02 May . 2017
Pretty Your Porch for Summer
The fresh flowers dotting our parks and the cheery sun rays flooding our trails can only mean one thing. Spring is here! And with summer around the corner, our social calendars are already brimming with backyard barbecues, patio game nights and porch-side parties.
Looking to refresh your outdoor ambience? Garman Homes, one of our acclaimed builders, shares their design-savvy secrets to creating the perkiest patio for summer soirees.
Plan Your Pathway
Outdoor design 101! If your porch has a backdoor or an exit onto the lawn, draw a clear path of travel from your home’s door to the exit. Refrain from cramping the traffic flow with large pieces of furniture or small décor that can trip your guests.
Create a Cozy Corner
Anchor your porch with a sectional and a coffee table, which are often sold together. Garman Homes’ design experts recommend investing in high-quality pieces in a neutral color. You can then easily (and inexpensively!) change styles and color patterns with pillows, rugs and décor. Keep the table scaled appropriately, allowing room for people to navigate around it. If you have kids or are entertaining guests with kids, opt for a round coffee table without sharp edges.
Add Eye-Catching Accents
Spice up your style! Layer solid and patterned pillows, create dimension with a textured area rug, and add a pop of color with light-weight curtains on screened porches. When choosing a rug, be sure to opt for a heavy outdoor piece that won’t flip in the wind and pose a tripping hazard. Include a terrarium with succulents to add vibrant greenery to your vista without the hassle of high-maintenance flowers.
Beautify Your Bar
All porches need an eye-catching bar to serve afternoon lemonade and cold cuts or evening cocktails and charcuterie. Choose a narrow credenza or a simple outdoor console that will nestle smoothly against the wall without impeding traffic. Opt for pieces with exposed legs that won’t block the view of the back yard, and select hearty outdoor materials, such as teak, to ensure that your furniture lasts.
Light Up the Night
In addition to table and floor lamps, create a cozy ambience with rope lights lining the perimeter of the porch or string lights zigzagged across the ceiling. Add warmth and light with flameless candles that also provide a safe environment for kids.
Looking for more design tips? Check out ways to create a family friendly home!