10 Welcoming Front Porches Ready for Warm Weather
Designers have created inviting architecture with spaces fit for enjoying wildlife, nature and people walking by
It’s getting to be the perfect time of year for sitting out on the front porch relaxing, chatting and watching the world go by. These 10 projects show different styles of architecture with one thing in common — a front porch that welcomes you and makes you want to linger in a shaded breezy spot. Check out how architects, designers and builders improved these new builds and remodeled homes by including a front porch.
Of course, no true Southern porch is complete without a comfortable porch swing or rocking chair. The owners of this home can take in the beautiful surrounding landscape while relaxing outdoors in theirs.
Browse porch swings in the Houzz Shop
Browse porch swings in the Houzz Shop
2. Modern Farmhouse Style
The overhang of this modern farmhouse’s porch in Northern California helps reduce the amount of strong sunlight that streams indoors. At the same time, it gives the house a homey and inviting facade. The architects at PatriARCH Architecture used a standing-seam metal roof to add a traditional agricultural touch.
The overhang of this modern farmhouse’s porch in Northern California helps reduce the amount of strong sunlight that streams indoors. At the same time, it gives the house a homey and inviting facade. The architects at PatriARCH Architecture used a standing-seam metal roof to add a traditional agricultural touch.
The decking brings warm contrast to the exterior’s crisp black-and-white color palette. White roses add a special touch to the yard and the porch.
3. Added to a Historic Barn
This remarkable 1800s converted barn in Buck’s County, Pennsylvania, has two new roof overhangs that provide symmetry to the facade. One forms a front porch; the other forms a carport in front of the garage. The copper standing-seam roofs and stone columns of these structures accentuate the agricultural architecture.
This remarkable 1800s converted barn in Buck’s County, Pennsylvania, has two new roof overhangs that provide symmetry to the facade. One forms a front porch; the other forms a carport in front of the garage. The copper standing-seam roofs and stone columns of these structures accentuate the agricultural architecture.
A comfortable seating area allows the homeowners to enjoy the bucolic rural views. The wooden American flag, a rustic wood ceiling and gooseneck barn lights fit right in with the barn-red board-and-batten siding.
4. Just Right for Wine-and-Cheese Night
Multiple gables, a cupola and a long front porch add architectural appeal to this stunning new farmhouse designed by Cummings Architecture + Interiors. The stone retaining wall surrounds the house with natural texture and speaks to the vernacular historic stone walls seen around this Weston, Massachusetts location.
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Multiple gables, a cupola and a long front porch add architectural appeal to this stunning new farmhouse designed by Cummings Architecture + Interiors. The stone retaining wall surrounds the house with natural texture and speaks to the vernacular historic stone walls seen around this Weston, Massachusetts location.
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The wood decking and beadboard ceiling add warmth to the porch. The seating area is just the spot for enjoying cheese, crackers, grapes and a crisp glass of sauvignon blanc with a loved one.
5. Historic Grandeur Restored
You won’t believe the condition this porch was in before designer Carl Mattison got his capable hands on it — check out the “before” photo. He restored the 1906 Victorian-era architecture to its former splendor, making it a gem in Atlanta’s historic Grant Park neighborhood.
You won’t believe the condition this porch was in before designer Carl Mattison got his capable hands on it — check out the “before” photo. He restored the 1906 Victorian-era architecture to its former splendor, making it a gem in Atlanta’s historic Grant Park neighborhood.
The curved portion of the porch had not been used in over 40 years. Now it’s a wonderful gathering spot. The bright blue floor and haint blue ceiling play off the original stained glass transom windows.
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Shop for outdoor dining furniture
6. Lakeside Farmhouse Style
Plan + design created this beautiful modern farmhouse on a lake in Georgia. The key element that gives it farmhouse style is a long front porch with a standing-seam metal roof.
Plan + design created this beautiful modern farmhouse on a lake in Georgia. The key element that gives it farmhouse style is a long front porch with a standing-seam metal roof.
While the other side of the house faces the lake, the front porch view across the fields to the trees is just as compelling. Striking features include board-and-batten siding, antique brick flooring, a tongue-and-groove ceiling with recessed lights and beautiful copper lanterns.
7. Perched High Above the Street
This front porch in Atlanta sits a full story above street level, providing a wonderful view of the neighborhood and the trees.
This front porch in Atlanta sits a full story above street level, providing a wonderful view of the neighborhood and the trees.
McKinney & Son Builders gave the porch inviting style with a knotty wood ceiling, glass entry doors painted a bright mustard color and wood-and-metal railings. Two modern Adirondack rockers provide a spot for intimate conversation.
On the other side is a Georgia porch must-have — a porch swing. And there’s another must-have for sticky Southern summers: a ceiling fan (two in fact).
Check out our beginner’s guide to get started on your home project
Check out our beginner’s guide to get started on your home project
8. Wrapped Around the Entry
This unique Atlanta front porch by Chapman Design Group wraps around the front door, creating two separate outdoor rooms. To the left are a porch swing and two wicker rockers.
This unique Atlanta front porch by Chapman Design Group wraps around the front door, creating two separate outdoor rooms. To the left are a porch swing and two wicker rockers.
To the right are two more wicker rockers, cooled by a ceiling fan. A wood-and-glass door flanked by two planters gives the entry a strong presence. And brick arranged in a herringbone pattern adds texture and personality.
9. Classic Style for a New Home
The large front porch gives this new build by Tindall Architecture Workshop classic curb appeal. Architectural elements include substantial traditional columns, French doors, a pediment and a flagstone floor that adds a wide variety of colors.
The large front porch gives this new build by Tindall Architecture Workshop classic curb appeal. Architectural elements include substantial traditional columns, French doors, a pediment and a flagstone floor that adds a wide variety of colors.
Two lounge areas flank the front door. Extra-cushy outdoor furniture and ceiling fans make this porch a place in which to while away hours chatting, reading or napping.
10. Small yet Smart
You can still enjoy a lovely front porch even if space is limited. The small porch off the entry of this Los Gatos, California, home gives the entry strong presence. The gable over the porch and entry area is an architectural feature that creates a sense of symmetry and grandeur on the not-so-big home.
You can still enjoy a lovely front porch even if space is limited. The small porch off the entry of this Los Gatos, California, home gives the entry strong presence. The gable over the porch and entry area is an architectural feature that creates a sense of symmetry and grandeur on the not-so-big home.
Though the porch is small, designer Juliana Linssen had plenty of room to add a double rocker. And the wood decking and ceiling tie into the farm-style front fencing. The cute gooseneck barn lamp over the front door is the icing on the cake.
Share: Have you ever lived in a home with a front porch? If so, please share your favorite things about it in the Comments.
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Share: Have you ever lived in a home with a front porch? If so, please share your favorite things about it in the Comments.
More on Houzz
Read more stories about porches
Browse thousands of porch photos
Hire a local general contractor
Shop for your porch
The front porch of this new home by Herlong Architects on South Carolina’s James Island greatly contributes to the architecture’s easy low country style. The designs of the parking court, carport and breezeway contribute to the view from the porch due to the thoughtful composition and use of materials, including brick, aggregate concrete and bluestone.
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