Porches

I figured I would keep with the entry theme I've started and go with porches for this post.

One day I hope to be sitting on my front porch, in some classic vintage rocking chair, looking out and watching my kids, and eventually grandkids, skipping around the front yard. Hearing their laughter, basking in their youth, while I sit back and sip some delicious chilled hibiscus tea. It's a bit cliche, but a girl can dream right?!

Architecture


Don't fight your home. You can add bohemian touches to a classic Cape Cod, or a rustic shelter to a modern sleek lined adobe, you just want to make sure you can tie it all together. This can be done easily enough through the use of colors, textures and materials. Of course, there's nothing wrong with keeping it all in the same theme. This classic Americana style home is far from boring.

Timeless Design

In this design, the entire second level is closed in with operable shutters. To balance it, the entry level is kept open with minimal furnishings. The bold red pops against the muted saffron colored siding, while the black doors and windows are "capped" by the black underside of the porch roof. 

Porch with Privacy

Function

Is it a small front porch simply decorated to accentuate the facade details, a side porch which will serve as a retreat from your daily grind or a back porch meant to entertain and hold parties? The purpose you want your porch to serve will dictate whether you will need to extend utilities, completely close off, or simply screen in the space. 

This screened porch and it's enclosed dining space is perfect for unwinding with a glass of wine at the end of a long day, or having friends and family over for brunches year round. The serene and neutral color tones, and flood of natural light, make the space seem much deeper than it actually is. 

Camp Style Porch

Keep it open and dine al fresco in a rustic setting. 

Front Porch Dining

Small Space, Not a Problem

Don't get bummed about having a small square footage to work with. Make the most of your space by adding personal charm. 

The wood flooring, siding and ceiling all help make this space seem as though it's part of the outdoors. The dainty scale of the bistro table and chairs help to anchor the space without overwhelming it. 

Cozy Porch

Keep it simple, two classic adirondack chairs and a small side table is all you need when you have a view like this.

Simple Porch

I love this space. If you have a little garden, have a sink and counter installed on your back porch. You can rinse off and organize your flowers, veggies and fruits without needing to go inside. I also adore the crisp white walls serving as the background to well loved furniture and flea market finds. 

Painted Porch

Add Color

You just can't go wrong with an almost all white space accented by bright colors. Mango margarita's? Yes please! 

Bold Accents

A tropical oasis, why not? Who wouldn't want to come home to this everyday? 

Metropolis Home

And now to go try and find a home with the perfect outdoor shelter. Ciao! 

the Front Door-aesthetics

Get inspired! Your front door is a great place to show off your style. Keep it sleek and modern, introduce colors or go all out. Whatever you do, make it all about YOU


I thought of my husband when I saw this one. It's extremely architectural with it's structured lines and would look amazing in a modern home. I love the wood tone it's shown in, but it would also look fabulous in an espresso finish. 

 

Urban Front Manhattan E70

A classic style get's new life with a bright and bold color.

Peden+Munk

This door+ a classic cape= my dream

Photographer Unknown

The details on the frame are absolutely exquisite. I love that a very soft and elegant header was balanced by a rough and more "masculine" door

Marrakech Style Door

So darn cute! There are so many cute details on this door, all together it may be  too much for most people, but you can always snag the elements you love. The turquoise color is beautiful, the kitschy mail box is adorable... take an element you love and run with it. 

Funny Door

So fun and fresh! A sure fire way to make someone smile when they come to visit. 

{Inside} the loop

Recycle. These gorgeous sliding doors were made from cypress siding from a 1900's Sears craftsman and wrought iron fencing. 

Southern Living

the Front Door-technical

You may not always notice a badly designed door on a house (unless you're a design snob like moi ) but you will always notice a GREAT one.

When starting your search, you will want to keep a few things in mind. Above all else a door must be durable enough to withstand the natural elements (i.e.. wind, sun, rain etc.) Next, you will need to decide what material you would like. Below are some of your options.

Wood, the most popular type. Easily customizable and available in a variety of species, paint grades and construction type. A solid wood door is always a beautiful option, but it can be very expensive, not eco-conscious and will be more susceptible to the elements than one with wood veneer skins (don't go for anything less than 1/16" thick) and an engineered wood core. If the door is pre-finished, you want to ensure it has a durable stain and clear finish such as polyurethane. You will want to ensure all adhesives used on materials have no urea-formaldehyde and that all materials and finishes have no or low VOC's. 

Steel doors will be your most affordable option when looking at base level models. It is stronger and more durable than wood or fiberglass and dings and dents are fairly easy to fix. Premium styles will receive a vinyl coating, similar to those you find on windows, which will help provide an additional weather barrier. If you're looking for something decorative, there are also embossed wood grain options. Looking for something even fancier? Go for a high end version with laminated wood veneer. 

Fiberglass-Composite are great for humid climates. They are tough, mimic the look of wood, and most company warranties will back their models for the life of your home. Also, like steel doors, they are extremely affordable. 

Aluminum doors as customized to suit your specific requirement and are only sold through dealers. They have a baked on enamel finish and so will never rust or need painting. These tough doors don't come cheap, they can be just as price as wood options. 

Selecting the right door will lead to added energy savings, less maintenance and an inviting entry that will last for years to come.

One last thing, don't forget the importance of proper fitting weatherstrip seals and check that thresholds interlock with the bottom edge of the door.

Mailboxes

Maybe it's because I grew up in the inner city, but when I think of eventually working on my home, one of the first things I want to do is find the perfect mailbox. Finding the perfect box can help set the tone for your space, whether it be down at the end of a long driveway, or mounted in your entry way.

Here are some of my favorites.

Please excuse the unaligned fonts and cropped images. I'm working off of a computer with no photo editing programs at the moment.

Links are after the jump