Amy wrote in with a request for some front porch/stoop advice:
I have a smallish front porch area and I am having the darndest time trying to find some ideas to decorate in a way that is both comfortable and classy. Truth be told its only about 4x8ish feet -so more of a stoop than a porch. I am trying to find some ideas that allow me to keep a little chair out there and maybe a little table so I can read my paper and drink my coffee and chat with the neighbors. I have been scouring kijiji for “something” to put there but nothing is jumping at me. I’m afraid of cluttering up the place…
Amy has such a cute little house in Canada. I think just a few small additions and changes would really step up her curb appeal.
Though I don’t know much about landscape design, I think a row of boxwoods in front of the long window would look very nice.
I would also plant a climbing vine on the front right corner of the house to fill out and soften the sea of brick. I’m probably biased, living in Cambridge, but I love me some climbing ivy. It’s pretty in the spring, summer and fall.
image courtesy of ATL Homes via Blueprint BlissTwo tall evergreen topiaries in modern urns/bases would fit perfectly in the little nooks that the columns make on the perimeter of the porch.
I think a little greenery and symmetry here would look amazing.
I would go for some planters like the Mynta from IKEA. They are narrow and tall, so they’ll fill up that space perfectly. The white is safe and a good choice. But maybe go with the citrine color? It might be a fun play off the more serious green in your trim.
I would paint your front door black for some contrast and depth.
How about a new mailbox? Something modern with clean lines, to combat all the trad design you have here. What about this one?
A new lantern would be cool. What about something industrial/nautical like this one from Lowes?
Maybe some new house numbers?
You’ll need a good all-weather rug to put down. Since this will stay out all year most likely, I would go with something more neutral, like this PB rug in the 3×5 size.
I would paint your current chair if you’re trying to watch the budget. Maybe a very, very pale sky blue?
If you’re ready for a new chair there go with vintage or vintage inspired. I think these from eBay are great ($99 including shipping), but you could probably find something less expensive on Craig’s list or kijiji. I would do the white, but if you do chose a color here, stay away from the red with your forest green trim!
I’m really impressed with the selection at this site if you’re ready to purchase some extra fabulous patio furniture.
Don’t forget a fun outdoor pillow. I like these small bolsters ($12.99 ea).
Look for a small round side table to use as a drink holder. Something like this one would work well. Search for table in more of the plant stand size range than side table size.
Maybe you could get a small bench to prop up your feet on? Make sure to put a coat of sealant on the legs (after painting them – pale blue again?) to protect the wood.
I would use a fun indoor/outdoor fabric for the upholstery here. Better yet, use a laminated fabric or oilcloth making the bench completely waterproof. Check out some of these amazing waterproof fabric patterns that one of my readers directed me to this week.
This B&W oilcloth would be so chic on your footstool!
That’s it for me. I think simple and classic is the way to go here for such a small space. What suggestions do you guys have for Amy?
You have some good ideas!
I love the idea of the colourful chair and cushion. I definitely think that Amy needs to inject some colour in there, as it looks a bit bland. A floral cushion on the chair would be nice?
Or she could paint her front door a lovely bright blue or sunny yellow to make it look cheerful. A cute wicker chair with a pretty cushion would be nice too.
Flower pots are essential – I like lavender pots like this http://www.makebe-leaves.com/herbs_images/lavender_pots_175.jpg
Trees like this would look cute:
http://www.artificialplantsuk.co.uk/5ft-tea-tree-pyramid-inblac.jpg
I like these door numbers:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2357/2525307664_ac12f57bda.jpg
Good luck Amy! And remember to have fun with your designing :)
Polly R xx
I would add some flowering perennials to the landscaping to add color and interest to the yard.
Yes, yes, and yes! I’ll take all of it.
I love it! Lowe’s is selling those chairs for $35!!!!!! I don’t know if they are in stores or just online, but I nearly fainted when I saw the write-up in a Country Living for $35!
I think you are onto something. Great ideas!
Oooooh, I want a front porch!! Swoon!
xox
Yay! Thanks so much for all your suggestions. I can’t wait to get started. It’s warming up here and time to get some flowers planted this weekend… I’m loving the ikea pots -loving them.
Thanks again!!
very nice. I especially love the house numbers and the mail box.
Wow – I’m totally impressed. I was going to say the obvious…”uh, move your parking pad somewhere else, and put in some plants…” But your ideas are fantastic! Thanks for putting this one up…sometimes it’s these little awkward spaces that we all have, but have no idea how to handle! By the way, loved the DIY door project!
-Holly
PS – Amy, will you send in the ‘afters’??? Would love to see them in action
What great ideas- I love those ikea pots.
What about a hanging chair/bench on either side, or just one side too. Something like this
http://www.woodcraftplans.com/CWPplansGFX/SF59.jpg
That way it gets things up off the floor and makes it look larger. Put the table Jenny suggested next to it, add some pillows and it would be beautiful!
I can’t wait to see what you end up doing with it.
I will totally send in the afters… give me a couple weeks to get it all together. :) – I’m mid-project right now (truthfully I am mid approx 6 projects…lol)
I really like the idea of adding some ivy to the side of the house – the porch on the left makes the home look a bit sloppy and this would help balance it.
have a look at my place for some ideas. if you need help i could offer some advice! you have lots of potential there.
I love these ideas. When I first looked at the picture I couldn’t see how to make much of it – but your suggestions will really bring the porch alive. I especially love the little touches of the mailbox and the lamp. This makes me wish I had a porch (as if I didn’t already have enough to sort out inside the house!).
Lowes has identical garden chairs for $35 each. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=76013-19407-SB-642-B
Oh, and love your blog : )
Love this post. And thanks for the link. -Brooke
I'm thinking a red Japanese maple in the right corner and clematis armandii on the porch (it's evergreen) with white flowers for a week in the late spring – at least in Seattle. A magnolia at the corner of the house would also look great. Also, I 'd add a couple of evergreen shrubs under the window- depends on the climate. Perhaps, a couple of dwarf conifers and a japanese anemone. Which zone??? Or… A dark purple salvia or a hicote lavender would look nice under the window in the summer.
Great house– I love brick.
What a great ideas to add color and curb appeal. I love those planters…may need to make an ikea trip soon!