A front porch is an open invitation for neighbors to stop by, sit down and relax.
A beautifully decorated front porch is a huge welcome sign. It is a preview of what’s inside and a window into the character of the home. There is no better place to spend a lazy summer afternoon or evening than on the porch - playing games with the kids or enjoying a gentle breeze while sipping a cold drink. Visiting with family or neighbors is great while relaxing in a comfortable chair, shielded from the sun by exotic porch window coverings, and enjoying some tasty snacks. A front porch is a transitional space that offers the best of both worlds: the sights, scents and sounds of nature along with the comfort of inside living. No matter what style that is chosen, porch decorating ideas should be relaxed and inviting – with comfort being the key element.
Treat the porch as an outdoor room. Use the same design elements outside as you would use inside the home. Comfortable seating, good lighting, carefully chosen porch window coverings and art that is memorable are recommended.
Since the summer porch is an extension of the house’s décor, it should be decorated with the same care as the rest of the home. Create a relaxing ambiance by filling the space with what is considered restful and enjoyable from live plants to beautiful porch window coverings. Have plenty of comfortable seating and make the porch as appealing and welcoming as possible with these porch decorating tips:
Porch Shades and Blinds Protect Against UV Rays
Hang porch blinds and shades made of natural rattan and bamboo to protect against summer sun and rain. Or select porch window coverings made of fabric and shades that give the porch a very breezy, romantic touch. Or use light diffusing porch window coverings that will keep out the sun’s ultraviolet rays while allowing cool air to circulate. As much as we enjoy being outside, sometimes the hot summer sun can be brutal so in hot climates roll-up shades made of cotton, bamboo or canvas, are easy to install and make great porch window coverings. For the greatest degree of sun control, choose blinds as porch window coverings because they can be opened or shut as needed. Curtains can be used outside on a porch as well as inside – installed at the top of the porch overhang or hung on drapery rods.
Theme Porch Decorating Ideas
Theme decorating a summer porch is so much fun. If the home is older, a Victorian motif is always interesting. Or if one loves the beach, long cabana-styled porch window coverings will give a laid back look. Use some beach-type chairs as seating options, set out some seashells and include some snifters with sand and beach scenes. Choose a theme that is interesting and just let the imagination go free.
Live Plants
Nothing makes a porch more inviting than plants and flowers. In fact, no summer porch decorating idea is complete without some blooming flowers and potted plants. Plant flowers in unusual vessels like wheelbarrows, watering cans, and buckets for some interesting porch decorating ideas. The options are numerous…just find something that sits in the corner of the garage and plant something interesting in it. It will invoke great conversations….guaranteed!
Comfortable Seating
Arrange comfortable seating options and tables. White wicker chairs and couches will add a country garden-inspired touch to any porch decorating idea. Colorful cushions give the ambiance an extra kick. Matching cushions to porch window coverings will pull the porch decorating ideas all together. Bentwood rockers and metal tables and chairs are also good choices that can sustain heat and humidity. If there is room, a hanging swing is always a great choice.
To bring a more unified look to a hodge-podge of porch decorating ideas, consider spray painting everything one color. More than any other element, soft furnishings and color add life and style to any porch. So, for example, spraying all the furniture green and then incorporating porch window coverings and cushions with a soft pattern containing the same color green will pull all the décor together and create an amazingly beautiful porch that will spring to life.
Front Porch Flooring
Most front porches have the original flooring as a base. Painted with a high gloss deck enamel, they will look great with a good cleaning. Or, if adventurous, one can do something a little different by stenciling a pattern right onto the wood as the floor is painted. Faux marbling is another porch decorating idea as well as floral patterns.
Whatever creative journey that is chosen, make sure the porch decorating idea is something interesting, pleasing and relaxing. So be bold, be creative and most importantly…don’t be afraid to have some fun with porch decorating ideas. They will bring a serene look and feel to an otherwise ordinary porch.
