Front porches and entries that say ‘welcome’
home and the vibe of your neighbourhood, says Fenimore. One client of hers, an artist, added artificial flamingos to the lawn around her front door. It wouldn’t work in every neighbourhood, Fenimore says, but at this house the effect was “jazzy and classy in a fun way, without being too kitschy.” INCLUDE SEATING Even a small front porch may have room for a little bench, and these designers say it’s worth adding seating. Tiny as your space may be, Craig says, “think of it as an outdoor room.”
Fenimore likes porch swings, which don’t have to take up much space and are welcoming. A simple canvas seat cushion matched with indoor/outdoor pillows can create a perfect space for reading or having coffee in the morning, she says.
Outdoor seating offers not just a spot to relax, Czajkowska says, but can double as a place to rest your bag while searching for keys.
It may even be worth investing in an expanded porch area to make space for seating, Fenimore says. She remodeled her own front porch to create a sitting area. BE BOLD WITH COLOR A beautiful, bright colour can make an otherwise simple front door area look special. When you pass homes with brightly colored front doors, “you drive by and think, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s really pretty,’” Fenimore says, and it “gives you the warm fuzzies.”
Dark front doors painted black or charcoal have also become popular and work well on some houses.
“Personally, I don’t care for dark-colored doors unless it speaks to the rest of your home’s architecture and design esthetic,” says Czajkowska. “However, I do think your door should be impactful, whether that means painting it a bold colour or letting the beautiful craftsmanship and hardware shine.” ACCESSORIES “Beautifully crafted house numbers,” says Czajkowska, “add a ton of character, while highlighting and playing off of the other architectural details on your home.”
Ditto for outdoor lighting: “Selecting good outdoor lighting can make or break the ambiance of your home,” she says. “Gas lanterns add an instant charm and set a cozy vibe, but if you don’t want to go with gas, make sure to choose warm lighting that creates a soft glow.”
Craig and Fenimore agree: Sweating the details can pay off handsomely.
“Whether you have a little space or a lot,” Fenimore says, “be creative with even the smallest things.”