We {oh so prematurely} decided to update our porch for spring! And full disclosure, we’re now we’re babysitting ALL the flowers because of a crazy cold snap smack dab in the middle of March + April. Between that, and my grandiose hopes for starting a veggie garden this spring, we’re plantwatching ALL THE THINGS. We can’t say that we’re surprised or that we mind, because such is life. But we spruced up our entryways for all things spring, and today, we’re sharing our top five tips for a welcoming porch!
This was our before, when we found the house. We were so glad to change this front! Bye scary storm windows. Since then, we’ve spent a lot of time on a full renovation on the inside, and the outside.
This is the view last spring, but because we’ve said our final goodbye to our tree – we have more plans for fresh trees and more in the front.
But we were thrilled to give it a fresh look!
And the side… which was once a crusty basement/garage combo.
This one may have been the most satisfying. Since this photo, we’ve painted our fence! Details on all that coming soon.
And the back, where we added the addition. Bye 1975.
But we had a lot of fun memories under this little metal shed while it lasted.
A reader Emily wrote in the other day, and said this,”…We’re trying to add some personality to our front porch to make it welcoming. What would you say is on your list of important items or design elements to add that make your front porch more appealing, and welcoming? Would love any advice you have!”
One of our very favorites, is in the simple… our front porch. It’s not complicated and it doesn’t have to be a total overhaul. Our front porch is actually the smallest of our outdoor areas. But it’s one of our favorites because for us, it was all about the changes that really brought it back to life.
Here are our top five tips for a welcoming porch
top five tips for a welcoming porch: 1. Keep it Fresh.
Change something on the outside.
No, it doesn’t have to be totally new everything. But little things like paint go a very long way. So start there. Start basic. See what you can do cosmetically to freshen it up. This year, we started with a nice pressure washing with Greenworks. It was a total game changer.
For us, it started with paint. And then we absolutely loved adding color with the addition of shakes + fun shutters and a new front door. Yes, our own outdoor overhaul with window world was considered big. It had not been touched since 1970 something. We have our own list and it will keep going until it’s up to par on the landscaping/fence/neverendingprojects front. But start small and get inspired with your small. It’s a great place to start, when in doubt.
our afco columns were also game changers
top five tips for a welcoming porch: 2. Bring in some personality.
Once we’d updated it all cosmetically, it all came down to those polishing touches that made our little porch something we love.
Whether it’s a little haint blue, or those blue shutters you’ve been eyeing, bring in some subtle beauty that reflects you and your family. One of our favorite elements are these fun house numbers from dropcap studio. They made a striking addition and have held up beautifully over the years. We adore their style.
top five tips for a welcoming porch: 3. Add some life.
Our porch this year isn’t very official with multiple potted plants everywhere, it’s more of an early nursery. We’re still working on nursing a few back to life that we saved over the winter, and caring for the flowers that we have now so that they can bloom beautifully through the summer. But we do have to say, even if you can only keep a succulent alive, plants are the key to making anything more inviting.
Make it green and add some life. It can do so much for your front porch.
top five tips for a welcoming porch: 4. Good Lighting.
The key to any front porch area, is definitely good lighting.
Add some. You won’t regret that little investment.
If you’ve been around for a while then you know we’re obsessed with all things Kichler. From our own home to renovations for clients, they’re our favorite source for good lighting.
We even have two of their fabulous blue tooth lanterns that live on our porch and we love to use them at night. We have more up our sleeves coming up, but in the meantime, we do love some good lighting.
top five tips for a welcoming porch: 5. Come and Stay a While.
When I first spied our front porch, I really wanted little rocking chairs on the front for the old fashioned wave to the neighbors with a mint julep on hot summer afternoons as they parade by.
We loved adding personality with front porch rockers and fun cushions we can switch out seasonally. Our porch isn’t large, but it does say “come stay a while”. Even the small areas can use some love.
Here are a few things we’ve added for updates: welcome mats {1+2} / fresh pillows / rocking chairs /side table
You can never go wrong with haint blue, either.
Thanks so much for stopping by for our little porch refresh for spring! We hope this helps get you inspired and started on freshening up those porch spaces!
We hope you enjoyed a quick little outdoor tour, and that you can use a few of our very favorite tips.
Have an inspired day!
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