home design ideas Archives - Arrow Hill Cottage

Porch Essentials | Create a welcoming outdoor space

There is something special about a covered front porch. Today I am sharing the front porch essentials that can help you create a welcoming outdoor room.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here

Most people who see a home with a front porch will have a fond memory fill their minds. Perhaps the sight of a porch brings back feelings of family and gathering. Maybe it is a bit of nostalgia – longing for simpler times.

With summer right around the corner, and the anticipation of Arrow Hill Cottage being built, I have found myself really looking forward to spending time on the front porch. Though we won’t be able to enjoy the space until this time next year, I did a bit of research trying to figure out how we can make it as comfortable and relaxing as possible.

Below are the front porch essentials I believe make them special. I also share the products that can enhance each of these elements.

A SENSE OF WELCOME

To their very core purpose, porches provide a sense of welcome. They are the gateways from the hustle and bustle of the roadway to the peacefulness of indoors.

The most connected neighborhoods likely have homes that are outfitted with front porches. Sadly, it is rare for homes to be built with front porches nowadays. It is much more typical to find a garage positioned closest to the street, with a rather small front door set back.

We were very careful, during the design of our cottage, to include a large covered front porch. Not only do we believe it improves the look of the house itself (see for yourself in this post), we also feel that it will make our home feel more welcoming to our friends and neighbors. Porches have a way of encouraging face to face conversations with neighbors.

Adding a welcome sign to a front porch is a great sentiment, as is a cherry welcome mat.

A PLACE TO CONVERSE

Once a person has stepped onto a front porch, they are going to want to stay a while. Almost guaranteed. Give yourself and your visitors that opportunity by providing plenty of seating.

A porch swing is classic, and a staple for most front porches. We will definitely be incorporating one!

Be sure to offer a variety of seating options. Placing a matching set of chairs opposite the porch swing, for example, can create a wonderful conversation spot. Provide a mix of rocking and stationary seating.

Large ottomans or plush outdoor pillows are great for little ones. They can easily be moved around, perhaps even serving as a small table for a snack, or to hold a book.

A SPOT TO RELAX

Your front porch should be an extension of your home’s interior. Soften it’s hard lines by adding cozy elements such as layered rugs and pillows. Don’t be afraid to have fun with color and pattern. These elements can also infuse a bit of excitement and playfulness to the porch space.

AN ENTERTAINING SPACE

Porches also make great entertaining spaces. The purchase of a small beverage and snack cart can make a statement. Find one with wheels, so that it can easily be moved in and out of the house to be reloaded with snacks and drinks. An antique buffet or dresser can be set up in the milder weather months of the year, offering a more permanent entertainment solution.

A large drink dispenser allows guests to help themselves. You may even choose to refill the dispenser daily and keep it on the porch during the hot summer months, for family members to access when working and playing outdoors.

With proper seating provided, it is important to also include small tables where drinks can be placed. Nestle a table in between a set of chairs, or offer small serving trays that can be held on laps.

A CONNECTION TO NATURE

Another element that makes a front porch special is the connection it has to nature. Covered porches have a sheltering aspect, while also allowing users to feel the soft Summer breeze and smell the crispness of Fall air.

Try adding potted plants and small trees to the space. Hanging flower baskets are very popular among front porch owners.

One way we are planning to further connect the porch at Arrow Hill Cottage to nature is by incorporating a large planter. This project was the topic of much debate between myself and my husband. I think that I have won the battle, at least for now, and am very excited to see the planter come to life!

A SHELTER FROM OUTDOOR ELEMENTS

The outdoor experience can be enhanced by adding a bit of climate control to your front porch. This can be as simple as choosing appropriate lighting, to extend the usefulness of the space.

For the stuffy, hot summer afternoons, consider including a ceiling fan on the front porch. They can be found in a wide variety of styles.

Though the ceiling of a covered porch will add some protection from the sun’s overhead rays, a set of sheer curtains can help filter light further. They may also have the added benefit of deterring bugs and proving privacy when closed fully.

I hope that these porch essentials and product suggestions were useful to you, and give you insight into some ways to make your space really shine! If you have a front porch that you love, I want to hear what you do to make it a go-to space. Please comment below with your tips!

