50 Front Porch Ideas to Elevate Your Home’s Curb Appeal
For a house that needs a refresh, implementing front porch ideas is a smart way to add curb appeal without spending like crazy. Still, designing a front porch is not a task to take lightly. If home is where the heart is, then the front porch is where the soul resides. Each front porch is not only unique to your house, but it’s unique to your style. “This is a place where you can express yourself and your creativity,” says Jennifer Hunter, owner ofJennifer Hunter Designin New York. “No matter the type, a porch provides the ideal opportunity toadd seating and decorso you can play with the aesthetic and blend it in a way that connects your interior with the outdoors by usingweather-friendly materials.” Before you dive into designing, consider the type of porch you have. Is it front entry or wrap around? Does it offer space for ample seating? Should you add greenery or a sculptural element, or evena new doormat?
What are the different types of front porches?
Some of the most popular styles of front porches include open porches and bungalow porches. Open porches, also known as farmer’s porches, have strong support from the ground and can run along the front or wrap around the sides of the house. This type of porch can be elevated or rest close to the ground. “They often have a broad opening to the attached green space and usually don’t have roofs,” says Linda Mauck Smith, co-owner and designer ofBLDC Designin Shaker Heights, Ohio. “A bungalow porch acts as an extension to the front of a house and typically is built with columns and are finished with a roof or a pergola.” Both open and bungalow porches can also be screened, to make the area bug-free. A portico, a porch that covers a front entry, is usually on the smaller side. It’s also roofed to protect anyone entering or leaving the main entry. A gable roof porch, which has a triangular structure overhanging it, and a front entry porch, which is a small slab of concrete directly outside the front door, are two other popular front porch designs.
How do you style a front patio?
Style a front porch just as you would any other room in the house, but consider the materials used—much like you would whendesigning an outdoor patio.”It’s best to style with wood, metals, and fabrics that are waterproof and fade-resistant,” Mauck Smith says.
If your front porch or patio has enough room, seating is essential. “A front porch is the perfect place for socializing,” Hunter says. “It is a space that is meant to be savored. Create a seating area with chairs and side tables.” A comfortable seating area will not only allow you to spend time on your front porch, but it makes the home appear more inviting overall.
How can I make my front porch look good?
“避免老套的指示牌和坚持[项目]you might normally be more likely to use indoors,” Hunter says. To make the front porch look good, and perhaps the envy of the neighborhood, make the space a continuation of your interior design. “It’s a great space to have some fun and add outdoor-friendly accessories,” Hunter continues. “Be inventive with your styling by grouping a collection of potted plants on a coffee table or a single fern on a garden stool. Lanterns or hurricanes are a great way to not only bring in decorative elements but also candlelight. This completely transforms the mood and allows you to entertain past daylight.”
Ahead, 50 front porch ideas—big and small—to transform the home entrance into anything from a favorite new book nook to a happy hour hotspot. Here, everything you ever wanted to know about front porch design.
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Photo: Mint Images1/50Focus on the front door
Gobold with the front door. Liz Walton, CEO and principal designer ofLiz Walton Homein Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, says that a pop of color, beautiful wood tone, or a distinct architectural shape of the front door can set the tone of your home. Yasmine El Sanyoura,Opendoor’s home design expert based in Toronto, Ontario, recommends doing so for a quick, low-budget project. “Sherwin Williams’s 2022 Color of the Year,Evergreen Fog, has been a favorite for a simple and effective update,” El Sanyoura says. “It complements a number of exterior palettes from red brick to painted siding and acts as a fresh pop of color to up any home’s curb appeal.”
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Photo: Perry Mastrovito2/50Add DIY column wraps
Karen Ray in Fernandina Beach, Florida, of@OurBlissfulCottagerecommends wrapping existing posts or columns in PVC column wraps as “an easy and efficient way to spruce up your exterior without a lot of labor or materials.” For her Low Country coastal farmhouse, she usedWestlake Royal Column Wraps, made from cellular PVC that has virtually no seams, which enabled her to get a designer touch without having to caulk or paint.
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Photo: William Jess Laird3/50Spill your interior style outside
Hunter’s primary tip for sprucing up your front porch is to make the space a continuation of your interior design. “The front porch is the first thing guests see when they arrive at your home, so it’s important to design the space in a way that is not only inviting, but is true to the aesthetic of the interior,” said Hunter. “This can be as simple as adding comfortable seating and side tables—but it’s also a great space to have some fun and add outdoor-friendly accessories like a watering can, plants, or lanterns,” she said, adding that you shouldn’t be afraid to get creative and design a porch that will serve as a memorable moment.
