Front porch designs are usually modeled after your home’s architectural style — such as Country, Craftsman, Contemporary and Victorian. The style of a porch should fit the architectural style of your home as much as possible otherwise it will look out-of-place and diminish your curb appeal. Just as important as deciding the style of your porch, is deciding the purpose for your porch.
Ask yourself if you plan on using your porch for entertaining or for quiet time? Do you have a view you want to take advantage of or are you looking for privacy?
Take for instance, the Vida Carinosa House Plan.
This design takes full advantage of a large lot with views with a covered wraparound porch and plenty of outdoor living spaces.
How you pull together architectural style, landscaping, columns, millwork and furniture will make your porch the envy of the neighborhood and a great place for gathering.
Here are some common architectural styles to get you started.
Classical Style Homes
Most Classical Style designs have porches that range in size from small to large. These designs typically have a central entrance and an equal number of windows on each side of the door. For landscaping, use trimmed hedges, brick walkways and geometrical plantings in containers. Base your furniture selections around teak — a gorgeous and durable outdoor wood.
Colonial Style Homes
Colonial designs feature porches that are typically small in size with a pediment and accented with crown moulding, pilasters or columns. They feature double-hung windows or multi-pane windows in pairs on each side of the front door. Landscaping should include brick pathways, large symmetrical plantings on each side of the door and geometric beds. Choose a striking front entry door with etched glass. Classic teak furniture creates a warm, stylish look.
Farmhouse Style Homes
Farmhouse designs have large wraparound porches with high windows, shingled or metal roofs with dormers and gables and simple mouldings. For landscaping use symmetrical plantings, mixed beds and borders. No farmhouse is complete without a set of rocking chairs. Brick, flagstone and stepping stones make for an attractive walkway.
Victorian Style Homes
Victorian home designs feature large, one-story wraparound porches. They may have multiple verandas with some on the second level that can be accessed from the master suite. You’ll find elaborate decorative details like mouldings and intricate balustrades.
For landscaping consider using symmetrical and colorful plantings in containers or window boxes on your steps or balustrades. Wrought iron furniture is very complementary to this style.
Which of these front porches is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
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Christine Cooney
Christine has over a decade of experience as a house plan and floor plan expert. Outside of providing her expertise to customers to help them find and build their dream homes, her passion and knowledge of the home building industry allows Christine to guide families and builders through all of the important steps from finding plans to building custom homes that meet the expectations of today’s new home owner. Christine’s years of knowledge of the diverse trends and needs of the modern homeowner has made her into an authoritative and trusted voice in the online house plan community.