A place of welcome, an extension of your interiors, and a quiet spot to rest and enjoy the fresh air, a porch is a quintessential feature of many homes, particularly in the South. While size plays an important role, there is a lot you can do with even the smallest front or back porch. When the weather is nice, there is truly nothing better than being able to sit outside on a soft sofa or rocking chair.
If you’ve been wanting to give your porch a refresh, now is the perfect time to do so while you can still enjoy the benefits of the warm weather. Here are some innovative ideas from our designers at GDC Home that will help you transform your outside space into your favorite spot to relax.
Creative Seating
To make your porch more comfortable, consider adding a creative porch seating option, like rocking chairs, gliders, or a joggling board. They are enjoyable for the whole family and bring a sense of nostalgia, allowing you to gently sway and savor the simple pleasure of being outside. Adding a swing or hammock is another fun option if you have the space. All of these porch seating options bring that extra sense of fun to your outdoor space.
A Variety of Textiles
Elevate both the comfort and look of your porch by incorporating different textiles. From outdoor rugs to throw blankets, cozy pillows, and upholstered cushions, there are many ways to make your porch soft and inviting. We love using an outdoor performance-blend rug to define the space – think of it like an outdoor living room. Throw blankets, like our Laguna Throw draped over chairs are cozy and warm for chillier evenings. You can bring them back inside when you go in to keep them fresh.
Greenery
To create a more welcoming space that blends the outside with your interiors, adding houseplants or some form of greenery is a great idea. You can use potted plants and hanging baskets or a vertical trellis with ivy or herbs. Having plants in this intermediary space between the home and outdoors not only enhances the aesthetics of your porch, but it also brings a sense of privacy and seclusion as it creates a natural barrier from your neighbors.
Glowing Lights
During the day, you can enjoy the beauty of the natural lighting from the sun streaming in on your porch. At night, however, there are endless possibilities to create a magical glow with the right lighting solutions. String lights overhead, lanterns, sconces, and candles provide supplemental lighting on dark nights. You might even consider a fire pit or porch heater to provide additional warmth in the colder months. For a large porch, a statement chandelier in the center of the space is a glamorous way to provide illumination.
Multi-Functional Spaces
To create a porch that will serve multiple purposes throughout the year, we recommend setting up a separate seating and dining area with a sofa and table. Consider adding extras like a fire pit, grill, TV, or bar for added entertainment and functionality. You can even hang breezy curtains to your porch to provide privacy for afternoon naps or intimate dinners with friends.
Give Your Porch a Fresh Update At GDC Home
To make the most of your porch year-round, we love giving them a seasonal update. For example, in the autumn, you can add warm hues like burnt orange and maroon to coordinate with the pumpkins and rustic foliage. There is a lot to be creative with when planning your porch design, so have fun with it and make it a space that the whole family can enjoy!
Shop the Look
Marlo Indoor/Outdoor Rug
This bold, low profile, and tightly-woven rug is a stylish and sophisticated take on subtle patterning.
Adirondack Chair
A classic, traditional adirondack chair can be a perfect addition to any porch.
