Is there anything more iconic to American residential architecture than a porch? Just the thought of sitting in a porch swing or rocker with a cool drink on a warm summer night makes you feel relaxed. The nostalgia of porches is undeniable.
Outdoor living spaces are a sought-after feature in homes and important to your family’s lifestyle. The focus of outdoor living today is usually a backyard deck or patio, but a front porch can be a relatively inexpensive per square foot project, and immediately enhances a home’s curb appeal.
Many homes in our area are in an architectural style that is compatible with having a front porch. Or they already have a porch that’s in need of updating. So why not “stop and smell the roses” with a beautiful front porch.
Colonial Porch
The deep porches of colonial homes were built to help cool the home, protecting the front rooms from the scorching summer sun. Today they evoke Southern hospitality with their refined, symmetrical design and classical-style columns.
Farmhouse Porch
The more casual farmhouse porches are simple and unpretentious. They often wrap around the sides of the home, providing maximum room for family and friends to kick back comfortably. Details include a painted wood railing and a trellis or some lattice work. The look is complete when you add cozy wicker furniture and hanging planters.
Craftsman Style Porch
As the name implies, porches in Craftsman Bungalow style feature a more natural, handcrafted look, with stone or brick trim on thick, prominent square or round columns. Often oversized, they were designed to act as an extension of the modest interior living space of an Arts and Crafts home. Mission-style furniture or Adirondack chairs complete the look.
Postscript: The Back Porch
We don’t want to end our discussion of porches without at least a mention of another homeowner favorite: the back porch. While having a different feel than a front porch, it also provides a respite with privacy and a view of your backyard landscape and the family at play. Back porches are more likely than front porches to be screened-in, giving the extra advantage of keeping the bugs away.
Whatever the architectural style of your home, if you’d like to explore the possibilities of adding a porch, front or back, we can help. We know that one of the most Important things is to have the porch design blend in with your home’s architectural style and not look tacked-on. Contact us today for a consultation on whatever project you have in mind!