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The All-Year-Round Porch

Sunday, February 24th, 2019

Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Nashua 4 Light Wooden Lantern Pendant 22050

 

Big or small, the front porch is often just a dream for a lot of homeowners. Perhaps you are one of those who – for the longest time – wanted to have a front porch where you would welcome your friends and neighbors over.

 

But, is the front porch meant to be used only during the summer months? What happens with the rest of the year when the sun’s not as bright and cheerful?

 

First, the Porch Maintenance

 

A porch that you can use all year round needs to be safe, to begin with. Prior to planning the décor that will be used in the porch, you need to thoroughly inspect the porch.

 

See if there are any broken boards. If you weren’t dutiful enough to maintain the porch in the previous months, then it could show some signs of damage by now. Make the necessary repairs which would cost around $1,350.

 

Another safety feature that you need to carefully inspect is the railing. This is a part of your porch that will prevent accidents and falls. The front porch that stands higher than 30” should have no less than a 36” railing.

 

Find out what the local codes require, though.

 

Remember that you can design the front porch so it does not become an eyesore. Instead, you can beautify it to even help improve your home’s curb appeal.

 

A wooden porch railing should also be up to code. Give this railing a fresh coat of paint. White’s a wonderful option if you want the porch to have a classic look.

 

You could also replace the wooden spindles with wrought iron or any metallic material. Doing so will give the porch a more contemporary look.

 

Enjoy the Evenings with Correct Porch Lighting

 

One other feature that will ensure the safety in your porch is the correct lighting fixture. You will clearly see the improvement once the lights are properly placed. You could begin by enhancing the overall look of the porch railing.

 

Use string bulbs to line the railings. This is an incredible look that will increase the rustic appeal of your home.

 

A trendy lantern would also be a nice addition as would wall sconces.

 

Pick the Porch Furniture

 

As soon as you know that your porch is in excellent condition, then you can begin shopping for furniture. You should also immediately include the decorative elements that would complement the theme.

 

Compared to decks, the front porch has chair requirements. So put a chair or a two with a small table if there’s still ample space. If you want to put a wooden rocking chair there for a more classic look, then go ahead. This is also an ultra-comfortable chair so you get two features with just one seating unit.

 

How about a porch swing? There are a lot of sizes to choose from. If this isn’t for you, then you can always invest in a bench.

 

Porch Décor

 

When you’ve decided which furniture pieces to buy, then it’s time to decorate. This is one of the more fun parts of porch design. Put cushions and pillows to add color to your porch. You can also use an outdoor area rug to add a little pattern and texture to the whole ensemble.

 

And since you’re about to decorate an outdoor zone, there must also be decorative plants. Use planters and large plant stands that will beautify the porch further. Add flowering plants for more pops of bright colors.

 

The Fall Porch

 

Use fall shades such as orange, reds and browns to replace the bold colors that were used during spring and summer. Get rid of the flowery patterns, too, and replace them with the bright pumpkins instead.

 

The Christmas Porch

 

A lot of homeowners never use the porch during winter. It could get too cold to enjoy any scenery so the first thing that you need to do is to cover the furniture. You can have them stored for the rest of the cold season.

 

You can replace the furniture with a Christmas tree that’s adorned with fairy lights and garlands. Use the planters for your winter greens and reds.

 

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The Perks of That Summer Porch: 7 Tips in Decorating Outdoors

Wednesday, September 6th, 2017

This Summer Home End Table pairs well with this upholstered chair for that cozy reading nook.

Summer living is not as simple as lounging about doing nothing all day. Yet there is something quite relaxing about staying in the porch as you sip your morning coffee or when you unwind after a long day at work. It’s about time to make your porch a place that people would want to spend time in.

Neutral Is the Way to Do It

Go for natural wood, blue, and sandy beige in creating a classic beach house combo. Teak furniture can also fade into a sandy gray hue when it weathers. It can also look great with indigo cushions and some freshly-cut flowers in vases.

Furnish It

Look for treasures that would function outdoors. The greatest patio furniture pieces should satisfy both function and comfort. Have a spacious table set up, one that is easy to use, and paired with comfy chairs.

