Make a great first impression with these simple front porch decor ideas that add style and charm to your home! Recreate the look with decor sources at the bottom of the post.
This front porch is in the middle of a makeover…it’s about to have its moment in the spotlight since seeing all the other spaces in and around our home get some much-needed attention.
You see, since the deck is near-completion, this front porch was starting to look a little sad. Okay, maybe a lot sad. With the peeling paint and rotting wood, it didn’t hold a candle to it’s younger, brand new, outdoor entertaining competition.
While we have made quite a few changes to the front porch (removed a ramp, changed out the window and front door, added a new light fixture) the main decking area was still a peeling and cracking mess.
Our long game for this front porch is to tear it off completely when we build the wrap-around deck/porch (I’m not sure what it’s called when it’ll function as both – any ideas?). However, said project isn’t in the plans for awhile, at the earliest next summer but more than likely, not for another two years. In our world of project planning, two years isn’t that far off. But when you’re unhappy with the way something looks and the area is as frequently used as our front porch, it seems like an eternity.
I mentioned this in our post about repainting the painted cabinets but it’s worth repeating: if you’re not happy with something in your home, change it.
It was last Saturday when I was standing on the front porch, talking to Brett about the deck and driveway. I was looking down on the newly sanded wood and then looking at where I was standing, not even remotely happy with the comparison. The idea of giving the front porch a face lift immediately popped into my head and soon thereafter it was decided – another project to add to the list.
I started sanding the main front porch boards on Sunday, finished sanding late morning on Wednesday, survived my first experience with a power-washer that afternoon and quickly put it all back together to photograph in the evening.
Now, I am at what one may call an impasse. You see the posts and railing? I am not sure what to do with them. I could A) sand it all down and stain them the same color as the deck, or B) paint them white to match the door or, C) paint the bottom half white and stain the top half the same color as the deck.
I held a poll on Instagram Stories over the weekend, asking followers to vote between option A and B – staining everything seemed to win by a marginal amount.
I didn’t think about doing the half-and-half until a few days later. I’ve picked up paint stripper and a small can of outdoor paint. I’ll be testing it out this weekend so follow along on Instagram if you want to see it in real-time.
If you’re in need of a porch or entryway refresh but sanding down the deck isn’t in the cards, swapping out furniture is a much easier option that makes an impact!
If you remember last year’s front porch tour, we had two brown rocking chairs in front of the window. Swapping in these second hand wicker chairs (shoutout to Hannah for thinking of me when she saw them!) was a simple way to update the area without all the hard work.
The only “new” purchase I made to put together this simple front porch were the blue and green leaf pillows, which were actually found in Target’s clearance section – so basically it doesn’t count, right?! 🙂
Point being, if you don’t have a huge budget, consider buying new pillows or throw blanket or vase and “shop the house” for the rest of the items. This system is my favorite because not only is Brett happy that I’m not bringing even more decor items home but I also get to flex my creative muscles and update a space that needs some love. It’s a win-win for everyone.
For even more outdoor inspiration, check out the other talented bloggers’ spaces below and a HUGE thank you to Tara at Lehman Lane for putting this blog hop together!
All our best,
Shop the simple front porch decor
[post contains affiliate links, which means we make a small commission, at NO additional cost to you, if a purchase is made. thanks for supporting north country nest!]
Navy patterned throw blanket | gift (similar on Amazon)
Wicker chairs | second hand (similar at Home Depot)
Tree throw pillows | Target (similar)
Galvanized planter | Pottery Barn
You have such a charming home and from porch. I am coming over so i can feel that amazing mountain air. Everything reminds me of this pretty mountain house I stayed in when we vacationed in North Carolina. You are truly lick to live there. the dogs must love it.
Thank you for the kind words, Maria! We don’t have mountains here in Minnesota but I wouldn’t mind waking up to them every morning! 🙂
I love those bamboo-looking armchairs on your porch! There’s so much charm in this space. I’d love to see how your posts and railings look after they’ve been painted. Good luck! Your dogs are adorable by the way!
Thank you, Tee! We think the pups are pretty cute too 🙂
Your front porch looks great Kelly! Love the new wicker chairs and I vote for painting the columns white until you get around to adding a wrap around porch/deck (can’t wait to see that!) Have a wonderful summer and thanks so much for sharing your porch with us!
Thank you, Tara – and thanks for hosting! I am leaning towards the white, too 🙂
I love those chairs! And your dogs are adorable. Can’t wait to see what you guys do with the wrap around porch!
Thanks, Meg!
What a lovely place to kick back after a long day of DIYing!
Yessss, it’s perfect for relaxing!
Your porch is looking great! Love the new chairs! I vote white for the columns! Can’t wait to watch your progress, you have such good style!
Thank you, Samantha! We are leaning towards white, too 🙂