4 cheap and simple ways to transform your porch

A lot of us imagine a gorgeous porch when we envision our perfect house. However, in reality, in most homes, porches are underutilized. It doesn’t take too much money or effort to transform your porch and turn it into a place that you and your family will love using. Here are some ways to do just that.

Declutter

The first step to turning the porch into a beautiful place to spend time is to actually create room. For a lot of people, because they don’t know how to best utilize their porch, over time it turns into a disorganised space full of weird odds and ends. Do you leave your rubber boots outside? Perhaps your bicycle? Maybe tools, or an old piece of furniture that you just haven’t yet had the time or heart to throw out completely? Before you invest in anything, take a weekend to properly declutter and clean it. Throw out anything that doesn’t really belong there. If there are things that truly should be outside, on your porch, sort out a way to keep them without ruining the aesthetics. A pretty closed storage unit won’t hurt, but be careful not to go overboard.

Protect it from the elements

Your porch needs protection from the elements for two reasons. The first is that you need to keep out of the sun or rain and still be able to sit outside. The second is that the materials of the porch itself and everything on it will experience far more wear and tear because they are exposed. To avoid having to invest in repairs and new furniture every year, it’s better to invest in prevention. Use quality protective outdoor paint or concrete sealers on all surfaces that might need a coat or two. When buying shades or furniture, splurge on those made from durable outdoor materials. If you need some shade to protect you from the sun or unwanted interest from nosy neighbours, look into shade sails, pergolas, or a trellis.

Add seating

Comfortable furniture is one of the main draws of a great porch. After all, if you don’t find it pleasant and cosy, there’s no way you’ll want to sit there. When buying furniture for the porch, think about what you intend to use it for. Some people love sitting outside alone, with a mug of hot coffee and a page-turner. A lot of them opt for a rocking chair. Others might prefer to spend time in company, so they go for a porch swing or traditional lawn furniture. Some even plan to have their meals al fresco, so they invest in a proper table and chairs. Whatever you decide, get furniture made from durable materials that will be able to withstand outdoor conditions.

Liven it up with details

Once you have decluttered and created a solid foundation with protection and furniture, you’re basically all set to start enjoying your porch. However, although it’s now perfectly usable, it might still be lacking in the aesthetics department. It’s time to add a few details that will give your porch some character. One of the best ways to do that is by adding plants. They could be just regular potted plants, or you could plant climbers, like roses. When it comes to colours, most people tend to keep their porches neutral, but a splash of brightness is always welcome. A ceiling adds a retro vibe, but it’s also very useful by keeping you cool on hot, sunny days.

When decorating your porch, remember that it needs to be practical first. Easy cleaning access, durability and comfort should be your guiding light. That way you will be able to create a porch that will add value to your house, and provide you with a perfect outdoor relaxation area.