These will all look great on a brick patio that sits beautifully on your new patio dining area.

Never overlook the outdoor-living chances on porches, patios, balconies, and your pocket gardens.

Make a list on what pieces you would include in your porch. You can do this by making up your mind on how to use that area. Would you want to dine al fresco? Or would you like to have a cozy reading nook?

It also matters that you choose the seats that you’ll have on your porch. Always go for the easy care types. These are mostly teak, metal, cedar, and other all-weather wicker seats.

It also pays to color-coordinate. Just as much as you make sure that the interior design of your home should be harmonized in all aspects, so should you ascertain that your porch offers a stylish balance.

Beautify with Flowers

The next time that you cut some flowers, consider putting them in glass vases. Vases of flowers, even the smallest posies are a totally unexpected addition of beauty and charm on your porch. Appreciate the blooms as you sit there and enjoy your morning coffee.

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Add a Porch Swing

What do you have in mind when you see a porch swing? Apart from having a relaxing seat, it can also be therapeutic. Scientific studies have proven that sensory experiences are improved as you do something as simple as swinging.

Freshen Up

One weekend, make it a point to redecorate your porch. Create a few DIY projects for that part of your home. Why not create a plant stand or give your porch a new paint coat? If you’re feeling up to it, then put some colorful pillows or paint the wooden planks with the Pantone color of the year – Greenery.

You can also have a surfboard displayed just by using a few, well-placed hooks. Place some sandals near the door or have them stored inside a white basket.

Cool It Down

If the heat of the sun keeps you from enjoying a lovely summer afternoon, then it’s time to install an outdoor ceiling fan. You can also have a few outdoor drapes hung.

Did you know that the air coming from the revolving fan can also keep mosquitoes from bugging you?

A Cozy Nook

Instead of having the usual huge bench, be different by setting up a small nook. Fill up the porch with just a pair of chairs and a small round or square table. Just bring out your cup of coffee in the morning, a paperback novel, and you’re good.

You can also wind down during the evenings as you sit with your loved one opposite his seat. Imagine doing this as the sun dips with a lovely orange tinge into the horizon.

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Deck and Porch Remodeling: Factors That Affect the Cost

Saturday, January 21st, 2017

This FFDM Brentwood Collection will look great on patios, decks and porches. 

Do you ever wonder how much a porch or deck remodeling would cost? Deck and porch contractors are professionals that can help you assess this. Apart from consulting with them, you can also do your own deck research.

First, you must understand a few factors that will affect the project cost (whether to increase or decrease it). These factors include the budget, height of the structure, its shape, railing length, benches and steps, permits, removal of the old structure, built-in features, longevity, your personal preference, and the cost of materials.

Let’s discuss a few –

Budget

The budget will always have a direct effect on the remodeling cost, after all, if you don’t have ample budget, then you won’t be able to create your dream porch or deck. Having a smaller budget could also mean letting go of certain features such as rails, benches and rails.

Set the budget for the deck project before you even begin it. If you don’t do this, you could end up overspending, or worse, be left with an unfinished project.

Material Costs

The deck cost depends hugely on the kind of wood that you have chosen. There are plenty of options for wood if you want to make a beautiful and improved deck. The prices vary from $1 per square foot or as high as $41 for every square foot.

Keep in mind that wood isn’t the only choice that you can use. You can also use vinyl, plastic, concrete or aluminum. All these options offer different benefits and features.

Height

The higher your deck, the more materials you are going to use to complete it. So, yes, higher decks cost a lot more. Just think of it like a home. A three-story home is a lot costlier than a studio-type home within the same community.

Shape

The deck can be fashioned in any shape that you want. It can be a basic square, the unique S-shape or it can even be abstract. The more complex the shape, the costlier it is going to be. Unique designs, after all, take more time to plan and be built. Also, they could require extra permits that standard decks no longer need.

Railing Length

Remember that not all decks need rails. If you are building one that’s off the ground or are adding to the second story, then rails are a must-have.

Rails also add a certain beauty to single-story decks. You can just have shortened rails for such. Remember that the partial rail is cheaper than the full rail.

