cottage front porch Archives - Arrow Hill Cottage

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.

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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

In the last Saturday Sketchbook post, I discussed the three outdoor spaces I have been working on for the cottage. I casually mentioned that the front porch may or may not have railings. Then someone on Instagram posted this picture, and it sent my mind spinning.

image source

Do you see what I see? Isn’t this porch just gorgeous? I had never considered using planters as a buffer between porch and ground before I saw this image; But as soon as I saw it the wheels in my head started turning. Here’s a close up of the planter boxes.

The sea of color slays me.

I tracked down a photo of this same porch, updated with different flowers in the planters. It’s a simple change that has a big impact. As someone who loves to rearrange furniture, the thought of updating the look of the exterior without lifting a hammer is really piquing my interest. Additionally, I am almost certain our cottage exterior will be all white, and a pop of color provided by flowers could really help add some visual interest.

Excitedly, I sent these pictures to Craig and asked him what he thought. I was pretty sure his reaction would be the same as mine – pure love. Imagine my shock when he texted back three simple words. Not a fan.

Gulp! Did he just really say that?! How could it be!

The conversation continued later that night when he got home from work. I used all sorts of logic to try to persuade him to come to ‘my side’ of the equation. “See how the grass can be planted right up to the porch rail? no need for expensive landscaping!” “Wouldn’t it be nice to just keep potted plants alive and not have to worry so much about weeds?” “You can change it for the seasons – bright flowers in summer, potted spruce in winter!” “The lower planters won’t block the view out of the windows!”

Not budging.

Though he couldn’t give me a firm reason WHY he didn’t like the look, he did say that it just seems to him that a porch needs railings. (*technically.. this is the architect in me speaking…per code, we won’t be required to add a railing to our front porch because it will only be about 14 inches off of ground level)

SO… I set to work on my 3d modeling program, to get a better idea of what a planter box buffer could look like at the cottage.

See how cute? I went ahead and added a few more porch details – to further the vision I laid out in this post – I even added a blue bead board ceiling, which I think would be lovely.

Pretend that you are sitting on the porch.