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4/50Surprise with a folding front door
除了你的主要入口,折叠front door can make for a visually appealing addition to any porch space. "Having an open living space doesn’t necessarily require fixed furniture,” says coprincipal interior designer Jenna Schumacher ofInsert Designbased in Costa Mesa, California. “In this house, during the winter when the furniture isn’t used often and is stored away, the folding doors connect the interior living room to the open courtyard outside. This allows the owners and guests to enjoy the garden air and views from the comfort of the interior living space."
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Photo: Besjunior5/50Size up your lighting
“So many times we see lighting that is too small,” says Ginger Curtis ofUrbanology Designsin North Richland Hills, Texas, who urges homeowners to make sure they choose exterior lights that scale properly with the front elevation of your home (in addition to being beautiful). “Lights are the first thing you see upon approach,” she notes. “More often than not, you will need something larger than 12 vertical inches when doing a linear light."
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6/50Screen it in
Lucy Small, owner and founder ofState and Season Home Design & Supplyin Blue Ridge, Georgia, says you're not going to be hanging out and chatting on your porch if you're attacked by mosquitos. “Modern screens are sleek and minimalist, offering a stylish touch and functionality,” Small says. “A screen is a relatively low-cost, high-value addition to any porch around the house and ups the curb appeal substantially because this square footage instantly becomes more livable.
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7/50Hang a porch swing
“Nothing says ‘welcome’ more than an inviting seating area with a porch swing,” Walton says. “A defined, intimate place to gather can be more affordable than you think and delivers a luxury vibe to your front entrance.” Mauck Smith also appreciates that a swing helps divide longer front porches into several smaller areas. For instance, an area behind the swing can be designed for dining, while the area on and in front of the swing can be for informal gatherings. Cathy Purple Cherry, principal atPurple Cherry Architectsin Annapolis, Maryland, adds that it “is very important that the swing is strategically placed so that when it is being used or blown by the wind, it does not come into contact with any surrounding elements.” If you have potted plants, side tables, and the like on your front patio, make sure they are adequately spaced from the porch swing.
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Durston Saylor8/50Display good luck totems
Whether it’s a mezuzah affixed to your door post or a lucky charm, it can’t hurt to add these talismans. “A small porch with simple, clean lines can benefit from touches of embellishment,” Purple Cherry says. “In this porch, Tibetan ornamentation collected by the homeowners, and thought to bless the home and its visitors, flanks either side of the front door.”
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Photo: Martin Barraud9/50Embrace greenery
也许这s can be adapted to specifically talking about planting shrubs/trees that will last year-round or planting a front garden that leads you to/blends into the front porch:
In addition to shrubs lining the entrance way and potted plants on the porch, hanging greenery instantly updates a front porch without any major renovation. Jessica Nelson ofEtch Design Groupin Austin added almost a dozen cost-effective ferns to serve as a focal point of the exterior.
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Photo: Caiaimage/Martin Barraud10/50Befriend large planters
“It is important to not be afraid of large-scale planters, as it is the size that creates the most powerful impact,” says Purple Cherry. Urn-shaped planters, in particular, give off a stately vibe, especially in front of a historic home.
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Photo: Mohammad Aasif Raza11/50Place an outdoor rug
Annemarie Schumacher, founder of interior design and lifestyle blogMake Every Day an Eventbased in St. Louis, says that one of her favorite front porch decorating ideas is to layer outdoor rugs and welcome mats. The upgrade only takes seconds and gives the entryway a serious outdoor makeover.
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Photo: Pernille Loof12/50Invest in great seating
Seating adds to front porch utility, but the design can make or break the aesthetic. “So often we limit our outdoor seating to the back of the house, but some of the best views and best areas to entertain are actually in the front of the home,” says Schumacher, who recommends selecting pieces to create a cozy nook for morning coffee. Instead of haphazardly picking a random rocker, choose comfy seating with intention.
