DIY: Updating Your Front Porch

First impressions. First impressions are important, no matter what some may say. If something or someone is important to you, more than likely, you remember when you first saw it or them. Your first impression sets the tone and expectations for the rest of your interaction. It is no different for homes. Having pulled into your driveway, walked your front path, and knocked on your door, a stranger will already have formed the semblance of an opinion about you, and a former acquaintance will have more fuel to add to their opinion, good or bad. Let’s make it good. Your home should be an inviting space, from the front steps to the last post of the fence.  

Evaluate

The first step to redoing your porch or front steps or what have you, and indeed, the first step in any project, is always evaluation. Take a look at what you have, what needs to be changed, and what you want out of the space. Tackle the most obvious bits first, starting with the things most in need of remodeling and moving from there. This is a good time to formulate a budget to give yourself a set perimeter. DIY projects can become very complicated very quickly without proper preparation. Look for inspiration online or in your favorite magazine. Take notice of things you appreciate about your friends and neighbors' front steps and go from there. 

Fresh Coat of Paint

The first thing on the aspiring porch remodeler’s list will almost certainly be a fresh coat of paint. This can be the front door, the railings, the steps, the floor, or, most likely, all of the above. Even if you don’t see a need to paint anything, it is always a good idea to perform the first step in preparation for painting: cleaning. This may be as simple as a thorough hose down but if it’s been long enough a power washer or softwash treatment may be in order to fight off any especially stubborn stains, mold, bugs, dust, and dirt.

As for your choice of color, the possibilities are endless. It really depends on the material you are working with, the style of the home, and your own personal preference. Many choose to go with a lighter-colored porch in white, light beige, or light gray and opt for a differently colored front door. We recommend going for a pop of bright color on the front door if you're looking for a cheerful look. Some favorites are red, blue, and green, but again this choice depends on your style choice and the desired mood you want to put forth. How do you want to match the front of the house to the inside of the house? 

Take a Seat

Your stoop is the first place you encounter after a long day away from the house and it should be a place of comfort, mental and physical. Additionally, it should be welcoming and comfortable for guests and neighbors. The first step in achieving a relaxing and inviting atmosphere is to add seating. You have many options here, from simple stools or benches to rocking chairs, or a full outdoor couch. A very popular choice for cover porches is bench swings. Again, this choice along with others really depends on your preference, needs, and budget. Stools and benches serve if the seating is more for looks than functionality while rocking chairs and swings or a full outdoor set are an investment for those who spend a good amount of time outside and are looking for a ‘stay for a while’ mood. As with all investments, it is best to peruse the local thrift stores and donation centers as well as the relevant Facebook pages and neighborhood chats for deals. It is a good rule of thumb to keep your eye on these sources even if you are not looking for anything specific, especially if you are furnishing or refurnishing a new house or renewed living space.     

Finishing Touches

Now you have the bare bones of a relaxing and welcoming outdoor space but to create a finished look one must add items of comfort. If your porch has room, then a rug, in addition to your welcome mat (which is assumed to already be in place), is a wonderful way to warm up and add comfort to the area. If you have gone with a bright pop of color in your front door then this rug should be coordinated with it and suitably prepared for any inclement weather to be expected in your area such as humidity and high winds. 

Now you can add in objects of interest such as plants, statues, or other snatches of personality. This is when the space begins to look less like a house and more like a home. You may want to go with some traditional imagery such as pineapples as a sign of welcome, or a set of lions or dogs to symbolize protection and the safety of those in the home. A wreath is almost an essential addition at this point and can do much to add character to your front door. It can signify the season with its colors and coordinate the indoor living space with the outdoor one. 

As for plants, some research is required. We’ve all fallen victim to snatching up the first pretty plant we see at the local garden center bringing it home and finding it dead within the first month. Go with plants that you like the look of, of course, but make sure that they are compatible with the climate of your neighborhood and the access to light which they will have on your porch. If you have the time to regularly water your chosen foliage then that part of your research is not as important but if you are not much of a green thumb then making sure to purchase a plant that accords with your abilities is of utmost importance. Plants add life and movement to a space and make the transition from yard to home smoother.

In conclusion, we remind you that your front porch is not just the entrance to your house, but the doorway to your home and, in large part, your life. Make it an area you enjoy living in. We hope this post has been helpful for you and that you check out our other DIY projects on the blog. Thank you for reading and happy DIYing!