PIN THESE PORCH ESSENTIAL IDEAS

Click the links below for product information of all items in this post

FRONT PORCH ESSENTIALS VIDEO

THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE BUNGALOW HOME STYLE

Welcome to another installment in the ELEMENTS OF HOME series. Each month, I showcase a different residential style here on the blog. It is my hope that this information will not only teach you a little something about the various styles; but also equip you if are designing or searching for a new house – by allowing you to determine which style(s) suit your lifestyle and preferences the most.

Today I will be over-viewing the bungalow home – including the history of the style and what makes it unique.

HISTORY OF THE BUNGALOW STYLE

The very term ‘bungalow’ has roots from the Indian/ Hindi word ‘bangala’ – which describes a one story house with a low, extended roof. During the British occupation in India, troops created bangalas in higher elevation ‘hill stations’. The home’s wide, covered verandas, provided shade in the hot climate as well as a comfortable cross ventilation in the hot stuffy months.

Bangalas were later built in the UK, presumably by the British colonials who had finished their tour of duty in India. Coined as ‘bungalows’, they were adapted once again for America in the early 1900’s, popping up first in the temperate climate of California. From that time until the early 1930’s, the bungalow style’s popularity reached nearly every state in the union.

When Bungalows were introduced in America, they were seen as a progressive ideal – and in many ways an opposite way of life to that of the Victorian era. The straight-forward use of materials, informal plan layout and accessibility to the outdoors that bungalow homes provided were attractive to middle-class families in particular – those who felt secure enough about their social standing that they didn’t need their home to be a status symbol or showcase their worth.

Similar to the American Foursquare home, the Bungalow style were widely available through mail-order catalogs. For those with limited means – the bungalow provided more than just the need for shelter, they provided fulfillment of the American dream.

There are also examples of architecturally designed bungalow homes. The most notable architects of this style were the Greene brothers, who practiced in California in the early 1900’s – focusing their work on the Arts & Crafts movement.

MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE BUNGALOW STYLE

LOCATION

Bungalows first began to make their U.S appearance in Southern California – that is where the most iconic examples still stand today. However, there are bungalow examples scattered throughout North America.

This housing style fills neighborhoods that are near the city center, which is an attractive asset to homeowners looking for close proximity to schools, work, and shopping districts. Generally these neighborhoods are pedestrian friendly. It is not uncommon to see multiple Bungalows situated next to one another long the street – something that creates a strong sense of community for the people who call the neighborhoods home.

SIZE

These homes are often small, with efficient, yet flexible, floor plans. Their economical use of space is especially appealing to first time homeowners and young families.

Though relatively compact, Bungalows make efficient use of every available square foot – with built in cabinets and cupboards for organization.

EXTERIOR TRADEMARKS

LOW PROFILE: Because they are meant to be unassuming, bungalows keep a low profile to the street. Generally they are one story in height. If a second floor is included, the living space is typically built into the roof structure. Exterior detailing of bungalows accentuate the horizontal lines, further grounding their facades.

PORCH: most Bungalow homes feature large front porches. Not only do porches give the homeowners a direct connection to the outdoors, they also promote neighborhood interaction – both important Bungalow ideals.

DOMINATING ROOF WITH DORMERS: Bungalow generally have roofs that slope toward the street – aiding in their one story appearance. Those with second floor living space may have dormers that accentuate the roof line.
USE OF REGIONAL MATERIALS: Builders of the original bungalows favored the use of regional materials for their lower cost and reduced maintenance. Those built on the west coast tend to employ stucco as a primary exterior material, where those in the Midwest – such as Chicago and Milwaukee – feature brick. Northeast bungalows were, at least partially, clad in shingles.

INTERIOR SPACES

Interior layouts lack redundant walls and useless space. Hallways are not common. Compared to their Victorian ancestors, the Bungalow features an open first floor plan – with rooms that have overlapping functions.

Continuing the function of space, many Bungalows feature built in cabinetry as room dividers – as opposed to full height walls. These built ins allowed rooms to flow into one another, while at the same time maintaining some separation of space.

image source

COLOR SCHEME

The original bungalow owners would often strive to use warm colors and textures that would make their homes feel welcoming and cozy. Earth tones such as tan, brown and harvest gold were, and still are common both on the exterior detailing and interior finishes and furnishings

traditional bungalow colors

from the book Bungalow Colors: Exterior, by Robert Schweitzer

NOTABLE BUNGALOW HOUSES

‘Bungalow City’ | Boise, Idaho | Houses built between 1910-1930

This neighborhood was nicknamed ‘Bungalow City’ because of the vast amount of Bungalows that were built there in the early 1900’s. There are many prime examples of the style that are well maintained.

