3 Ways To Spruce Up Your New Porch
Building a new porch can transform any home. Whether you're designing a porch to replace an old and worn-out one or installing a porch on a house without one, plenty of options are available. A well-designed porch can add so much to a home's curb appeal and usability, making your house more beautiful while providing a functional space for relaxation and entertainment.
Of course, every home is unique, and that means every porch is just as special. Your porch will reflect your unique needs, goals, and budget, so making the best possible decisions during the design phase is critical. If you're still deciding what you want from your new porch, check out these three exciting features that can help spruce up nearly any home.
1. Add Season Extenders
A season extender is anything that allows you to use your porch for a little bit longer. These features usually provide heat so you can continue to enjoy your porch even as the days get shorter and the nights get colder. If you want to get a little more time out of your porch, there are ways to do it without going all the way and creating a full four-season screened-in room.
One particularly attractive option is to install an outdoor fireplace. While an outdoor fireplace may not provide enough warmth through the coldest winter nights, it can help you continue to enjoy your porch well into the fall and beyond. Even on warmer nights, a fireplace makes a great conversation starter and centerpiece.
2. Create Zones
If you're building a larger porch, you may want to consider designing it with specific zones in mind. Zones are functional areas that allow you to use your porch for many different purposes without needing to rearrange furniture or make any major changes. For example, you may want a group seating area for entertaining and another cozy corner for curling up with a book on quiet nights.
When planning your porch, ensure you have sufficient space for each of these needs. Additionally, you'll want to ensure that each zone has whatever it needs to stay functional and comfortable. Achieving this goal may mean installing multiple ceiling lights or placing multiple protected outdoor outlets so you never have to go too far for power.
3. Focus on Lighting
Lighting can be one of the most dramatic ways to improve the appearance of any home. If you're installing a new porch, you may want to consider highlighting your addition with some truly spectacular lighting. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and go above and beyond the traditional porch lights. You may also want to consider how your existing landscape lighting can help highlight your new porch.
Ultimately, any front porch needs to be both functional and beautiful. By taking some time to consider what you want out of yours, you'll be sure to create a new porch that will get the whole neighborhood talking.
For help designing your porch, contact a porch contractor in your area.