylene.
Get a rocker
This type of chair symbolizes lazy summer days as you contentedly watch the world go by from your perch. Could it use a refresh? Choose a shade that looks good with the color of the front door.
Pick flower pots
Go crazy with an abundance of lush flowers or bright green plants in colorful containers that you line the far sides of your front steps with. Group containers with flowers and plants of different heights and sizes to keep the porch area lively.