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Photo: Gianni Franchelluchi13/50Go black
Design enthusiasts might agree with the Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black” mantra. “Darker shades have a classic quality that will never feel outdated, and an added bonus is that they hide flaws, which is particularly helpful when you’re working with an older door with lots of character,” says Lucinda Loya ofLucinda Loya Interiorsin Houston. “When I’m looking for a dark charcoal hue with a touch of warmth, my personal favorite isCaviar by Sherwin Williams(SW6990).Black of Night (SW6993)is my go-to for a warmer black paint,” she continues. For a black with cooler undertones, tryInkwell (SW6992).
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Photo: David Papazian14/50Add a glass panel
For a slightly bigger front-door project, El Sanyoura suggests changing out the front door for a completely different model. “Bringing in a new door with a glass insert not only elevates the curb appeal of the home but also ushers more light into the interior for a win-win situation,” she says. El Sanyoura advises choosing a front door that coordinates with the architecture of the home for a cohesive look. For a DIY spin, get an unfinisheddoor stylewith beveled glass. You can stain it a deep walnut for more traditional homes or paint it a high-contrast color for a more modern take, she adds.
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Photo: Gianni Franchelluchi15/50Tint or frost the glass panel
Should an all-glass front door infringe on your privacy, look for frosted glass, or evenfrosted glass film. “You can tint your door’s glass inserts with a reflective glass film, or you can even have the panels replaced with tinted, reflective glass for a more permanent application,” says Loya, noting that it’s worth reaching out to your local glass company to find the best option for your needs.
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Photo: chuckcollier16/50Install new flooring
Material selection is a big ticket way to add value to your front patio. “Instead of a generic concrete, add flooring that makes the space special,” says Eilla Pradier ofEilla Adi Designin Newport Beach, California. “Tile, wood, or stone are all great contenders. Bonus points if you can have the flooring match the interiors, seamlessly connecting the front porch with the entry of the home.” When you think of your front porch as a continuation of your home, plotting out the design scheme becomes simpler—and makes all of your spaces more inviting.
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Photo: Catherine Ledner17/50Play with patterned tile
Whether you go with a muted or eye-catching tile color palette, it’s sure to make a memorable first impression. Eddie Maestri, principal architect and creative director ofMaestri Studioin Dallas, chose a graphic black-and-white tile “that is a bold statement enhancing the otherwise simple and plain facade” for his own home.
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Photo: AJ_Watt18/50Get creative with concrete
Instead of basic concrete, modernize the front patio with pavers, also known as flat pieces of stone or concrete, typically in a square shape. “Concrete porches are quite common because they’re cost-effective and there are so many options available,” says Loya. “You can even try concrete overlays which offer tinting, stamping, or etching applications for added interest.”
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Photo: David Papazian19/50Paint the porch ceiling
You already know thatpainting a roomcan completely transform a space, and it’s also a cost-conscious option that can impress without having to do a complete overhaul. Rumor has it that a light blue ceiling will deter mosquitoes. Even if your front porch is covered, look for durable exterior paint that can withstand the elements.
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Photo: Noel Dewitt20/50Deck the porch
“Decking is also lovely and can actually be installed over an existing porch,” says Loya, who personally loves decks with a darker stain since they create a clean, fresh look. For a weekend project, see if you can completely makeover your front porch withdecking tiles from IKEA.
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Photo: chuckcollier21/50Mix woods
Designers have been mixing metals; why not mix wood for a unique front porch design? Choose furniture from different wood heritage, and anchor with a rich mahogany.
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Photo: Nathan Schroder22/50Create a scheme
Use your front porch as an opportunity to let patterns and color schemes come together in your overall front porch decor. “I like to focus on the home's entry as a detailed statement and signature of the overarching style, acting as a preview of the personality you may find within the home,” Maestri says. If your home boasts a pool, a touch of cabana stripes can give visitors of the Hollywood Regency vibes that may await inside.
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Photo: Caiaimage/Martin Barraud23/50Set up sconces
Lighting is always an important factor to consider—even on your front porch—though for many it’s often an afterthought, notes Loya. No more! “Place larger outdoor sconces on either side of the front door as opposed to installing overhead lighting because they create an impressive entrance that feels current and undeniably elevated,” she says.
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Photo: SondraP24/50照亮with color
“Sometimes mother nature creates the best inspiration,” says Lisa Bartone ofBartone Interiorsin Chapel Hill, North Carolina. “To style a front patio, start with a color accent that is bright and contrasts with your view of nature. Bright, vibrant colors work best for outdoors because they provide a contrast with their natural surroundings.” Whether you choose throw pillows with vibrant hues or furniture with a spectacular palette, it is bound to add cheeriness to your outdoor space.
