The sun is finally shining and the weather is warming up here in Indiana. There are few things better than ending the day with a cool glass of lemonade (or wine), sitting on the front porch watching the world go by or getting lost in a good book.
We often overlook the porch or don’t consider how much life it brings to the home. It is the first impression your home gives and welcomes guests and family members in the house. The front porch is also a great way to get to know the neighbors and brings warmth to the neighborhood. Recently, we have seen a surge of community involvement focused on the front porch! People love getting together in the evenings and stopping by the neighbors’ house for a quick conversation or a cup of tea. Just take a look at these porch parties around Indianapolis and how strangers are becoming friends for life, just with an open invitation and a spacious comfortable porch for everyone to enjoy.
When it’s time to plan your dream custom home and the perfect inviting porch to go with it, consider these design styles, layouts, and bonus features to not only make it one of a kind but perfect for getting to know the neighborhood and making life-long friends in the process!
Timeless Traditional
The traditional porch is perfect for craftsman style homes, modern homes, cottage homes and more, this versatile style opens up the front of the house and offers plenty of space for seating and dining furniture options. Often called the outdoor living room, the traditional porch is spacious, open, and typically furnished for enjoying the outdoors with as much comfort as you do indoors!
Contemporary Comfort
The contemporary porch is perfect for modern designs and for families who want to bring a little personality to the front of their home! Characterized by clean lines, a mix of materials and pilar framing, contemporary porches are wide open and welcoming. Typically, natural materials are used in a mix of stone, wood, and sometimes glass to accentuate the character and charm of the home. The contemporary porch is often paired with bold, solid color furniture, plenty of seating options and a mix of natural wood, teak, or wicker. Nothing says welcome to my home like a wide-open entrance!
Family-Friendly Farmhouse
If farmhouse is more your style, you have plenty of options for adding a porch that matches your style and personality. Farmhouse porch designs feature natural wood grains and an open floor plan for kids to run and play. To really capture the farmhouse look, shiplap or faux shiplap brings the farmhouse aesthetic together in a rustic, welcoming design style. We love the addition of a large fan, wooden ceiling beams, and warm vintage light fixtures. Comfortable furniture, bright colors, and a mix of patterns and colors capture the homey feel of the farmhouse porch and welcomes guests for an evening of snacks and sips!
These are only a few front porch design styles, but the options are limited! Don’t be afraid to mix styles or try something completely new for your home. Just remember, this space is your comfort zone, so make sure you build in square footage for everything you need! Check out our shortlist of some of our favorite additions to the front porch:
- Porch swing/bed swing
- Small dining table
- Coffee table
- Large ceiling fan
- Plants, flowers, and living design accents
- Your own design style!
Now that you have a few pointers for designing your front porch, get creative! Explore Pinterest and design websites for even more inspiration. When you have your dream porch in mind, connect with our design professionals to talk about your dream custom home and how we can make it your own personal oasis inside and out!
