We all spend a lot of time in our backyards, enjoying our patios and gardens, but the front of your house can be just as idyllic of a place to spend your outdoor hours. That is why we are here today with front porch ideas to help boost that curb appeal. A well designed and crafted front porch can transform the front of your home into a brand new space that you’ll want to make use of all year round.
Whether you want to reimagine an existing structure or construct a brand new one, these front porch ideas will be sure to help you to build a space that is beautiful and functional.
Front Porch Ideas #1: Covered Porch
Although we all love a bit of sunlight, adding a covered porch to your house will have you seeing benefits all year long. Putting up a roof will give you more space to showcase the style and beauty of your home, as well as provide protection and comfort.
You can enjoy the invigorating atmosphere of spring rains while keeping nice and dry, or take in a book on a warm summer afternoon without the need for sunscreen. In the winter, a covered porch is one more thing you won’t have to shovel after the heavy snows, and you’ll always be able to get out your front door.
Front Porch Ideas #2: Striking Columns
Your porch will dominate the front of your home, give yourself something grand to look at. Beautiful stone columns add a stunning framework to your porch and draw the eye of anyone who passes. Repeat the columns at other prominent architectural points to emphasize the facade of your house.
The choice of stone from rounded river rocks to a more tightly packed flatstone will determine the character of your house at first look. Every night spent with guests sitting on the porch will lead to compliments on the strong features of the columns.
Built-in lighting and repeated stone columns frame our newly installed porch renovation Porch Life.
Front Porch Ideas #3: Built in Lighting
With the porch being a heavy traffic area, especially during the dawn and dusk times of day, lighting is an important aspect to consider. Built-in lamps and illuminated stairs will keep your hearth warm and welcoming at all hours.
Whether your porch is where you will be spending long evenings, or is simply the way in and out of your home, proper lighting will keep the area comfortable and safe. Aside from the form and function of porch lights, they will also cut your house a stunning view from the street.
Front Porch Ideas #4: Seating room
With a beautiful new porch, you will undoubtedly want to spend time relaxing outside. Don’t leave the seating as an afterthought. Make sure to carve out space specifically for a padded bench or a couple of adirondack chairs with a nice view of your yard.
You might consider building a bench right into the porch, matching materials and style for a cohesive overall aesthetic. If you want to add something more dynamic to the build, a bench swing can be mounted right into the porch for a soothing place to enjoy a drink on a warm summer evening.
Front Porch Ideas #5: Add Reclaimed Wood
Dressing your porch in reclaimed wood is a fantastic way to bring character to your home and make your new construction look more lived-in. The incredible detail of weathered oak or antique barn wood will lend a whimsical air to your entryway and garner compliments from every guest that comes by.
You can use reclaimed timber beams to craft stunning roof peaks or commanding porch posts that add warm tones and an inviting atmosphere to your front door. Complete the comforting aesthetic with reclaimed lumber ceilings for your covered porch and let the natural patina and well-earned marks of antique wood define the new front of your home.
If you are in love with the rustic charm and sustainable benefits of using reclaimed wood in your next project, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friends at Manomin Resawn Timbers. They can help you sort through the countless varieties of gorgeous antique woods they supply.
The Minnetonka Man Cave, a joint project between Great Northern Builders and Manomin Resawn Timbers that shows that even with a small area, reclaimed wood can make a huge impact on the look of your project.
Any questions on where to start with your new porch? Reach out to us at Great Northern Builders to begin your home’s new transformation.
