Remember Allie Hamilton's wrap-around porch in The Notebook? Well, it's definitely dreamy, but we have a few more porch ideas that could elevate an outdoor oasis even more. Comfortable, stylish swings? Check. Mood lighting? Check. Now just add a beach read and a fruity cocktail, and you've got a getaway that's just two steps outside your front door. There's more where that came from—get inspired by the eighteen picturesque porches below.
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Nicole Franzen
Consider Scale
You don't need to have a large porch to make it stand out. Choose a small round bistro table with rustic stools for a small eating nook, and ground the area with a round outdoor rug. For extra seating, consider a built-in bench. Paint it white so it blends in with the floors and creates the illusion of more open space.
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Studio Lifestyle
Upgrade Your Porch Swings
There are porch swings and then there are these porch swings. For a dramatic effect, hang them from super tall ceilings. The scale alone makes everything pop. Then add round poufs for extra seating and a contrasting shape.
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PHOTO: Tom Ferguson; DESIGN: Arent & Pyke
Use Graphic Floor Tiles
A classic, graphic floor tile will personalize your front porch just enough. Then add a planter for a bit of greenery and one outdoor chair in a pop of color. Clean, simple, and city-proof.
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Brittany Ambridge
Don't Be Afraid of Color
Don't be afraid to use color. If your porch is large enough for an outdoor dining area, introduces a splash of color with your cushions. Then paint the overhang ceiling the same hue.
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PHOTO: Felix Forest; DESIGN: Arent & Pyke
Frame the Door With Plants
Frame the door with plants and a gravel garden to give your porch a grand entrance even if there isn't room for an outdoor dining nook or lounging zone. Take notes from this tranquil, minimalist landscaping situation.
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The Atlantic Byron Bay
Stick to a Theme
Hello, wrap around porch of our dreams. Give your porch a sense of place by sticking to a theme. This beach house incorporates nautical accents and leans the surfboard against the wall for a laidback, seaside feel.
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@laurenswells
Get Creative With Art
What do you do when you want art on your porch but can't exactly hang up a frame by the front door? Find furniture that gets the job done instead. These two canvas chairs are a perfect example. If you have some affordable sling chairs like this, get craft sand paint the canvas yourself.
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Thomas Loof
Slide Up a Bench
This bright circus-striped awning is delightfully upbeat and playful. It also provides the little sitting nook with shade. For a nice place to sit that doesn't require you to hang anything from a ceiling, bring in a bench. Add throw pillows to make it a little more cozy and comfortable so someone will actually be able to sit and relax for a while.
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Nicole Franzen
Set the Scene
Now here's a porch that's eternally on vacation time. Hang a hammock, install a woven drum pendant, and then set up a sitting area like this one for a laidback and rustic yet design-savvy environment.
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@laurenswells
Hang String Lights
Gather a cluster of rocking chairs and face them inwards for easy conversation. Cushions in a cheerful pale yellow hue set the scene for relaxation and quality time with loved ones. For a truly magical atmosphere, hang some string lights.
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Brian Woodcock
Give Antiques a Second Life
For a shabby chic aesthetic, bring antique wood furniture onto your patio, like this dining table and armoire. You can use it as a dining space or use it as a makeshift garden shed if you have a green thumb.
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Nicole Franzen
Take Advantage of Architectural Features
With tons of lush greenery beyond the porch railing, this sitting area is the perfect respite after a long day. Take advantage of architectural features like high arches by painting them a fun color and then line up a row of rocking chairs to lookout at the natural landscape.
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David A. Land
Consider a Built-In Banquet
A built-in banquet on the porch will get your space a more refined, polished look. Pull up some patio furniture for extra dining seating and hang an iron wrought pendant for extra overhead lighting so you can enjoy the space even after the sun goes down.
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Kelli Boyd Photography
Update It Seasonally
For a summer update that feels clean and fresh, swap out any dark colors for whites and neutrals. Installing an ceiling fan will introduce a nice breeze on those balmy nights.
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Courtesy of Lark & Linen
Be Mindful of Materials
Whether you go big with a covered patio or just add in subtle pops like a hanging lantern, no textures epitomize summer more than rattan and straw. To ready your space for entertaining, place a tray on the coffee table for drinks. Or even better, roll out a bar cart.
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Francesco Lagnese
Mix and Match Throw Pillows
Swapping out your pillows is the easy (and cost-effective) way to upgrade your front porch each season. Have fun with color, and bring in some floral motifs to reflect the surrounding landscape.
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PHOTO: Tessa Neustadt; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
Keep Things Wide Open
If you use gorgeous, rustic materials like these, the wide open space can be stylish enough on its own. Just install sconces on each side of the front door so you can see when you're going when it's dark out.
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Studio Lifestyle
Paint the Front Door
If your porch is too small for a full-blown sitting area, swing bench and all, nestle some planters together and slide up a peacock chair with a throw pillow. If you bold front door paint color will also make the space stand out without taking up more surface room. That pendant also introduces a more dressed up vibe.