The Power of Your Porch - Make Small Transformations For Huge Impact
I've noticed lots of porches on nice homes lately but for the wrong reasons.
Does your porch look like your favorite pair of old shoes, all scuffed, no shine, and just plain worn out? Some look downright sad.
Absent color, furniture, a pot of flowers or two, a porch can really detract from an otherwise attractive home.
And just as important, an attractive porch can turn an ordinary house into an extraordinary home.
Here's how to do a little transformation that can have a huge impact and it won't cost a lot.
Most porches have a walkway leading to them.
Use it to your advantage.
Many people line the walkway with plants; however, most make the planting area way too narrow.
You can visually increase the size of your porch by extending your planting area width to make it a minimum of 2 to 3 feet wide, wider if space is available.
This won't cost you anything.
Next, plant flowers or plants in small groups within that area - you don't need to plant every inch.
Use mulch, rocks, pavers, or other materials you may already have on hand as fill between the plantings.
Sometimes less is more.
Do the same around your porch.
Tired of your existing porch floor? You can always paint it or transform it into a wood, porcelain, slate, or granite floor by using interlocking deck tiles.
They are perfect for porches, are a great DIY project, come in many styles, patterns, and colors, and only take a few hours to install.
Wrap your columns.
You can change the look of your porch columns easily with wrap-arounds to give it a whole new look.
Balusters aren't as easily changed but they can be painted.
Hang several self-watering planters from the railings and a few hanging baskets over them and your porch will sizzle! You don't need a lot of decorative items; a great focal point will do.
Consider finding an exterior painting to hang or a unique object to place strategically on your porch.
Garage sales, flea markets, and your garage or attic might be just the place to find such an item.
Create great artwork by having your kids paint on a piece of exterior grade plywood, frame it with lattice trim, and hang it as a conversation piece! And last but not least, give attention to your front door.
If painted just the right color your front door can be striking.
If you can't afford new hardware for the door, use products like Brasso to give them new life.
Don't forget the door bell.
No one may notice it's new but everyone notices the ugly, dangling one by your front door! These are just a few ideas to bring new life to your porch.
Give your porch the power to make your house proud.
Does your porch look like your favorite pair of old shoes, all scuffed, no shine, and just plain worn out? Some look downright sad.
Absent color, furniture, a pot of flowers or two, a porch can really detract from an otherwise attractive home.
And just as important, an attractive porch can turn an ordinary house into an extraordinary home.
Here's how to do a little transformation that can have a huge impact and it won't cost a lot.
Most porches have a walkway leading to them.
Use it to your advantage.
Many people line the walkway with plants; however, most make the planting area way too narrow.
You can visually increase the size of your porch by extending your planting area width to make it a minimum of 2 to 3 feet wide, wider if space is available.
This won't cost you anything.
Next, plant flowers or plants in small groups within that area - you don't need to plant every inch.
Use mulch, rocks, pavers, or other materials you may already have on hand as fill between the plantings.
Sometimes less is more.
Do the same around your porch.
Tired of your existing porch floor? You can always paint it or transform it into a wood, porcelain, slate, or granite floor by using interlocking deck tiles.
They are perfect for porches, are a great DIY project, come in many styles, patterns, and colors, and only take a few hours to install.
Wrap your columns.
You can change the look of your porch columns easily with wrap-arounds to give it a whole new look.
Balusters aren't as easily changed but they can be painted.
Hang several self-watering planters from the railings and a few hanging baskets over them and your porch will sizzle! You don't need a lot of decorative items; a great focal point will do.
Consider finding an exterior painting to hang or a unique object to place strategically on your porch.
Garage sales, flea markets, and your garage or attic might be just the place to find such an item.
Create great artwork by having your kids paint on a piece of exterior grade plywood, frame it with lattice trim, and hang it as a conversation piece! And last but not least, give attention to your front door.
If painted just the right color your front door can be striking.
If you can't afford new hardware for the door, use products like Brasso to give them new life.
Don't forget the door bell.
No one may notice it's new but everyone notices the ugly, dangling one by your front door! These are just a few ideas to bring new life to your porch.
Give your porch the power to make your house proud.
