4 Ideas for a More Inviting Front Porch

by Ann Hayward 10/31/2021

Photo by Ralph (Ravi) Kayden on Unsplash

Curb appeal doesn’t have to be all about selling your home. Improving the exterior with landscaping and decor is a way to add your personal touch. While homes with front porches have the added advantage of providing an extension of the home’s entrance, a porch alone is not always welcoming. There are some simple changes you can make to your porch to make it feel more inviting and truly a personal extension of the home’s interior.

Cover the Basics

First, you’ll want to make sure you take care of any safety or cleaning issues. Things like rotting wood, chipped paint and loose paving stones may not be obvious eyesores, but they might create hesitation in a potential visitor or buyer. If you have steps to your porch, check your handrails to make sure they are stable. Check and see if the floor surface needs treatment or special cleaning. Take the time to touch up these things first so you have the best possible starting point for additional customization.

A Wreath for the Door

Wreaths are not just for the holiday season. A lush wreath of seasonal greenery or flowers is a great focal point and an easy way to add some plant life to your porch if you don’t have room to spare. You can even find or create a wreath of your own using faux flowers from your local crafting store. It will look like the real thing and last throughout the year, regardless of what’s in-season.

A Place to Sit

A porch with a place to sit is an invitation to stay awhile. Porches are excellent spots for conversation and enjoying the fresh air and even when not in use a well-furnished porch exudes the same sense of welcome. Depending on the size of your space, you have lots of options. Everything from benches to swinging benches or sets of chairs can make your porch seem more like an extension of your home rather than an outdoor space. Go for durable but timeless materials that can withstand the elements make a statement with something bold.

Make it Cozy

If you have furniture, add some weather-resistant textiles and cushions. This will not only make the seating more comfortable but it will look more comfortable as well. It’s also a great opportunity to let your personal style shine with your choice of colors, patterns or motif. Another way to add coziness to the front porch is with a plush door mat. Make the last step from your porch into your house a comfortable one—silly slogans optional.

Another way to add a cozy feel to your porch is with the right lighting. If you’re happy with your existing fixtures, try swapping out harsh LED bulbs for soft white LEDs. You want your porch to be well-lit, but not uncomfortably bright.

While decorating your front porch is all up to your preference, keep in mind that for selling a house you may need to shift your strategy a bit. Making your porch inviting is as simple as making it safe, accessible and friendly. The rest is up to you.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]