Make your time outdoors more enjoyable by decorating a porch that can be appreciated all year long. Use these front porch decorating ideas to design a cool, comfortable spot to sit and relax with friends and family. By using a combination of color and texture, you can create a one-of-a-kind look that everyone else will want to have, and make your front porch the talk of the neighborhood.
Cozy furniture
When you pass by a home with an attractive front porch, what is the one component you notice first? For most, it's the inviting furnishings that entice us to come and stay awhile. The first step in decorating a porch should be selecting comfortable, yet durable, furnishings that will define the space. Wicker furniture with bright squishy cushions are always a great choice. Brentwood rockers and, of course, a front porch swing are also staple furnishings in any well-decorated outdoor area.
Temperature control
It's difficult to enjoy sitting on the front porch when you can't get any relief from the heat. To combat this problem, consider installing an attractive outdoor ceiling fan overhead. Not only will this provide relief from the heat, but it can be equipped with a light source for a quiet evening of relaxing outside. Don't want to invest in rewiring for a ceiling fan? No problem! Simply purchase an outdoor-approved standing fan that will create the same cool breeze and casual look.
Don't forget the texture
Texture is an important part of the decorating process. Whether it's indoor or outdoor, texture is a simple way to add visual interest to any space and bring in depth and dimension. A mix of textured materials can also help to absorb sound and light, so be sure to incorporate many different types to your front porch design. Wood, metal, cotton, mirrors, glass, wicker, bamboo....all of these materials will blend naturally together and bring in various forms of texture to your newly decorated space.
Privacy and shade
Sometimes, you just need a little privacy. Decorate a front porch with functional fabric panels that can be easily closed when privacy is desired. These panels can also be used to provide shade on a hot summer's day, or to keep mosquitoes and other bugs at bay. Outdoor curtains can be purchased virtually everywhere and are available in all your favorite colors and styles. If privacy is not a concern for you, consider using weather-resistant sheers or even mosquito netting to decorate a porch with.
Go green (and red, and yellow, and blue...)
When decorating a porch, you'll want to use an abundance of lush leafy plants, and fragrant colorful flowers. Arrange them on plant stands, beside groupings of chairs, on decorative ladders, along porch railings, hang them from overhead....the more greenery and color you can add, the more beautiful your decorated porch will look. Bring in an assortments of different size containers and don't forget to include an assortment of large standing plants, hanging plants and potted plants.
More from Jennifer Wagner:
12 Decorative Uses for Ladders
SOURCE:
Personal knowledge
