[dropcap]O[/dropcap]n this week of DIY Thursdays, it’s all about creating that gorgeous curb appeal by giving our porch a much-needed facelift. You’ll be surprised on what a great first impression a well-decorated front porch can do to the look and feel of your home. It not only showcases your style, but creates a warm, inviting presence the moment you and your guests first walk up your driveway. Not sure where to start? We have four key tips to help you add a personal touch to your porch space, and overall feel of your front house.
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This may not be the first thing you think about when you embark on your porch DIY project, but it’s a step not to be overlooked. While a small step, having your house number visible plays a part in the way your house makes a first good impression. It is essentially how guests and new visitors will locate your home. The best part is you can put your own style to them.
Nowadays, it is fairly easy to get custom house numbers made from all sorts of materials including stone, metal and iron. We have even seen them written in chalk, painted onto the garage door, created from threads of thick yarn, lined out by nails, shaped from a thick bush and even laser-cut from a piece of glass.
So try a customized house number as this will not only make your house more easily accessible, but also set you apart from your neighbors. Get creative and add your personal flair.
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This is generally the first thing you and your guests see upon walking up to the front of your house, which is why it’s important that the front door is always freshly painted. In fact, repeating this on a yearly basis will make it look new all the time and ensure you’re giving out a welcoming feel to your porch, and in extension, your home.
When choosing color, consider what message you wish to convey:
>>Are you a calm, family type or a fun-loving single person?<<
Also, think about the impression you want to leave.
There is a wide choice of colors on the market, so you can choose anything from black to white and in between. The key is to pick a color scheme that meshes well with the feel of your exterior, the accent colors of any outdoor porch furniture, and even the color of your outdoor steps.
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As soon as spring and summer comes knocking, it’s the perfect opportunity to spend more hours outside. And there is no better way to enjoy quality family time (or alone time) than having a cup of coffee or afternoon tea on our front porch. Depending on the side of your porch, it can also be suitable for hosting small gatherings all through the summer and fall.
Now that you chosen a color scheme and vibe you’re wanting to set, time to focus on picking good furniture. Wintons Teak, an outdoor furniture vendor, suggests opting for pieces that are supportive, ergonomic, weather-resistant and can fit on your porch comfortably.
You do not need a ton of furniture. The rule of thumb is usually a couple of chairs and a small table, and you are good to go. We suggest keep furniture basic, and focus on adding accent pieces to brighten up the space.
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Depending on how much time you spend on the porch, proper lighting is a must. It not only makes your porch more welcoming and homely, but more importantly serves a practical function: better visibility. With better lighting, you’ll feel more inclined to make more use of your porch for reading and socializing during the evenings.
What you need to do is install additional lights that will make your porch stand out even more, without, of course, going overboard. Just a couple more additional bulbs (two to three) can solve the problem efficiently, especially if they are strategically placed in all corners of the porch. Finally, add some lights to the front steps, just for additional effect.
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When it comes to additional decorations, you are your own boss – put up what you like and what you think will look good. Some of the things most people like are the “welcome” sign and seasonal decorations like pumpkins, mistletoe and Eastern eggs and bunnies. If you’re feeling adventurous, we highly suggest tackling on a few small DIY projects like customized chair pillows, vases with wild flowers and other personal touches made by hand.
Let your imagination run wild.
