Porch Makeover
Worn-out mismatched shoes scattered about, a mud-caked welcome mat, and the pile of sporting equipment from last weeks game. If your front porch makes you cringe, here are some ideas that will have you throwing a porch party in no time.
Begin with your front door as the centerpiece of your porch. Install a stylish handle and lock system that enhances the door’s look and style. Next, paint your door to make it stand out and compliment the color of your house and trim as well. Use a thin bristle brush for minimal streak marks and be sure to brush top to bottom, not side to side. If you have glass in your door, hang a curtain that compliments the color.
Move on to the surface of your porch. Old, dirty wood can be pressure washed and cleaned. The boards can be carefully removed and flipped. Apply a stain that accents the wood’s contour and brings the surface to life. Stains can be applied with a medium nap roller pad.
If you have a concrete porch, pressure wash the surface as well. Fix the chips and cracks with a ready-mix concrete surfacer and a margin trowel. Finally, use a thick nap roller pad and apply a weather and slip resistant paint.
The theme of your porch is the next step. Maybe a garden theme. Antique vases filled with plastic plants or twigs, flanking each side of your door, are a good start. Hanging baskets filled with freshly picked vegetables such as zucchini, squash or corn give a sense of nature and health. Planter pots with Roma tomatoes or green bell peppers lining the steps add color and set the stage for the landing. Even a decorative bucket with a small spade, garden gloves and a watering can will bring the theme to life.
Finally, organize; your porch still needs to function. Get a matching basket or a rustic chest for your shoes. Make a habit of cleaning your mat once a day or get a bristled shoe brush. You may even want to put a coat rack in the corner to hang your sports bag and backpacks on. Imagine your porch as the portal to your kingdom; the details are up to you. Have fun, be creative and enjoy the project.