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Photo: Robert Daly25/50Implement benches
“Unlike rocking chairs, benches can also serve as a helpful staging area for all the packages that are delivered to homes on a regular basis,” Purple Cherry says. For a punch of style, match the benches to the front door or play up with different shades to add depth. You can opt for a monochromatic look that exudes elegance of a whimsical pop of color to introduces a sense of liveliness to a front porch and evokes a more casual feel. “Consider flanking the front door with two colorful benches to further introduce a sense of playfulness,” Purple Cherry adds.
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Photo: dpproductions26/50Update the stairs and railing
Front porches come in a variety of shapes and sizes: Some have a stair component, elevating the front porch and entry above the ground level. “Stairs and railings play an important role in the overall curb appeal of the home,” El Sanyoura says. “For a quick update, consider giving your stairs and porch floor a fresh coat of paint for a newer look. Aneutral slate grayis a great base for upgrading the overall look without making a bold move.”
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Photo: dpproductions27/50Rethink fixtures
It won’t break the bank, but it will give your front porch more personality. “Design is all about the details,” El Sanyoura says. “Small changes like lighting, door hardware and even doorbells can have a lasting impact on the appeal of your home’s front porch.”
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Photo: Sergio Amiti28/50Update house numbers
When was the last time you updated yourhouse numberdisplay? Peeling signage is definitely a no-no, but can be fixed with a quick DIY by painting them with a fresh coat of lacquer. “New house numbers can totally elevate the look of your home and tie in the style of your interior to your exterior,” says Magnolia TV hostTamara Day, a design ambassador forPOLYWOOD.
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Photo: Robert Rieger29/50Redesign sustainably
“Sustainabilitywill help you save on costs, and it's also an enjoyable process to keep the same character of your porch with a refreshed look,” Elliott says. “Work with a trusted professional to ensure proactive steps in the process.” Keep in mind, if you combine old and new materials, it’s key to ensure you have them properly sealed to keep moisture outside the pieces.
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Photo: hikesterson30/50Address water damage
湿门廊并不少见,但你需要to address this pesky home-maintenance task.“Drainage problems may lead to water damage, for example,” says Steve Elliott, franchise owner ofRestoration 1 Minnetonkain Minnetonka, Minnesota. You’ll want to address the problem first before you start repairing rotting wood. That way, your new updates don’t get ruined again.
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Photo: Julie Soefer31/50Add tasteful statues
洛亚说,尽管盆栽庄严的ent addition to any front porch, flanking your front door with two tasteful statues is another option. “But proceed with caution,” she says. “If your goal is simple and elegant, it’s best to avoid overdoing it with porch and lawn ornaments.”
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Photo: peterspiro32/50Display decorative vases and flowers
Ornamental vases filled with live, flowering plants “create a visual barrier to unwanted scenery and provide a lovely backdrop to create a secluded, private ‘outdoor room,’” says Bartone. “Smaller accessories like trays, games, and candles can add to the effect.”
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Photo: shippee33/50Swap out pillows seasonally
If you have a seating area on your front porch, switch out the throw pillows and cushions regularly for a quick patio refresh that will give your outdoor space a new feel, Day suggests. You can take the pillows from the back porch or buy new pillow covers.
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Photo: Thierry Lothon34/50Accessorize with style
“Add playful gestures to your front patio with design accessories,” Pradier says. “This can be a beautiful potted plant, throw pillows, blankets, or outdoor lanterns. Each decor accent adds a layer of intrigue and builds onto your curb appeals palette.” You don’t want your space to be cluttered, so try to zoom in on two or three anchor finds to ground your space.
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Photo: Petri Oeschger35/50Frame an entranceway with greenery
“When styling a front patio, don’t be afraid to bring in nature with flowers, big plants, andstatement planters,” El Sanyoura says. “If you have a symmetrical front porch, play up the symmetry with two of the same plants on either side of the home.” For those without a green thumb, play up the greenery with aset of faux topiary.
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Photo: Martin Barraud36/50Grow ivy to make a statement
Let the ivy start at the front porch and nurture it to climb up, engulfing the house facade for an ultimate storybook moment.
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Photo: Mint Images37/50Buy a fancy doormat
Sure, you can get a doormat that says “Hello,” but why not step it up a notch with a chic design that might even rival an outdoor rug?
