Front Porch Sitting: Creating Spaces that Make Memories
For decades, the front porch has served as a place where families have sat and relaxed after a meal while listening to the strumming of a guitar and the voices of playing children. It is a place where stars were counted in the sky, dates were kissed good night while dad flickered the lights saying, “time’s up,” and many great conversations were had. Grandads have shared stories on front porches, fish were counted, and tea was sipped.
Sometimes I think about how many people must long for those front porch moments again- those moments when time stood still for a bit, and laughter passed through the walls. But then I think about how it doesn’t take much to recreate those front porch days and how easy it is to refresh your porch by adding a few rockers, some potted plants, and even a small lamp and table to add a warm glow at night. Coat that old front door with a fresh coat of paint, and add a simple metal door knocker and an inviting doormat, and that “old” front porch can begin to bring endless smiles to residents and visitors alike.
Speaking of doormats, there are so many great doormat sayings these days! While traditional sayings like “stay awhile,” “come as you are,” and “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord“ scroll across many doormats, funny ones like “no coffee no knockie” and “warning this house is protected by dust balls” have begun to adorn the front stoops of homes.
While there was a time when front porches began to disappear due to housing trends, architects are beginning to hear the heart cries for front porches again. As landscapers and lighting experts, we hear those requests, too. A common request we receive is, “how can we make a sitting area like a front porch when we don’t have one on our house?!” While you can certainly add a structural addition to your home, for many, that option is too costly. However, for those that don’t have a front porch, there are some wonderful budget-worthy solutions. Consider a flagstone sitting area with Adirondack chairs, a porch swing in a tree, a free-standing swing under the trees, or a small bench tucked in the garden areas. Surround this alternative front porch space with colorful plants that attract butterflies and birds, and it becomes a perfect spot for a short break in your day. If this new porch space is being designed as an evening spot, professional landscape lighting such as moon lighting can create a magical ambiance for evening visiting and relaxing. No matter how you design or revamp your front porch space, it doesn’t take much to create a small gathering area that can create great memories for years to come!