Whether prepping your home for the market or creating a home you love returning to each day, the front porch is an important feature that often goes overlooked, especially if you use a garage or side entrance rather than the front door. The front porch is the greeting point for guests and if you’re selling your home, the chance to make a good first impression. If your front porch is in need of a little pick-me-up, try one or all three of these quick and easy updates.
1. Replace Your Doormat
There are so many creative doormat designs out there right now, you are bound to find one that will bring a smile to your face each time it greets you. Consider your home’s exterior style (formal or informal) as well as paint and trim colors when choosing the right doormat for your home. Whether you choose a classic design or opt for something quirky and fun, replacing your old doormat will give your porch a fresh, clean look.
2. Add Colorful Flowers
During the summer months especially, adding a few cheerful flower pots or a pair of matching evergreen shrubs on either side of the door softens the entrance to your home, especially if you have a stone or brick exterior or a concrete patio. If your front porch feels exposed to the road or next door neighbors, hang some Boston ferns, potato vines or other leafy plants to add a little privacy. If you have narrow steps, resist the urge to place potted plants directly on the steps. Doing so causes the path to feel narrow and cramped and people respond best to open and airy spaces.
Tip:Be sure to note how much sun your front porch gets before picking out your plants.
3. Create a Seating Area
If you have the space, adding a chair and side table or patio set will invite you and your guests (or potential buyers!) to sit and stay awhile. Consider the size and shape of your porch when selecting outdoor furniture. If you have a narrow porch, choose slender furniture that can be pushed up close to the wall, like a bench or straight back chair. If you have an expansive porch area, opt for something larger like a rocking chair or a comfy wicker set with fluffy chair cushions. No matter the size or shape of your furniture, adding a few colorful accent pillows can pull the whole look together.
Tip: Bright, bold colors look great in MLS photos!
Create a Space that Welcomes You Home
We lucked out by finding this slender patio set from World Market that fit our long, narrow Charleston-style porch perfectly. I recently added new accent pillows (Only $7 each? Yes, please!) and now I feel myself being drawn to sit and enjoy our front porch nearly every day.
Once you’ve added these three simple updates, the only thing left to do is pour a glass of sweet tea, grab a book, and soak up some summer.
Until next time,
