What is one feature that you can add to your
home that will definitely increase its value not only monetarily? There
is the ingredient of a “special place” to relax, to dream about
tomorrow, and to slowly sip a cool, smooth drink on a hot, sticky day.
Also, this is a great place to chat with the neighbors or visiting relatives,
to admire the seasons, nature and its abundance of color and change, and
to take a catnap when the need calls for one.
All of the above relate to something as simple as a porch. Whether
it is on the back of the house, across the front of the home, or
even to the side - there is so much value in having a porch. It
can even do duty as a breakfast room where you start your day and
anticipate what the day will bring over a cup of coffee.
It can be an elaborate structure with pillars and graceful archways
or it can be as simple as a screen enclosure where you step out
from the kitchen to the delight of the sunshine, the sweet smell
of morning, and the sounds of the birds. Taking into consideration
the type of home you have, you can then plan with size, material,
and style. Whatever the final outcome is, the real statement will
be the comfort and enjoyment a porch can bring. And if you add
a porch swing - then you do have the makings of a wonderful place
just outside of your home. If a porch swing is not in the plans,
then a padded rocking chair, a few tables, assorted chairs, and
plants will do the trick.
Porches are fun to decorate but they should never become just
another convenient storage shed. They should be uncluttered, colorful
and comfortable. There should be easy access to the home so that
food and drink can be easily brought it and out. Porches can be
three-season or year-round with a few extras added.
Whatever your budget allows, inspiration and imagination in decorating
your porch take precedence. Wicker, wood, or other natural features
are the most soothing and relaxing.
Bright, beautiful colors and a lot of windows or screens, if enclosed,
to bring in the sight, sounds, and smells of the great outdoors.
Accessories can be anything that helps provide a relaxing, comforting
atmosphere.
There is one drawback to having a porch. The neighbors will take
notice and start stopping by as they take a stroll in the evening
breezes, and relatives will stay just a little bit longer. A porch
is a great place for children to play and to entertain their friends.
Small tables so that games, puzzles, or other activities can be
set up and a storage box for toys provides a lot of fun and entertainment,
and mom is just a step away.
Whatever your budget or home style, a porch can be added that
will delight and give you hours of pleasure. The size of the porch
is not important, as long as there is space to stretch out and
wile away the hours sipping that cool drink, dreaming, planning,
or just taking in the beauty of your garden, your flowers, or the
trees that line your street.
A porch opens up the world just a little more, and allows everyone
to have the opportunity to stop, chat, and share the latest. It
is a gathering place of great friends, conversation, and relaxation.
It is well worth the time and effort because it will bring back
more in home value, and personal value. It adds charm, comfort,
and inspiration. It will become that special place where family
and fun can be relished and cherished in a relaxed and soothing
atmosphere.
Hope there’s a porch in your future!
ENJOY!
©
Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 June 1
About the Author
Arleen Kaptur has written numerous articles,
how-to books, cookbooks, and the novel: SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN
JAMES
Websites:
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving/
http://topica.com/lists/simpleliving
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