Refurbish your front porch for relaxation

Many people are comfortable with leaving a front porch as it is without incorporating into it much originality. In most cases a few potted plants and a plastic table and set of chairs is as far as many would go. A front porch, also known as a veranda is a covered entrance to a building. It provides the perfect transition from the outdoors to the inside of your home and they vary in size. In addition to being an extension of a house, a front porch should always be an inviting and welcoming addition for you and your guests. Decorating a front porch is important for creating an environment where you can enjoy a comfortable outdoor experience, plus you will be making best use of the space. So if you have a front porch that lacks originality and style, read on to discover how to bring it to life and create a place of soothing relaxation. Establish a comfortable seating plan Before a front porch can be inviting, it needs to have a comfortable seating plan. I know that many people aren’t comfortable with the idea of placing items on the porch in case they become damaged by the rain, but when it rains furniture can always be shifted against a wall or covered to ensure protection. Also, be encouraged because chairs are available in bamboo which is a natural and popular fiber used for porch décor. Other popular porch chairs and tables are made from iron or plastic. Iron ones are good for creating an elegant atmosphere, and are made with a built in cushion. While plastic chairs and tables are very practical but lack uniqueness, to improve on this have chair cushions custom made with fabrics that have attractive colours and patterns. Not only will the chair set become more attractive but its level of comfort will be elevated. What about the issue of security? If you don’t have a guard to watch over your house, make sure you take the porch chairs into the house at the end of the day to avoid the risk of having a thief sneak away with them. The last thing you need is to wake up one morning only to find that your lovely furniture has gone missing! Don’t hesitate to give your porch a fresh look with plants. To inject more colour into this outdoor space chose plants with colourful flowers. Large-leafed-simple bouquets work for big porches, these should be scaled down for smaller porches. For an interesting look, use two or three colours and alternate them on the plant pots. The extra details make a difference Consider painting the walls, or aspects of it, consider which colour will best complement the front porch. You can chose to use colours that are on the walls inside the house however, contrasting colours can also have a striking effect. Yellow is associated with happiness and energy, so if the rest of your house is white, a warm yellow would be a good option for welcoming guests. Also, to make your front porch more welcoming, invest in a good quality porch light to illuminate the space adequately. Bring in some additional elegance by fixing fine curtains or colorful shades to the porch. They will be useful for providing shelter from excessive sun during certain periods of the day. Any front porch should serve as an area where guests can engage in a warm and friendly manner. Since first impressions are normally formed from this area of the house, it is important to ensure that your porch is always clean. Because of a higher exposure to dust, you will need to dust furniture, wash any linen fabrics and sweep and more frequently than you do inside the house. You want your front porch to be clean and user-friendly, so that you can entertain guests comfortably outdoors. ms.efuahagan@gmail.com The author specializes in interiors and Fashion