Vivid Doors Your front porch is a practical space, but it’s also the first place your visitors see. It’s important that it has a welcoming feel and looks great. After a long winter, your porch often needs a refresh to help it look its best.
Whether you have a fully enclosed, covered porch or an open one there’s plenty of inspiration to give it a refresh and make it look as fabulous as your interior. Perhaps you’re even lucky enough to have a wrap around porch that’s big enough to enjoy your morning coffee! We’re going to discuss some simple tasks to revitalise your home’s entrance.
How can I make my porch look better?
Whilst you might be tempted to review your porch design, it’s actually quite simple to make your existing entryway look better. You can make sure you give a warm welcome with these quick and easy front porch ideas:
1. Declutter and Clean Thoroughly
Start by tidying, decluttering and cleaning your porch area. Perhaps the family have left their muddy boots in the front porch entrance or other clutter and debris has built up over the winter. Getting everything clean and tidy will make an immediate difference.
You’ll also be able to see what you’re working with and where any problem areas have developed. Do you have mould that needs treating? What condition is your front door in? This gives you the opportunity to fix or treat any issues you uncover.
2. Repaint or Replace the Front Door
A fresh coat of paint on your front door can make it look so much smarter. If you have a wood door, painting it is a fairly simple task. Choose a colour to match your porch décor and apply after thoroughly cleaning, drying and sanding the door. You’ll need to cover or remove the door furniture too. For more details, check our guide to renovating your front door.
Save painting for a warm, dry day when no rain is expected. Leave to dry completely between coats for best results.
If your front door is in disrepair, replacing it may be the only option to give your porch a new lease of life. Perhaps it’s time to try a new style, colour or add some glazing. Take a look at what’s on offer here.
3. Replace Door Furniture and Accessories
Even if your door doesn’t need a lick of paint, you can improve its appearance by replacing items like the handle, hinges and letterbox. They’re all easy to update and can add to the sense of style you’re trying to create.
Try chrome for a modern look or brass for a more traditional porch area. Black door hardware can work for classic or modern styles, just choose a design to suit.
4. Check the Flooring
Now your door is looking tip-top, what about the floor? If you have wooden flooring you could paint or stain it for a quick refresh.
Alternatively, adding a doormat or outdoor rug is a really simple way to give the floor an instant lift. Choose something that’s weather resistant and durable, so it can withstand people coming in and out regularly.
5. Add Floral Planters
Now the basics are in place, it’s time to accessorise. One of the best porch ideas that packs a punch is adding planters. Floral displays add depth and colour to porches, you can add pots or hanging baskets. Kelly Martin, founder of the gardening website Urban Garden Gal says:
“Hanging planters filled with spring blooming flowers are a great way to add some colour and visual interest to your front porch in spring.”
If you’re not sure which flowers will thrive outside your house, Kelly goes on to explain:
“For a long lasting display, choose plants that thrive in the lighting conditions on your porch. If your porch gets a lot of sunlight, you can choose sun-loving plants like petunias, daisies or geraniums. If your porch is partially shaded during the day, choose shade-loving plants like begonias or azaleas.”
Planters can help to create synergy with your garden and look great outside a traditional style porch as well as modern and contemporary houses.
6. Add a Spring Wreath
There’s nothing quite like a beautiful wreath for creating a good impression. Hanging a spring wreath that complements your porch decor adds instant impact and draws the eye. You can buy ready-made faux and fresh wreaths, Kelly also explains:
“You can make your own wreath by using a wire or foam wreath, faux spring flowers, floral wire and ribbon.”
We’ll show you how to hang a wreath without damage to your door, so give this post a read for more information.
7. Add Lighting
With everything refreshed, you’ll want to show off your stylish porch. Why not add or update your lighting to make sure it looks just as inviting when the sunlight starts to fade?
A porch light is a security feature but it can add to the ambiance too. Consider lighting the path to your porch and highlighting your garden features along the way. Pendant lights and wall lights are both popular options.
8. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Now your porch is looking its best, it’s important to keep it that way. It’s a high-traffic area which makes dirt and clutter build up quickly.
A regular clean, sweep and tidy will keep things looking amazing throughout the summer.
A Fabulous Front Porch
By following these tips, you can transform your front porch into an attractive and welcoming space that adds value to your home. All these front porch ideas are speedy and simple, so you can complete them in a weekend to create a space you enjoy coming back to each day.
