We get asked often the question “What can I do to decorate my porch without a lot of effort?” Or, “I’m not a great decorator, what easy decorating ideas do you have that looks great?” Front porch decorating is much like decorating any room of your home. Think four things: color, theme, focal point and purpose.
Color – Choose Your Decorating Color Scheme
You can do an amazing decorating job just by using color. Don’t be afraid to use color. Not good with decorating color schemes? Neither am I; however I can pick out at least one color I like. So how do you choose a color? Browse through decorating books, visit a department store home furnishings department or go to your paint store and pick out some paint strips that you like. Paint strips give you great ideas of complementary colors, too!
So once you’ve chosen a color you like, what do you do with it? Try painting the front door. The front door can serve as a focal point or it can be used to telegraph your decorating color scheme for the rest of the porch. So your first step is to go out on your porch or yard and determine a great color for your front door. Depending on the overall statement you want, that is, bold, trendy, subtle, or somewhere in between, choose a color that will complement that look. Then you might choose another complementary or contrasting color to go with that.
Theme
Most of us have at least some type of look or style we’d like for our front porch: country, Victorian, Southern, contemporary, southwestern, Tuscan, eclectic or even a sports theme. Or perhaps you want a seasonal look depending on the time of year – spring or fall decorating, for example. Some prefer, especially those along the coast, a nautical look. Others, like in the southwest, might prefer a western theme. This will help determine the items you want to display on your porch. Look at garage sales, flea markets, your dollar store, or a thrift shop to find items like pictures for your wall, furniture, tables or other charming knick knacks to carry out your theme. Chances are you have some items in your home already that you can re-purpose for your porch.
Focal point
A focal point can be anything from the front door itself, a beautiful wreath on your front door or perhaps a wicker table, chairs, and colorful table cloth. Or, it could be beautiful hanging baskets, a work of art (painting or sculpture), or perhaps a favorite rocker or swing. Above all, make sure your “focal point” is obvious and it should be a great conversation starter.
Purpose
How will you use your porch the most? Will it be a gathering place for relaxing in the evening? Perhaps you want a place to listen to music or share an intimate glass of wine? Will you be entertaining on your porch? Do you want to create a private nook for reading or writing? Knowing how you will use your porch will help you select the right furniture and accessories.
From country decorating ideas to contemporary decorating, just follow these four concepts and you will be surprised at what you can do. Decorating on a dime is still possible today if you use your creativity and are resourceful in finding charming pieces for your porch at garage sales, flea markets or even your dollar store. Take your spouse, child or a friend and make it fun! See what you can create!
