Summertime... and the livin' is easy.... especially on a beautiful, open, front porch in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Nothing says summer quite like long evenings with great friends and family on the front porch sipping a cool drink and enjoying the breeze.
To make the most of your most prominent outdoor space this season, we asked our lead designer, Michelle Hindsman, for her top tips to create a welcoming, comfortable, sit-for-a-while front porch. Here's what she said!
While a pop of color is welcome anywhere, we are moving away from the bright, primary colors typically used for outdoor furniture, pillows, and accessories. To keep your entry clean and modern, go neutral colors and a more natural palette in general. For added interest, use neutral colors that complement, rather than match, the rest of your home.
Going along with the neutral theme, incorporate items with natural textures — like terracotta pots and planters or kilim pillows and rugs in earth-toned colors. Raffia furniture — like an end or coffee table — gives the space a cozy look and feel.
Lighting is key to creating a dramatic outdoor space. The warm glow of a pretty outdoor chandelier or pendant creates ambiance for entertaining or simply lounging. If a porch fan is a must (and we understand that!) you can incorporate string lights instead, or install a corner-mounted fan to allow space for a central lighting fixture.
If your porch is large enough, use smaller scale furniture to create multiple seating areas. This allows more people to enjoy your space and have more intimate conversations. You could even create a breakfast area on one side of the porch using a bistro table and chairs, and on the other side install a swinging bench or settee accompanied by a few smaller chairs for more relaxed reading or lounging.
Plant life on the front porch can be tricky. You don't want the first impression of your home to be spoiled by that withered fern you forgot to water. If you don't have a green thumb, faux planters and hanging plants look just as nice, and no one will notice the difference (from a distance, anyway!). Faux olive trees are trending right now, and you can find high-quality ones that look and feel quite realistic.
The summertime is your front porch's time to shine. Treat it like the most important room in the house — at least for this season — and you'll love how it elevates your quality of life.
To learn more about building a home on your land and creating your own custom front porch, contact Lia or Katelynn at 706-514-4447 or visit one of our design studios in South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, or Georgia.
For more design tips from Michelle, read the articles below!
Michelle's Pick: Kids' Room Designs
Michelle's Pick: Timeless Furniture and Design Styles
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