INSPIRING BUNGALOWS FROM AROUND THE WEB

These classic homes showcase the Bungalow style well. Take a closer look!

1916 Bungalow

Itty Bitty Bungalow

I hope you have enjoyed learning a bit more about the Bungalow style. Curious which residential style will be featured next month? Stay tuned!

And be sure to check out the previously showcased styles HERE.

THE IMPACT OF FRONT PORCH DESIGN

A covered front porch is considered a major asset to a home – one that many buyers would be willing to pay more for. The indoor/outdoor and public/private qualities that a front porch provides can add to the overall enjoyment of a home.

The detailing of a porch can also greatly impact the look of a home’s exterior. The combination of the porch’s roof-line, rails, and columns are of great importance; And determining the right proportions and styles of each of these elements can be tricky, especially if you are starting from scratch.

If you have an older home that has since lost it’s porch, you may simply need to see some historical photographs of similar homes to get a good grasp of what the proper detailing should look like. You can also take cues from these historic examples if you are designing a new home – but you may have more leeway on what might be deemed appropriate. You may need to play with a few different ideas before you land on the styling you prefer.

VISUAL EXAMPLES OF FRONT PORCH DESIGN

I will use the porch of our home, Arrow Hill Cottage, as an example of how a front porch can greatly impact the look of a home’s exterior.

Obviously, I have been going more for a ‘cottage’ look while designing the exterior – But the truth of the matter is that our home is basically a simple rectangular shape. It’s the porch that helps it come to life.

Because our porch is only 14″ off of grade, we will not be required to install a railing around it. Instead we will incorporate a large planter box to help define the space. I can’t wait for my husband to build it for me (wink, wink). The columns are doubled up and positioned on stone bases that match the height of the window sill.

I would like to show you some other examples of what the house might look like with different porch detailing. First, lets take a look at this same house WITHOUT it’s porch.

THAT’S A VISUAL SHOCK!

Insert all of the sad emoji’s here. Can you see how much character was lost with the elimination of the porch? The entire facade looks flat and uninviting. The entryway is not defined and the windows seem to have little balance. I think it’s clear that this house needs it’s porch!

The use of thinner columns and the elimination of the stone bases would have created a look that has a bit more of a Colonial styling. This set up might have looked more appropriate with a railing. For us, it wasn’t the right fit.

A thicker column profile atop brick bases might have given the house more of a Craftsman/Bungalow look. I personally love craftsman detailing; But I felt that with the steep pitch of the roof, they wouldn’t complement the house correctly either.

Color can also play a role. Stained brown columns may have given the house more of a Modern Farmhouse vibe. Lovely, but not what we were going for.

All of these options are unique and none would be considered ‘wrong’ in this situation. Our choice came down to a matter of a styling preference.

If you have a home that could benefit from a front porch, but aren’t sure what it might look like – please contact me about doing a MAKEOVER TAKEOVER for you! I would be happy to offer up some options that could really make your house shine!

THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE A-FRAME HOME STYLE

image source

Today I will be over-viewing the A-frame home – including the history of the style and what makes it unique.

HISTORY OF THE A-FRAME STYLE

The ‘hut like’ dwelling shape of what we now know as the A-frame style has been in existence for many years, and in many countries – Europe, China, and the South Pacific Islands – primarily as accessory buildings. In 1934, Austrian-born architect Rudolph Schindler built a simple A-frame vacation house in a California resort community, overlooking Lake Arrowhead – bringing the design style to the United States. It had an open floor plan with exposed rafters and glass-walled gables.

Americans took note, and with the rise in disposable income after WWII, families were able to afford vacation homes. Because the A-frame style was relatively simple and inexpensive to build, they became a popular choice. Eventually, as the style’s popularity increased, companies started offering kit houses. In fact, the popularity of the style rose, not from the architecturally designed examples that were built, but instead by the grass roots movement formed by DIY homeowners.

The peak of A-frame building was between the years 1950 and 1965, coinciding with the Mid-Century Modern movement; Both design styles have been making a resurgence in recent years. There are even modern day kit houses available in this style!