Benches and Steps

What is the main function for your porch or deck? You are likely to be building this deck so that your friends and your family could enjoy the outdoors throughout the year. Of course, you will need benches and other seating units installed. Benches could also increase the value of the house when it’s already time to sell.

Steps are also features that are not really needful. They are nice to have, though. Steps also do not add much to the deck’s overall cost so if you want some steps installed, go ahead and do so.

Old Deck Removal

If you already have an existing deck, then it would also cost more to have it removed and then to have a new one built. It will take manual labor to remove the previous one, so, you might need to shell out an extra thousand dollars to about $1,500 for the whole project.

Permits and Insurance

Building a new deck means you are likely going to apply for a permit. Decking contractors can do this for you. This extra service will also cost you more.

Any structural addition requires insurance so if this is your first deck, then you will need to have insurance. Remodeling could require an increased insurance premium.

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The Porch – A Wonderful Place to Be

Monday, June 27th, 2016

Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Nashua 4 Light Wooden Lantern Pendant 22050 will make any porch look classy.

Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Nashua 4 Light Wooden Lantern Pendant 22050 will make any porch look classy.

The porch. This is one of the most beautifully-designed parts of a home; first, because it is the first impression that your home could have on visitors; second, because it is a place that should be classified as restful.

So when you’re out to make a remodeling project on your porch, treat it as you would a renovation project on any part of your home.

Integration

So what should be your first concern when renovating or decorating the porch? This should be how to add the porch in such a way that it would seamlessly be fused with the rest of your home. When bedroom windows line the back of the house, it is crucial to not diminish the size of each opening. The roof must not be too high so that it creates water intrusion during heavy rains or on snow storms. It is also not advisable to just extend a low-pitch roof outwards.

Define the Scope

The roofline is a sensitive project that must not be taken lightly. Your porch requirements should match the goals that you have set for the rest of the rooms in your home. The design for the whole project – not just the porch – can take months in some cases yet a good amount of your time will certainly be spent on this front part of your dwelling.

Every homeowner’s goal when setting up a lovely porch is to create a place that opens up naturally as an extension of the adjacent room. This same room, after all, has been classified into other names namely sunroom, screen porch, even the three-season room. Whatever you wish to call your porch that space, it should represent the outdoors of the region where you’re living at.

Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Finesse Scroll Rug 4700RS Clay: Every porch should have a decent rug.

Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Finesse Scroll Rug 4700RS Clay: Every porch should have a decent rug.

Screens are a great alternative to doors as they are airier although they can also keep the bugs out. Walking into a well-designed porch can be both dramatic and fun. The beholder notices the type of flooring used, the screens that have been installed from the floor to the ceiling, and the furnishings that were carefully chosen especially for that place.

How ‘Bout a Fireplace?

It is also a great idea to put a fireplace at the end of a porch. If there isn’t much of a view outside, then this fireplace will definitely steal the attention of your visitors.

It will be satisfying to build a porch that meets all your requirements. This has to be a place that is comfortable, enjoyable, and a space that evokes conversations and other social activities.

See how much you can allocate for this kind of project. It can be as pricey as a living room project but it will definitely be something worth your budget. A porch project could easily cost $300 for every square foot.

Define the Activities

After evaluating the amount of space that you will allocate for the porch, it’s time to define what kinds of activities will be held in that area. Depending on the amount of space that you have assigned, this place can be a play area for kids, a simple sitting room, or it can also be a breakfast nook. If you live in an area where winters are harsh, then make sure to find furniture that is versatile in these kinds of harsh weathers.

Essential Additions

You need to carefully consider the flooring material that will be used on your porch. Use a rug and allow it to dry when it is not in use. This is so you would prevent mildew from growing. Covered porches, on the other hand, should have jute or sea grass rugs. These can bring color as well as texture to an often dull space.

Humans often create porches so they can have a great view of the outdoors. If there isn’t a picturesque view to enjoy, then consider hanging flowers in urns, basket plants, and planters with green plants. These small additions could make your porch more fragrant and comfy so go ahead and bring ‘em there.

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