Decorate porch on a three story house

by Ana
(Massachusetts)

QUESTION: I live in Massachusetts where there are many three-story houses with beautiful front porches. Any idea on how those could be decorated? The house I live in is a Grecian revival style.

By the way,I just happened to stumble onto your sight and I LOVE IT!!!!!!!! Thank you for the many wonderful ideas you give.

ANSWER: Thank you, Ana, for your kind words.

If you want to maintain the architectural style (Grecian revival) then symmetry is real important on your style home. Try to maintain that theme throughout. Our front porch guide includes a chart that shows how to connect your landscaping and porch decorating with your home's architecture.

For example, if you have a chair on one side of a window place one on the other side, too. Arrange furniture groupings the same way- equal numbers (teak or wrought iron will look great).

For plants, we suggest using geometric plantings in equal numbers. Consider adding a statue or stone planters with large plants on each of the porches.

Something else that would really look wonderful would be porch curtains on one end of the porches. Outdoor curtains would unify all three porches.

Lighting - you have many options. I'd probably look at using hanging lights depending on the size of your porches. Or even try a chandelier.

Along with all that, consider having each porch focus on a different theme.
--- One porch may be designed for dining (complete with an exterior chandelier).
--- Another porch for quiet conversations a bistro set.
--- The third porch could be your privacy nook for reading. Create an intimate setting with an outdoor rug.

Hope this gives you some few fresh ideas to consider. We would sure enjoy seeing pictures of your porches.

Enjoy your porch time,
Dave and Mary