Thinking about adding a front porch — or making your old, worn porch area brand-new with a fresh remodel? It’s a great idea to do so, because your front entrance makes your home inviting and attractive.
But to get the best value from your new front porch, you’ll want to choose the right design and features. There are so many choices to get your Chicago home the unique front porch you deserve.
Design the Porch of Your Dreams
Choosing the right porch style and features for your home will give you years of delight. It’s also a smart investment, as a lovely, stylish porch adds to your house’s value. Learn more about how the right porch for your architecture boosts return on investment.
Here are some top trends and designs to choose from.
Choose Your Overall Porch Style
If you’re wondering how to blend your home’s unique look and your goals—not to worry! There are several porch types that provide a place to relax and receive guests:
- Open porch — This elevated entry area is open to the air and has wide steps to make guests welcome.
- Wraparound porch— This extends around two or more sides of a house, frequently seen on colonial styles, and great for enjoying the outdoors.
- Screened or covered porch — This surrounds your entry with screens (or windows) to protect against bugs and weather, perfect for fresh air in all four seasons.
- Specialty porch — Featuring a unique style or shape (such as curved or asymmetrical), specialty porches are a beautiful complement to Craftsman or super modern houses
Match Colors and Features to Your Home’s Existing Look
Think about how your new porch will extend your home’s appearance, and choose design elements that will be aesthetically pleasing. This is key because your porch will impact curb appeal, which affects your home’s value.
- Pick complementary colors — Paint, decking material, and elements such as metal railing should all be selected to blend nicely with your home’s roof, siding and landscaping.
- Add flair with decorative details — To bring out your home’s unique style, look for ways to emphasize its design. For example, if you have a Victorian with cool geometric patterns or flourishes, find sconces with similar elements.
- Match siding features — Some homes, such as Craftsman style, may feature stonework. Tie that into the porch by wrapping the bottoms of your porch pillars with a similar stone siding.
Furnish to Create the Specific Use You Desire
Consider how you’d like your new or remodeled porch to add to your home lifestyle, and invest in features and furnishings to match. Examples include:
- Living room style — If you want to lounge outdoors, invest in comfy, cushioned seating and tables where you can eat, read, and relax.
- Beachy feel — Stay cool in the hottest months of the year with a light-colored beach theme, bamboo style chairs, and windows or screens to allow air flow.
- Scandinavian simplicity — Give a classic, inviting, relaxed feel to your porch by blending the open porch style with warm neutrals, mixed materials, and simple furnishings (like a comfy swing). This versatile look matches just about any architectural style!
Make the Most of Your Available Space
Create a balanced look for your home by ensuring the design of your porch is fitting for the space you have.
- Add a story — If your house has two or more stories, you can take advantage of the elegant, added square footage you get with a tiered porch. Enjoy outdoor living on both floors!
- Bring backyard style to your front yard — If your front lawn is super spacious, consider making the porch more like a full deck. Add a lower area at the level of your grass for lounging, and an upper level that leads into your front entrance.
Don’t Forget the Details
A porch involves more than steps and decking. Be particular about every element that you’ll include, such as railings, beams, and lighting.
- Match siding features — Some homes, such as Craftsman style, may feature stonework. Tie that into the porch by wrapping the bottoms of your porch pillars with a similar stone siding.
- Mix materials — Don’t be afraid to color outside the lines by choosing unusual features that will make your home stand out. A bold, large hanging decoration may be a nice touch. Or, line the exterior of the porch with rustic stone or wood siding.
Choose the Right Material to Give Your Porch Long Life
Ensure that you get the top performance out of your new or upgraded porch by using a material that is made to truly last. Our team appreciates the exceptional value that TimberTech® composite decking provides.
This impressive porch material stands up well to Chicago’s demanding, wet, windy weather. It looks lovely. And it comes with a transferable 25-year warranty to give you peace of mind.
Discover how TimberTech decking benefits Chicago homeowners.
Envision Your Perfect Porch Installed by Our Pro Team
Whether your existing porch needs a refresh or you’re building a brand-new porch addition to expand your outdoor living space, the perfect solution awaits you when you work with Siding & Windows Group. We are a certified contractor for TimberTech, which means we use our expertise with this product to deliver the highest-performing, most natural-looking porches and decks to grace Chicago homes like yours.
As a customer, you’re our #1 priority—and we provide superior service from your first call to the final walkthrough and beyond. Discover how our trustworthy team can transform your front porch.
