The Farmhouse Porch

The farmhouse porch provides shade and plenty of opportunity for relaxing and entertaining. It also calls to mind an idyllic, slower-paced lifestyle. See what other design elements set this porch-style apart from the rest.

If the porch is elevated, a decorative lattice can keep the house looking neat while deterring animals from nesting in the crawl space below. Lattice is inexpensive, plentiful, and available at almost every lumber yard and home center.  

A farmhouse porch can be screened-in, allowing for virtually bug-free outdoor living and dining. This porch is located in the rear of the house, where it is convenient to the kitchen and privacy of the backyard.

The oft-overlooked ceiling can benefit from a variety of treatments, from pressed tin to a vibrant color. This ceiling is finished in beadboard and painted light blue to contrast the stained wood floor. 

Nothing aids relaxation and reflection quite like time spent on a porch swing. This graphic black swing looks modern next to retro armchairs. For similar items, try Home Decorators for the classic swing and Crate & Barrel for the chairs. 

If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!