Porches are making a dramatic comeback in home design, often getting more attention than decks or patios. This is likely due to the desire many homeowners have to return to a simpler way of life. A great porch design will not only add to the beauty of your home but will also provide you with a place to entertain guests or relax with your family and friends.

Up your home's curb appeal

What could be more welcoming than a beautiful and inviting front porch added to a home? Whether you prefer the old-fashioned look of a wooden porch complete with a vintage porch swing or prefer a lavish porch with stone pillars, a front porch will up the curb appeal of your home. A well-designed porch will make a great first impression when guests arrive at your home.

A place to relax

If you remember the childhood days of porch sitting in your neighborhood, you are not alone. Once a popular pastime, porch sitting is making a comeback in communities as neighbors gather for fellowship on someone's front porch or to share a glass of iced tea or lemonade on a hot summer afternoon. The front porch is also a great place to relax with a good book or take a nap in a lounge chair.

Extend your home's functional use

When creating a porch design, you can choose the option of having your porch enclosed to make it useable year-round. Glassed porches can be heated and cooled like the rest of your home and can be used in any season for a home office, kids' playroom, or for an extra dining area. Screened porches are a great option if you enjoy the great outdoors and like feeling a summer breeze but want to avoid annoying insects.

Grow a mini garden

A front porch gives you extra space to try your hand at container gardening. Dedicate one side of your porch to growing an herb garden or vegetables to use in cooking or to share with neighbors. Choose attractive ceramic containers for growing your produce to increase the aesthetic value of your front porch.

A porch can be as simple or as extravagant as you like depending on the design style you choose. Porches were popular many years ago but got less attention when decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens became the rage among homeowners. Fortunately, the front porch is making a comeback and is once again getting all the attention it deserves.

For more information, contact a porch builder near you.