Let’s Whip Your Front Porch Into Shape!
Part of the beauty of Interior E-Design is I am able to design rooms for my clients all over the country. Recently I was thrilled when a client contacted me from North Carolina to help her design her front porch! They have three young kids, so they envisioned a place where they could sit and watch their kids ride their bikes in the street. Since I’m a Northerner (who secretly dreams to be a Southern Belle), I had visions of sweet tea and long conversations into the warm summer nights. What I also loved about this front porch makeover, is my client wanted a fun, whimsical style with a cheery and unique look.
And now that summer is upon us, many of you are also looking at your tired porches who have survived the winter months. And now you are probably searching for ways to update your front entry or front porch area. Luckily just a few items will make all of the difference.
Today, I have 6 FREE Front Porch Mood Boards to Share with you!
Grab some inspiration, find some items that will work in your space, or simply use one of these as a Front Porch Makeover Mood Board Guides to add some lovin’ to the first thing you see when you pull up to your house!
I first want to share my most recent Real Postbox Project Mood Boards from this front porch makeover in North Carolina.
FRONT PORCH MAKEOVER MOOD BOARD #1: BRIGHT AND BOLD
If you are lucky enough to have a larger porch or patio, the first thing to look for is some comfy seating. Treat your front porch like you would a living room, and look for furniture-style patio furniture (#2). The perfect (an inexpensive way) to add some color and personality is with outdoor throw pillows (#3 and #4) Add in side tables (#14) and coffee tables, so you WANT to stay outside (and have a place for that glass of lemonade). If you need some extra privacy, such in this case, add another living room staple: outdoor curtains (#7). Adding durable outdoor curtains can give you privacy from the neighbors or filter out the hot sun.
Outdoor rugs can easily be found for under $200, and this one clocked in at under $100 (#1). And if you are thinking about the floors of your front porch, then don’t forget about the top as well! Update your lighting (be sure it is rated for outdoor use) with a new light (#9) or fan. And in the South there is no choice but a Haint Blue for that front porch ceiling (#5)! We added her requested whimsy and “razzamatazz” (her exact request in her Design Questionnaire!) with a felted ball garland (#15) and charming front porch mat (#13).
FRONT PORCH MAKEOVER #2: NEUTRAL MODERN
Her front porch makeover Version #1 had bright, bold colors. But what if you like something a bit more neutral and modern? Start with this aluminum sleek loveseat (#2) paired up with this affordable outdoor geometric rug (#1). Outdoor throw pillows add (#3 and #4) still add some color to the space. My client requested some possible outdoor art, so I suggested these custom Roman numeral prints from Etsy for just over $5 each (#10). Other neutral and modern touches are a fan (#8), these modern agave planters with FAUX PLANTS (a must-have for all of us brown thumbers!) (#7). Additionally, these sleek side tables (with extra storage inside) are a killer deal at less than $40 each (#15). But my FAVORITE part of this Front Porch Mood Board are these tiny cement planters you can hang from your ceiling! How adorable are these? Add a tiny succulent inside and hang several of these in a whimsical little grouping (#6).
FRONT PORCH MAKEOVER MOOD BOARD #3: COLORFUL COTTAGE
For this next Mood Board we are going back into the Postbox Designs vault from last year, where I designed this front porch for a client (who is also a friend). Everything on this Front Porch Mood Board is extremely budget friendly but also kid-friendly. This bare wood bench can be left as is, OR painted a fun color. Pile on these bright, colorful throw pillows and you have the perfect spot to wait for your kids to hop off the bus. Don’t feel like you have to go crazy with a multitude of planters and flowers (unless that brings you joy!), instead adding a pair of two of them near your front door is all you need.
A super easy front porch makeover simply requires a new coat of paint for the front door (like this creamy blue-gray tone) and a new wreath. This front door wreath can be swapped out with the seasons for a 30 second front door makeover (my favorite kind!) by swapping out the ribbon on it. If you want to see more of this front porch makeover (including the finished look!) find it all right HERE!
FRONT PORCH MAKEOVER MOOD BOARD #4: NEUTRAL FARMHOUSE
If you love the Fixer Upper Farmhouse look, you will love this neutral, simple front porch makeover. A simple farmhouse style bench (with a pillow or two) is simple but oh so practical. Add these black lanterns on top of your bench or nearby for a layered look. You can even leave little love notes to your kids on this chalkboard (I suggested leaning it against the house so as not to put nails in the siding) OR try a round mirror (like in the above Mood Board #3). Adding something to your walls on your front patio makes it seem homey as your family room inside. Keep your plantings super simple with greenery in these faux rattan planters (try succulents, ground cover, or ferns!). Again, you don’t need to go on a crazy spending spree, just even creating a tiny vignette on your front porch can make all the difference.
So which look did my client choose? Bright and Cheery or Farmhouse? Find out right HERE!
FRONT PORCH MAKEOVER MOOD BOARD #5: TRADITIONAL MEETS INDUSTRIAL
Is that a thing? Traditional AND Industrial?! I don’t know because I just made it up, but this would be the love child of the two! I think if I was forced to simply choose one favorite front door color it would be this PERFECT shade of yellow called “Hawthorne Yellow” from Benjamin Moore. Then add in other traditional elements like these ornate urns and a custom address plate (which you can get inexpensively at a big box store such as Home Depot). This door metal entry set and door knocker add in those dark pops against the pale yellow door. And finally, the industrial element is this gorgeous but simple new outdoor sconce.
I created this Mood Board as part of my 30 Day Design Challenge, so find the whole blog post along with the sources right HERE and replicate this look for yourself.
FRONT PORCH MAKEOVER MOOD BOARD #6 BUDGET FRIENDLY PORCH
And finally if you are saying, Kristin-this is great but my budget is tiny! How about $150 for a complete porch makeover? Last Spring I created this “If I had $150 Mood Board” with a soft gray front door, a DIY planter, and budget friendly outdoor light fixtures and front address numbers. If you love the cottage style or run a bit traditional, then this front porch makeover could float your boat. Find it all, along with all of the sources right HERE!
Looking for an entire summer update in your home? Then you are in luck my friend!
Introducing the Postbox Designs 5 Day Design Challenge
If you need some simple room updates in your home, but feel overwhelmed about where to start, this 5 Day Design Challenge is going to give you the step-by-step ways to make your home more beautiful AND practical. Think of it as a free interior designer (me!) popping into your inbox five different times over a few days. I’ll be there to hold your hand through the entire process.
Best yet, it is totally FREE. Sign up HERE…The fun starts on June 15!
Here’s a sneak peek at Day 1: How To Create the Perfect Bedding with just 4 Items!
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