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Photo: Craig Lovell38/50Update planters for each season
“I like to update my planters seasonally,” says Day, who considers doing so a key aspect of regular front porch maintenance. “Not only does it help them to stay tidy, it's also fun to fill them with what's in season!” Use hydrangeas in the summer and poinsettias for the holidays.
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Photo: Molly Rose Photography39/50Layer lighting
Day says that just like you layer lighting inside, it’s nice to do it for your outdoor space. “I'll use a pendant over the door, add sconces on either side, and have landscape lights illuminate my beautiful peonies,” she says. The more lighting you have on the front porch, the longer into the evening you can use it as a living space. No one wants to read a book while squinting or converse in the dark. The very least you can do is add string lights for a charming outdoor space.
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Photo: Reimar Gaertner/UIG40/50Splurge on a water feature
“Introduce thesound and tranquility of waterat the entry with fountains,” Maestri says. Choose a style that matches your front porch decor. For instance, a zen space pairs well with asmall meditation fountain, while a Victorian wraparound porch will look darling with abronze pedestal fountain.
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Photo: Prill41/50Lacquer away
If a water feature is not an option, you can still add a reflective quality with lacquer, whether it’s a vivid color on a front door or a quaint side table.
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Photo: Suzuran Photography42/50Get a ceiling fan
“The ceiling fan is a must to help with higher temperatures and humidity,” Mauck Smith says. Once you buy one, you’ll wonder how you lasted so long in muggy weather without it. Bonus: Many ceiling fans have lights attached, so you have an additional source of lighting for your front porch.
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Photo: Angle Eye Photography43/50Create an unexpected display
In lieu of a regular fountain, Walton created a tiered, bespoke display of succulents which “delights guests and delivery people alike.” You can recreate this on a smaller scale by approaching this DIY project with a bit of ingenuity. All you need is a three-tier cake stand,succulent and cactus potting mix, and a variety of succulents. Remember, these areeasy to propagate, so you’ll have a fountain of greenery in no time.
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Photo: dpproductions44/50Clean things up
Sometimes a front porch makeover is less about design tips and more aboutcleaning prowess. Sweeping, pressure washing, and tidying up goes a long way. Set a timer for an hour and you’ll be amazed at all you can accomplish. Natasha Adams, designer and director ofThe Form Creativein Adelaide, South Australia, says that giving pavers and footpaths a good cleaning is also a smart idea. “A pressure cleaner will remove moss and buildup dirt, creating a fresh and light entry.” Adding mulch, weeding, and trimming overgrown plants gives an instant facelift to the overall home’s exterior, she continues.
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Photo: Ethan Taylor/Carly and Ethan45/50Expand outward
If you don’t have much of a front porch real estate footprint, make a substitute front porch for relaxation and entertaining. “A cool pergola with a fire pit and chairs screams vacation and will inspire anyone who sees it to sit down and roast some marshmallows long into the night,” says Small. Wrap the pergola in string lights for a romantic touch and nocturnal curb appeal.
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Photo: Ethan Taylor/Carly and Ethan46/50工作气氛照明
Lighting is a great way to breathe new life into your front porch without doing a major renovation. “Adding some mood lighting to a covered, dark porch instantly increases curb appeal,” says Small. “The warm lights invite you in and make the porch seem cozier and more modern.Bistro lightsare our favorite and are available in wired or solar varieties for porches that may not have access to a plug.”
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Photo: Kim Pritchard47/50Create an outdoor living room
Whether you go for individual seating or an outdoor sectional, consider the outlook from every angle. “The furnishings needed to be attractive from all sides yet lightweight enough to enable different layouts for entertaining,” says Noelle Parks, owner ofNoelle Interiorsbased in Manhattan Beach, California.
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David Papazian48/50Grow a garden
Work in a little low-maintenance garden next to the front porch. Some say that marigolds shoo away mosquitoes, but any flowers or ornamental grasses will do.
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Photo: cstewart49/50Stain the front door
For a traditional look, consider staining the front door a rich brown color. Just make sure to use a weatherproof protective seal to protect the door from the elements.
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Photo: solarisimages50/50爱石灰岩和天然的石头
“If budget is no issue, you can resurface your porch in a complementary shade of limestone,” Loya says. “Artisans carve out large-scale tile patterns by hand and create texture using a sponge and trowel for a truly bespoke look.” Bonus: Limestone has insulating properties and won’t get too hot in warm weather, so you can enjoy your front porch with bare feet.
