How do you create an inviting front porch?
Thursday, 24 September 2020
First impressions mean a lot for a property. We all want our homes to reflect ourselves to some extent. This desire sits at the root of the design concepts that we choose for our home, and no more so than at the entrance to the property. Some of us prefer the understated and minimalist, others formal and elegant. Or perhaps cosy artisan is more your thing. All of these designs focus on presenting an inviting destination. This may be translated as inviting for you to return home to, or an inviting front porch for visitors to approach. Either way, an inviting front porch to a property is central in creating the desired atmosphere.
Why a porch?
Not all homes have a front porch. For some locations, it’s simply not feasible. However, more and more often, people choose to add a front porch to their home as a way of increasing functionality and aesthetic depth to the space. A porch has the power to increase the kerb appeal of your home, to make it appear both more upmarket and more inviting. It can also shoulder some of the burden of the hallway, allowing this part of your home to feel less cluttered and more attractive.
Size
For porches up to 3 metres squared, planning permission is not required. The porch also should not extend too close to the road or pavement at the front of the property. You may plan a porch to be long and thin, extending along the front of the house, or square to surround the front door area. Shape and size therefore very much depends on the space available and the architecture and positioning of the home.
Enclosure
You’ll first need to consider whether your front porch will be fully enclosed or open to the elements. It’s important to remember that as we’re in the UK, you’ll be living through all the weather over the course of a year. From sub zero blizzards to blistering sunshine, driving rain to howling winds. So if you plan to store anything in your porch, or decorate it invitingly, it’s wise to plan an enclosed space. Next, decide between partial brickwork with glazing or a full PVC-u framework. Both have benefits, with brickwork providing slightly more regulated temperatures, and PVC-u framework offering the ultimate in light diffusion.
Front door
If you are adding an enclosed front porch, don’t forget that it will replace the role of your front door as the first thing that visitors see. So, the door to your porch should not be an afterthought, but should complement your existing front door aesthetic. Consider colour, material and door furniture, ensuring that it is in keeping with the original door beyond the porch.
Flooring
Don’t forget the role that flooring plays in creating an inviting front porch. Tiling is a popular option since it’s easy to clean and hard wearing. Period properties work fantastically with victorian style patterned tiling, while slate or limestone varieties support a huge range of design concepts.
Colour
Using colour to create a contemporary impression for an inviting front porch is increasingly popular. The technology to supply PVC-u framework or casements in different tones and colours is now more reliable than ever. Indeed there are now 44 different colours to choose from. Subtle tones of green and blue are fantastic to create a gentle and calming look. While more traditional neutral tones and wood grain finishes fit well for rustic or period aesthetics.
Light
A bright porch is always attractive. And with so many glass options, you can easily control the levels of light diffusion in the space. Remember that the light enters a porch from the sides rather than the roof as with a conservatory. So to benefit from maximum light, your porch should have an element of glazing both at the front and to the sides. Choose from decorative and leaded options to keep the glazing in keeping with your overall property appearance. For after the sun sets, plan how to illuminate the inside of your porch with contemporary or period fixtures and fittings.
Warmth
Modern engineered glass technology means that the thermal performance of porches is much improved. So you can avoid the extremes of temperature that have historically dogged porches and conservatories. Indeed, your porch can provide an extra layer of insulation for your home surrounding the front door. A feeling of warmth is more than temperature, though. If space allows in your porch, include seating with some soft furnishing. This softens the space and helps to build a cosy nook to welcome you home.
Greenery
The power of nature to lift our spirits is fundamental. Greenery is calming and soothing. So make sure to include some element of plant life. This could be small pots of ferns on shelving, or a larger floor plant. Perhaps consider hanging baskets if other space is limited. With the light and thermal insulation of a front porch, plants will grow well in this location. However if plant care leaves you shuddering, check out replica plant decor.
Functionality
Your front porch can have a knock on impact of decreasing clutter in the rest of your home. Plan for practical storage in your porch and you’ll reap the benefits. However, avoid filling the space with every coat and footwear for the whole family, or it’ll have the opposite effect of being inviting! Your front porch can provide increased security. Choose frosted glass for lower panels at least to reduce visibility and optimise security.
Maintenance
Your porch will remain inviting as long as it’s not ramshackle and filthy. So your choice of materials is important. Durable, practical PVC-u is popular not only for the aesthetic flexibility that it offers, but also as it is low maintenance.
We’re all unique, as are our ideals of a dreamily inviting front porch to come home to. With our wealth of experience at Bill Butters Windows and Doors, we can help you to refine your ideas into a practical and attractive design. Contact us to get planning.