subject: Front Porch Decorating For Curb Appeal [print this page] Front porch decorating gives passers-by and visitors a glimpse into your home and lifestyle. Is your home formal and elegant? Relaxed and casual? Colorful? Fun?
When planning front porch decorating, treat your porch as an outdoor room. Use the same design elements outside as you would use inside the home. Comfortable seating, good lighting, carefully chosen accessories and art will all help to make your front porch decorating memorable. These qualities will also improve the curb appeal of your home and make it interesting and desirable.
Read on for some easy ways to create a fun relaxing atmosphere on your front porch:
Nothing adds interest to your front porch decorating scheme like a splash of color
Color is a great way to add curb appeal to your front porch. This will draw the eye to your decorating style and add pleasure to passers-by and value to your porch. It's easy to add color by using soft upholstery cushions for your furniture that mixes or matches your furniture color. You can also use linens and accessories to coordinate your color scheme.
A colorful and decorated front door is a great welcome sign
A colorful front door creates a powerful image that usually attracts attention. Decorate with a seasonal item to keep the decor fresh and attractive.
Think carefully when choosing your front porch furniture
Comfort is the word when it comes to choosing front porch furniture. Consider the weather proofing qualities of your front porch furniture. Wicker and bentwood furniture are the perennial favorites, but with the advances in materials, plastics have come a long way. Sometimes it's difficult to tell if rattan is the real thing or a composite material. Whatever material you choose to use in your front porch decorating scheme, there will be plenty to pick from in your budget range.
For a relaxing evening, nothing beats a porch swing,
Mixing and matching second hand furniture on your front porch
By spray painting your mismatched furniture with one or two coordinating colors, you can create a matching decor. In this way you can achieve a custom decorator look with very little expense.
Don't forget to use art on your front porch
Because the porch is outside, don't think you have to live without art. The outside walls of the house make a great place for an art gallery. It is usually sheltered and so you can use this as a display area.
Consider hanging mirrors on the house to reflect and accent a really great view.
Even if your front porch is exposed, paintings on slate, collectibles or tin signs can be hung there.
Interesting sounds add to the ambiance of your front porch
A water fountain always soothes and calms people after a stressful day. There are many size fountains that will fit into your decor and add interest to your porch
Wind chimes are another great sound accessory. Bamboo, metal, glass all make beautiful sounds for you to enjoy.
Sea waves, bird calls, rain can all be pleasant ways to drown out traffic and lawnmowers. Add a white noise machine to help you relax on your front porch.
Lighting is important for those peaceful nights on the front porch
Sidewalk lights can be installed to provide enough light for you to see, but still be able to enjoy the starlit night.
Along with sconces and table lights, candles always add to the front porch ambiance. If insects are a problem, use citronella candles to keep them away.
How do You Use Your Front Porch?
Don't ignore your porch because it's outside your home. Think of it as an outside room and become inspired to do some quick decorating projects.
Turn your porch into your vision; a fun gathering place or a serene retreat. Make it work for you and your family.
Enjoy your front porch on a regular basis by decorating it to fit your needs. By following your ideas and vision, you will create an area of fun and enjoyment that you may find yourself using every day.
