A porch is just a must have for the summer. The porch can be a quiet place to escape and listen to the sounds of summer, a cool place to relax when the temperature indoor is soaring, and a place of conversation as the neighbors stop by to chat or while you entertain. The porch can even be romantic when you enjoy a candlelit dinner for two.
Today, my husband is cleaning out the back porch from the dust and clutter it accumulated over the winter. A good power washing will do wonders, as will rubbing the outdoor furniture with teak oil and scrubbing the furniture cushions. But all of the preparation got me thinking about some easy updates that could be done to really make the porch a place we and our guests will never want to leave.
A new coat of paint on the floor and or ceiling is a great way to bring freshness to the porch. Light blue reminds you of the sky and is said to ward off the bugs.
Consider changing out the door to your home with one made of decorative glass. This will allow more light into the rest of your home, since it can sometimes be blocked by the porch.
Hanging curtains on the porch is a great idea. You can use the curtains to block out the sun on the strongest part of the day, or you can use the curtains to create a little privacy when needed. Hang curtains just along the sides, or include the front of the porch as well. Make sure the curtains can be easily drawn open and closed for convenience.
If you have a hanging porch swing, you can add an air of elegance by swapping out the hanging chain and hardware. Instead of using the chain that came with the swing, pick up some decorative chain (that is sturdy, too) at your local home improvement store.
Enjoy!
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don’t miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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