With spring and summer approaching, I want to create a gracious front porch and entry for my home. How can I can transform this portion of my home?
"As a designer, when I look at accenting an entryway or porch I always think about the message I want to convey," says P. Allen Smith, a nationally known gardening and lifestyle specialist who resides in and operates his garden and home, Moss Mountain Farm, west of Little Rock.
For Smith, who grew up in the South, the porch and entryway area are more than just a transition between indoors and out; they are part of the living space and the first area visitors see when they come to his home.
"Personally, I always want to project the message of hospitality and create a big, glad-to-see-you welcome," Smith says. He works to keep the porch's decor consistent with the architecture and style of the house.
Color, which affects the mood of the space, is an important consideration as well, he says.
"Cool and pastel colors will create an ambience that is tranquil and restful while bright, vibrant colors will add energy and a spark to a place," he says. "If the goal is to draw attention to the front entrance of a house, always go for hot vibrant colors. Red is the ultimate eye-catcher. But remember, a little red goes a long way."
Meanwhile, soft blues or warm creams will offer a relaxed but grand feel while setting the stage for cheerful accessories, Allen says.
He adds that those who are puzzled about what color scheme to follow should let the color of the house or its trim serve as the guiding element to the perfect outdoor space.
"I find that a single piece of fabric used for cushions or throw pillows can be a useful tool and inspiration for making color selections work for a porch," Allen says. "These elements will tie the entire space together and provide simple versatility whenever the time comes for a brand new look."
Allen says he prefers using antiques for porch furnishings.
"I like to think of it as another form of recycling, as these pieces have often been transferred from one household to
another through generations," he says. "I am especially fond of vintage-style seating and accents. But when it comes to any personal style, think about how you plan to live in your outdoor space. Allen says he likes to decorate the porch just as he would a living room or an inviting family den, accessorizing with decorative container plants, artwork and ceramics to add pizazz.
"No porch or entryway is complete without robust foliage and flowers," Allen says. "For a sunny environment on a porch, I probably most like the tree form gardenias for fragrance or Sedona coleus for bold color, which is very easy to grow," he advises. "Just give them full sun and regular feedings and they will do great. For shaded areas, try caladiums -- very easy, no blooms to shed and [they] will accentuate your porch all summer long."
Just as the soft illumination of candles inside the home welcomes guests, so too can decorative lanterns and candles transform the mood of an evening porch or entryway.
"Solar lanterns come in a variety of styles that provide beauty on the brightest days and harness energy to light up the dimmest corners as sunlight wanes," Allen says.
Creating a gracious front porch or entryway can serve as a key element in entertaining.
"Remember it is a first impression for guests and a prelude to what lies beyond -- a warm, heartfelt welcome," Allen says.
-- Linda S. Haymes
Do you have a decorating or remodeling question? We'll get you an answer from an authority. Send your question to Linda S. Haymes, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark., 72203 or email:
lhaymes@arkansasonline.com
HomeStyle on 04/11/2015