When considering curb appeal, many people think of landscaping, paint color or driveways. But the front porch is a time-honored element of curb appeal – representing welcoming ambiance and relaxation. Many homeowners even have cherished memories attached to a front porch from their past.
There are many types of porches that you may incorporate into your custom home design, and each one can impact the way you use and live in your property. Designing a front porch that is beautiful, useful and durable requires some proactive planning. You’ll need to envision both aesthetic and functional aspects of the style you choose.
Which Front Porch Represents Your Lifestyle?
Your front porch creates the first impression of your home and sets the initial tone for guests. There are several standard choices for porch design.
- An open “farmer’s porch” is typically elevated above the ground and provides an open area across the entire front of the home. This porch may also wrap around multiple sides of the home, as is often seen on farmhouses.
- A bungalow porch design is characterized by columns and a finished roof. It is generally an extension of the home’s entranceway.
- Porticos are among the least functional designs, simply providing a cover for people entering or leaving the house.
- A gable roof porch exhibits a striking triangular construction, often with exposed wood beams that invoke a rustic feel.
- The front entry porch, or “stoop,” is a poured cement slab without covering.
Custom Front Porch Details
Your porch design should reflect the architectural features that characterize the house’s overall style, such as stone columns or wood supports. Like the rest of the home, your choices regarding colors and materials will make your home look classic or contemporary, urban or country. The features that you will consider when designing this area may include:
- The size, color, and style of the front door
- Available seating areas and accommodations, such as a porch swing
- Task and ambient lighting options, such as overhead lights and sconces
- Screens to protect against insects and allow for a more comfortable outdoor experience
- Live plants and greenery to create a natural setting
- Ceiling fans to cool down the Florida heat
- Stairs, steps, or ramps for accessibility
- Skirting or railing options
- Electrical outlets, audio speakers, or other lifestyle features
Porch Flooring That Elevates Design
Conventional home designs often utilize a plain cement slab for the front porch area, perhaps adorned with a simple welcome mat. But there is no reason to adhere to this rather sterile option when designing your custom home. Consider utilizing tile or flagstone instead, whether you prefer monochromatic or colorful designs. Wood or wood-look flooring that’s rated for outdoor use can add considerable warmth to farmhouse or colonial-style porches. Ask your custom home builder about the latest outdoor flooring options to design a truly special and welcoming porch.
Bruce Williams Homes: We Excel in Custom Details
One of the best aspects of working with a custom home builder is that you will make decisions regarding floorplan and finishes and all of the details that are important to you. Since Floridians spend so much time outdoors, styling a custom porch is an important element of the project. At Bruce Williams Homes, we help you make all the decisions – from porch lamps to kitchen islands. You can count on our expertise – from the largest elements to the most minor details. After all, we’ve been building custom homes on the Gulf Coast for over 50 years.
Call Bruce Williams Homes today to learn more about building your high-quality custom home in Sarasota or Manatee County. We’d love to bring your vision to life.
When considering curb appeal, many people think of landscaping, paint color or driveways. But the front porch is a time-honored element of curb appeal – representing welcoming ambiance and relaxation. Many homeowners even have cherished memories attached to a front porch from their past.
There are many types of porches that you may incorporate into your custom home design, and each one can impact the way you use and live in your property. Designing a front porch that is beautiful, useful and durable requires some proactive planning. You’ll need to envision both aesthetic and functional aspects of the style you choose.
Which Front Porch Represents Your Lifestyle?
Your front porch creates the first impression of your home and sets the initial tone for guests. There are several standard choices for porch design.
- An open “farmer’s porch” is typically elevated above the ground and provides an open area across the entire front of the home. This porch may also wrap around multiple sides of the home, as is often seen on farmhouses.
- A bungalow porch design is characterized by columns and a finished roof. It is generally an extension of the home’s entranceway.
- Porticos are among the least functional designs, simply providing a cover for people entering or leaving the house.
- A gable roof porch exhibits a striking triangular construction, often with exposed wood beams that invoke a rustic feel.
- The front entry porch, or “stoop,” is a poured cement slab without covering.
Custom Front Porch Details
Your porch design should reflect the architectural features that characterize the house’s overall style, such as stone columns or wood supports. Like the rest of the home, your choices regarding colors and materials will make your home look classic or contemporary, urban or country. The features that you will consider when designing this area may include:
- The size, color, and style of the front door
- Available seating areas and accommodations, such as a porch swing
- Task and ambient lighting options, such as overhead lights and sconces
- Screens to protect against insects and allow for a more comfortable outdoor experience
- Live plants and greenery to create a natural setting
- Ceiling fans to cool down the Florida heat
- Stairs, steps, or ramps for accessibility
- Skirting or railing options
- Electrical outlets, audio speakers, or other lifestyle features
Porch Flooring That Elevates Design
Conventional home designs often utilize a plain cement slab for the front porch area, perhaps adorned with a simple welcome mat. But there is no reason to adhere to this rather sterile option when designing your custom home. Consider utilizing tile or flagstone instead, whether you prefer monochromatic or colorful designs. Wood or wood-look flooring that’s rated for outdoor use can add considerable warmth to farmhouse or colonial-style porches. Ask your custom home builder about the latest outdoor flooring options to design a truly special and welcoming porch.
Bruce Williams Homes: We Excel in Custom Details
One of the best aspects of working with a custom home builder is that you will make decisions regarding floorplan and finishes and all of the details that are important to you. Since Floridians spend so much time outdoors, styling a custom porch is an important element of the project. At Bruce Williams Homes, we help you make all the decisions – from porch lamps to kitchen islands. You can count on our expertise – from the largest elements to the most minor details. After all, we’ve been building custom homes on the Gulf Coast for over 50 years.
Call Bruce Williams Homes today to learn more about building your high-quality custom home in Sarasota or Manatee County. We’d love to bring your vision to life.
