Create a pretty porch

Listen to Amy’s tips.

A front porch is an invitation to sit back, relax and watch the world go by. It’s also like a huge welcome sign- a preview of who you are and what’s inside your home. For the prettiest porch, combine these 5 elements:

Flooring: Consider painting the floor with high gloss deck enamel. You can get creative and stencil on borders, a black and white diamond pattern or even an all over floral pattern. Top your fresh paint job with an outdoor rug or floor cloth.

Furniture: Choose something comfortable, weather resistant andeasy to get in and out of. Wicker furniture looks great with bright cushions. A rocker or porch swing adds a really nice touch, too. And don’t forget tables- you need a spot to place your cool drink! If you’ve inherited, collected and amassed a not- so -harmonious grouping of furniture, you can give it a bit of continuity by spray painting it in the same or coordinated colors. Tie it all in with pillows and cushions for a unified look.

Accessories: This is a great place to add the focal point of your porch. Maybe it’s a gorgeous wreath, a piece of folk art or a contemporary sculpture. Don’t add so many knick -knacks that people think you’re having a garage sale, but add a sprinkling for a warm, personal look.

Lighting: Like a great outfit, layer your lighting for best reults. For real impact, replace your old dome ceiling light with a chandelier, a ceiling fan or a pendant light. Use a sconce by the front door. If you have several steps leading to your front porch, install down lights to illuminate the steps. Include covered candles or lanterns for soft but dramatic lighting. And don’t forget a string or two of twinkle lights in the surrounding trees or planters.

Ceiling detail: Bead board or tongue in groove adds a really nice, subtle touch to porch ceilings. Add moldings, tray ceilings or beams. No matter the color scheme of your porch, it’s fun to paint the ceiling sky blue for a mood lift every time you open your front door.