| Architectural Style | Porch Characteristics | Landscaping and
Furniture Ideas |
Classical home styles such as Federal, Revival, Tidewater, Antebellum
 | Porches range in size from small to large; usually roofed; symmetrical facades with central entrance ways; an equal number of windows flank each side of the door. Roofs are either hipped (sloped on all four sides) or gabled; porch columns are classical or rectangular in design
| Landscaping: Clipped hedges around porch; use brick walkways leading to porch, use geometric plantings in containers on porch
Porch furniture: Teak furniture |
Victorian home styles such as Gothic Revival, Italian, Queen Anne, Eastlake
 | Large, one-story porch that extends across one or two sides of the house; may have multiple porches with some on the second level; steep roofs of asymmetrical shapes; round or square towers; bay windows, ornamental spindles and brackets | Landscaping: Symmetrical and colorful plantings in containers or window boxes on porch; use elaborate details (moldings) on porch between posts or columns and around door frame
Porch furniture: Wrought-iron furniture
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Post-war home styles such as Cape Cod, Ranch, Raised Ranch, Split-Level
 | Rather small porch and most without roof or overhang; siding is usually clapboard, shingles or brick; symmetrical appearance; multi-paned windows (double hung); centered front door (often with a roof-portico); decorative shutters Pediments over the door, consider an overhang, small roof, or awning over door, upgrade door frame, extend porch to either side for additional space (perhaps a patio adjacent to porch for plants and chairs)
| Landscaping: A low sheared hedge along the base will emphasize its horizontal profile, include a few simple plants with contrasting shapes, match plantings on either side, use stone walkways leading to porch
Porch furniture: Naturally weathered or painted wooden furniture |
Early 20th century style such as Arts and Crafts, Craftsman, Bungalow, Cotswold
 | Arts and Crafts (Craftsman) Homes: Porches have thick square or round columns, stone supports One or two stories; wood, stone, or stucco; exposed roof rafters; | Landscaping: Symmetric or asymmetrical plantings depending on specific house design, use layered, natural looking plantings, use a mix of wood, brick, in, on, and around your porch, use stone walkways leading to porch
Porch furniture: Wooden garden furniture with simple lines
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Colonial style also Dutch, Garrison, Saltbox
 | Porch is usually small in size with a pediment and perhaps more ornate door frames; narrow clapboard siding (could be bricked) Crown molding or a pediment over the front door: pilasters or columns; double-hung windows or multi-pane windows in pairs on each side of front door | Landscaping: Brick pathways, symmetrical large plantings on each side of the door, geometric beds, make the porch/entrance dramatic with striking door color and wreath
Porch furniture: Classic teak furniture, geometric placement is the key
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Farmhouse English/Country
 | Large wrap-around porches; tall windows; shingle or metal roofs; dormers and gables; lat siding; simple moldings and trim; odd, irregular shape; lack of ornamentation; tall, over-sized windows; natural materials like cedar or stone; blends with natural surroundings | Landscaping: Use symmetrical plantings, simple painted garden furniture, rockers and a swing of course! Use brick. flagstone and stepping-stone walkways to access the porch. Also consider using prominent features like arbors and pergolas. Use mixed beds and borders around porch.
Porch furniture: Use teak or heavy wrought-iron furniture.
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Contemporary or modern also Bauhaus, International, or A-Frame
 | Porches are usually large and can be covered or not; not easily distinguishable due to many shapes but the general rule is the presence of large, tall panes of glass. Odd, irregular shape design; lack of ornate moldings; wood or stone siding; blends with natural surroundings
| Landscaping: Use asymmetrical plantings in, on, and around porch; evergreens around porch is common; flagstones for walkways
Porch furniture: Stained or weathered furniture |
Neo homes also neo eclectic, neo colonial, neo-Mediterranean, post-modern
 | Porches are usually ground level, deeply shaded with arches; usually incorporates a mix of details imitating the architecture of Spain, Italy, Greece, and Morocco. Often called Mediterranean, Spanish, or Hispanic. Low-pitched roofs; red roof tiles; stucco siding; arches above doors, windows, and porches; heavy wooden doors
| Landscaping: Usually asymmetric bold plantings; incorporate herbs and plants with silver foliage, and brightly colored vines. Where feasible, use succulents and other drought-tolerant plants in the Southwest
Porch furniture: Metal, artistic, or contemporary furniture |
Mediterranean or Spanish Colonial
 | A distinguishing characteristic is the extension of the side or front wall to form a porch; blends with environment, usually built from stucco or coquina rock; thick stucco walls to conserve heating and cooling; limited ornamentation arched entrance ways; wooden roof supports over porches | Landscaping: Symmetrical or asymmetrical plantings depending on specific house design; use Mediterranean herbs and plants with silver foliage, use brightly colored vines to cover stucco walls Use tile or cut-stone pavers for walkways; include water features
Porch furniture: Wrought-iron furniture
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Southwest Prairie
 | Southwest houses usually have one-story porches with massive square supports; come in two styles--boxy and symmetrical or low-slung and asymmetrical. Roofs are low-pitched, with wide eaves. Brick and clapboard are the most common building materials.
| Landscaping: Often symmetrical plantings, use succulents and other drought-resistance plants; use gravel and tile/sandstone for walkways
Porch furniture: Heavy, carved wooden furniture
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