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Talk about making a first impression: the front porch is one of the first places to greet you, before you even set foot inside the home.
Indeed, the front porch can set the tone for the entire home: a dirty and neglected front porch can drag down an otherwise beautiful house, while a clean and well-maintained one can look like a million dollars. Which would you rather your home look like?
Being a relatively small space, porches are generally easy enough to spruce up: a little effort goes a long way. Here are some ways to make your front porch more livable and lovable!
A Solid Foundation
First thing first: assess your deck’s current condition. Are the fundamentals in good working order? Are there rotting stairs or loose railings? Make any necessary repairs: a neglected deck is not only an eyesore, it can also be dangerous.
Time to Get Squeaky Clean
Decks get dirty: in addition to frequent foot traffic, they also put up with all types of harsh weather conditions. Spring is the perfect time to give your deck a good cleaning. Rent or borrow a power washer, and tackle the dirt and debris in and around your deck.
Protect Your Deck
If your deck is made out of wood, coat your deck with a protective finisher. This will help prolong the life of the deck, and will also keep it looking sharp. Newer wood can be finished with a clear protector, while older wood might benefit from a tinted stain.
Don’t Forget the Front Door
A beautiful front porch is like a frame to the front door, so don’t forget to spend a little time on the door! A thorough cleaning might be enough—if not, try applying a fresh coat of paint. If you’re looking to make an impact, try painting it a new color. Clean the door handle thoroughly, or consider switching up the look by upgrading to new finishes.
An Easy Upgrade
Looking for a single upgrade that will pack a lot of punch? Replace your old railings with new ones: this relatively simple change can update your house in a major way. If a total replacement is not an option, consider repainting the railings.
Decorate!
Now, the fun part: once your front porch is cleaned and prepped, use a little creativity to make the place feel welcome. Depending on your tastes, this might mean placing a wreath on the front door (which can change, depending on the season), or adding potted plants to bookend either side of the front door.
Make it Cozy
Embrace your front porch as an outdoor space that can be used and enjoyed: pop a wicker chair or a wooden rocking chair on the porch. It will be the perfect place to watch a sunset or sip your morning tea.
Landscape
Create a smooth transition between the lawn and the front porch by landscaping the perimeter of the porch. For a low-maintenance option, work with decorative rock features and easy-to-care-for shrubs. Those with more of green thumb can work with different flowers and features to beautify the area even more.
