How to Make Your Front Porch Look Like a Million Bucks
Over the last few weeks, we’ve looked at how to upgrade different areas of your home while on a tight budget, and this week, we’re continuing the series with a twist. While many people will focus on the inside of their house, too many people neglect how the front of their house looks. Everyone knows first impressions are important, so it’s time to take this mindset to your home. If you have a front porch, chances are high that this part of your house first catches anyone’s eye. Today, let’s look at how to make your front porch look like a million bucks.
Update Light Fixtures
Once again, we see the importance of light fixtures to a home. Whether you need to clean your old light fixture, buy a new bulb, or completely replace the fixture is ultimately up to you, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. First, a light fixture on your porch should follow certain specifications. Generally, find a fixture that is ¼ to ⅓ the size of your door, and if it’s above your door, be sure to keep it about six inches from the top. If you have more specific questions on what looks good, a quick Google search should yield good results.
Paint Your Door
Personally, I think everyone should paint their door if they can. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way anywhere, but it packs extra benefits on a front door. Pick a color that you find inviting and fun, and that’s (at least somewhat) cohesive with the rest of the house. Red doors are a classic, but you can’t go wrong with a neutral either. If it fits into your style, I would even recommend going for a bold color that's sure to draw attention. After all, your front door is your first opportunity to show people the style and colors you love.
Update House Numbers
I don’t know about you, but when someone has beautiful metal house numbers, they are the first thing I see on the house. Now, when was the last time you took a nice long look at your house numbers and did something about them? If you already have numbers that fit the vibe of your home, polish them and be sure their placement is giving you the best bang for your buck. If you have some letters in a size and font you love but hate the color, get some metal spray paint and make the simple change. And if you really want to go big, shop around and find new numbers that capture your attention. The sky’s the limit with this, so go all out!
Add Plants and Flowers
Let me begin this point by saying: If you’re going to let the plants or flowers die, please do not get them in the first place. Nothing degrades a front porch more than trash and dead plants. BUT if you believe you could keep some flowers and plants alive, consider adding some to your front porch. I love hanging planters and various-sized planters on the stairs leading up to the porch. Really, it’s up to you and the climate you live in to decide what plants and flowers work best, and this will largely determine how you can style them. A quick Google search or a trip to your local plant nursery will help you find the best option.
Conclusion
Putting so much effort into an area technically outside of your house may seem unnecessary, but I think you’ll find the payoff very rewarding. Not only will a few of these updates help make visitors feel more welcome in your home, but these small changes can also help you transition from work and school into rest. The front porch is the gate to your home. Shouldn’t it look like a million bucks?
