Similar to the front yard, the porch establishes the initial atmosphere for the entire house since it is prominently visible and serves as the primary access point to the dwelling. Consequently, it will probably leave a enduring first impression on visitors, neighbors, and those walking by.
Therefore, when you’re focusing on adorning and taking care of the front porch, your aim ought to be
establish a warm and organized area
We sought insights from several design experts on the common mistakes one should steer clear of when decorating a porch. Below are their recommendations.
Meet the Experts
-
Jonathan Gordon
is the chief designer and proprietor of Design by the Jonathans. -
Summerlyn Feckner
is the creator and proprietor of Ginger Designs. -
Lee Crowder
She serves as the National Director of Design and Model Experience for homebuilder Taylor Morrison.
Clutter
An untidy front porch can be displeasing for both residents and guests. One frequent error leading to a cluttered porch is adding too many decorations. When arranging items, consider the amount of spare space available and avoid overcrowding.
“Adding a pair of concrete lions can enhance certain porches, particularly those suited to such decor; however, generally speaking, statues and sculptures often result in clutter and may accumulate dust and pollen,” explains Jonathan Gordon, who leads design at Design by the Jonathans.
Big items such as outdoor seating can make your porch appear overly crowded, says Lee Crowder, the national design director at builder Taylor Morrison.
Gordon further emphasizes that if the porch does not envelop a considerably substantial part of the house, then seating arrangements must be carefully planned and appropriately scaled to fit the area.
Looking for additional design ideas? Subscribe to our free newsletter now!
daily newsletter
For the most recent design trends, insider advice from designers, and additional insights!
Out-of-Season Holiday Decor
Putting off the removal of holiday decorations well beyond their intended time is surprisingly prevalent—and unsightly. Many people keep winter decor or floral wreaths adorning their front doors throughout the entire year or simply neglect to remove them promptly.
cornucopia and pumpkin display
For example, until New Year’s Day.
Summerlyn Feckner, the founder and owner of Ginger Designs, suggests, “They are designed as seasonal decorations for a purpose, so allow them to shine during their time and then remove them.”
Dead or Excessive Plants
According to Gordon, adding greenery to the porch can enhance its appeal, though it ought to be done sparingly. Despite being considered part of the exterior, the front porch serves as a formal entrance to the house and should seamlessly connect both interior and exterior spaces in a welcoming manner.
“Plants generate quite a bit of dirt and debris and demand upkeep, however, having too many may result in an overwhelmingly lush, wild-jungle appearance,” according to Gordon.
Additionally, make certain to check your potted plants and flowers on the porch regularly and take away or substitute any that have withered (unless they might still be brought back to life).
“Planters containing dead or wilting plants appear unattractive and instantly draw attention,” according to Feckner.
Surface Wear and Tear
Damage and deterioration of your front door—including cracks, rusty hardware, and flaking paint—can be quite unattractive. You may want to think about giving it a fresh coat of paint or upgrading the fittings. Should the harm be significant and beyond simple replacements, replacing the entire entryway could be necessary.
Crowder recommends using each season (four times annually) as a benchmark for inspecting your porch components that require upkeep, ranging from railings and balustrades to floors and screens, which may entail cleaning.
repainting
, or re-staining.
Unmaintained or Mismatched Furniture
Inconsistent furnishings—either with one another or not aligning with the home’s aesthetic—can spoil an otherwise nice porch experience. However, even if the choices of furniture seem appropriate, poor condition could be problematic. Specifically, Crowder points out that outdated, grimy, or ripped seat cushions are frequent culprits; however, these issues generally present a straightforward solution since they often just require replacement.
wash them
or simply update just the covers.
Read the initial article on
The Spruce
