A Petite Petworth Front Porch — The Perfect Place for Afternoon & Evening Porch Sitting
The cherry blossoms are at full bloom in DC and spring is officially here this week…and, if you haven’t already, now is the time to make updates to your outdoor space to make the most of it for the months ahead.
Whether you have a small balcony or much more, here are a few things you may want to consider as you make your plans:
Know your needs. Even if if you have the most expansive deck, patio and yard, you’ll want to consider the primary ways you use your outdoor space. Do you want a place to relax with a morning cup of coffee (or evening cocktail), an outdoor dining room and/or a place to host bigger gatherings? With smaller spaces, design for your most frequent use case and, with larger spaces, create zones of function that flow well together and are connected stylistically through finishes, fabrics or otherwise.
Plan for the elements. If you don’t know already, identify the how the sun tracks with regard to your space(s) and ways you may need to block it to maximize enjoyment (and minimize burns). Whether a cantilevered umbrella, floating sunsails anchored to your house and fence, a pergola or a retractable awning, identify the best option for the scale of your space, your particular challenges and, of course, budget. If a bigger project is on your mind, consider a screened porch or gazebo to make the most of the space for the longest periods of time. Aside from the sun, they can protect from rain and mosquitos, too. Finally, don’t forget your furniture and make sure to purchase covers and/or stow cushions to maximize their life and minimize dirt, fading and more.
Be mulitpurpose(ful). With smaller spaces (and not), identify pieces that can serve several functions. Think a ceramic stool that can be an extra seat in a pinch or an accent table for a drink. Just as with indoor spaces, you can seek out modular outdoor sets that allow an ottoman to be a coffee table or create a chaise addition to an outdoor sofa.
Add mood lighting. Thoughtful outdoor lighting will not only extend the hours of use but also create ambiance. If you have a sunnier space, consider solar-powered options, which allow for flexible installation without an electrician or extension cords. Garden lights strung along a fence are an easy add, but also consider lanterns (candle-based or electric) that can moved around where needed and fixed lighting sources, like sconces, that attach to your house.
Materials matter. Pay attention to the materials used for pieces — from lounge chairs to accent tables — and make sure you understand how to care for them and ways extend their life (like the aforementioned covers). There’s nothing wrong with less expensive options if that fits your budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t and shouldn’t work extend their useful life.
Have fun. Use neutrals (from off-white to gray to navy) to create a base and then bring in with more colorful accessories like outdoor rugs, throw pillows and table decor to add in your personal style. This approach allows you to customize the space for holidays and gatherings easily by adding a few simple touches, like red and white striped pillows to your navy outdoor sofa and a star-shaped serving tray to your table to celebrate the 4th of July.
If you’re looking for personal recommendations on how to revive your outdoor space, don’t hesitate to reach out. Here’s to more gatherings — indoors and out — this spring and summer for all!
Amber Harris is the owner of At Home DC, an interior decorator and a licensed real estate agent with Keller Williams Capital Properties working with clients in DC, Maryland and Virginia.