There’s nothing quite like kicking back on a shady porch on a warm summer day. Front or back, screened or open, porches provide a relaxing and homey outdoor space. Here’s some inspiration for creating the perfect porch. Just add lemonade.
[modern hurricanes]
Inject a little ambiance with West Elm’s modern take on the classic hurricane candleholder. These Pierced Porcelain Hurricanes were inspired by constellations in the night sky and will cast a beautifully dappled glow across your porch. Available in small, medium and large sizes. Photo: West Elm.
[outdoor hearth]
Adding a custom-built fireplace into your screened or covered porch provides a beautiful focal point while extending the outdoor living season. This fireplace, constructed by Heartlands Building Company, is a Napoleon vent-free gas fireplace with a natural stone surround. Photo: Heartlands Building Company.
[front add-on]
If the front of your house lacks character, you can always add on a stately front porch. Mosby Building Arts helped this Webster Groves home go from overlooked to inviting. The new porch is constructed of low-maintenance Azek and vinyl with cultured stone column bases, and is artfully blended into the façade of the house and its grounds. Photo: Mosby Building Arts.
[sleeping swing]
Curl up and get comfy on the River Run Sleeping Porch Swing by Woodard. It has a modern rustic style, crafted of resin over aluminum frames designed to look like natural birch branches. The cushion is the size of a standard twin mattress and is perfect for a quick nap or overnight sleeping in the fresh evening air. Photo: Woodard Furniture.
[outdoor rug]
A quality outdoor rug adds soft comfort and an element of design to your porch. The easy-care Floral Surry outdoor rug from Plow and Hearth is made of durable heat-set polypropylene and simply hoses clean. Shown in green; also available in navy blue and ivory. Photo: Plow and Hearth.
[cool breeze]
Keep the summer air flowing on your porch with a stylishly practical ceiling fan. The Islander model from Wilson Lighting in Oil Rubbed Bronze finish has 22-inch-wide composite woven bamboo blades and provides a laid-back, tropical vibe that looks especially great on a poolside porch. Photo: Wilson Lighting.
[retractable screens]
Unsure if you want a screened or open porch? Automated retractable screens by Phantom from Broadview Screen let you have both at the touch of a button. These powered screens cover openings up to 25 feet wide by 16 feet tall and come in a variety of mesh options for insect, solar and privacy protection. Photo: Broadview Screen.
[multi-purpose furniture]
The brand new Splay Workstation by Crate & Barrel provides multifunctional style and easily fits on any porch. Use it to house gardening tools and plants, or set it up as a self-serve bar at your next party. It includes five removable hooks on the back slats to hang any type of tools. Photo: Crate & Barrel.
