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Front porches weave a neighborhood together. For decades, they have served as a welcoming entry to the home, an opportunity to show off the homeowner’s style, or an invitation for neighbors to “stop for a spell.” Essentially outdoor living rooms, they are a place to sip morning coffee and ponder the coming day or sit back, put one’s feet up, and unwind at the end of a long day while watching the world go by. They are celebrated in books and films as the site of important encounters and conversations.
In our increasingly digital world, however, they are being relegated more and more to a pretty place that one passes through on the way to indoor electronics and the lure of the world wide web. But with some quick, easy, and often inexpensive updates, the front porch can become the new heart of the home.
No Porch, No Problem
Don’t have a front porch? Consider adding one, which will have the added bonus of enhancing curb appeal. Too ambitious? Consider laying a simple front patio, which can be a fun family-oriented DIY adventure. Invite some friends and neighbors over as well to literally “build” community.
All-Season Fun
Spring cleaning isn’t just for indoors. A quick pressure wash of the front porch will blast off the winter glums. If it needs a new coat of wood sealer or paint, now’s the time to do it. While the paintbrush or roller is out, this is also an excellent opportunity to change a blah or dated color, particularly on the floor, for a more comprehensive refresh.
