An attractive porch creates a favorable initial impression.
When it comes to enhancing curb appeal, cost doesn’t have to be an issue. Often, hidden within the dark corners of your basement or buried under the cluttered mess of your garage, lie all the necessary elements for a successful makeover.
By mixing a few new items with leftover paint, extra furnishings, and unused accessories (items you once believed would never again be showcased prominently), you can achieve remarkably surprising outcomes.
To start with, let’s delve into some property math. Given that the typical Canadian house has an approximate price of around $680,000 and spans roughly 2,000 square feet, this equates to an average cost of about $340 for each square foot.
A typical porch spans about 15 feet by 7 feet, equating to an area of 105 square feet. If you multiply this size by $340 per square foot, you get a total value of $35,700. Although real estate professionals typically do not assign specific monetary values to front steps, we utilized these calculations to highlight how much potential worth could be lost if the available space is not effectively utilized.
If you want to create a powerful initial impression, regardless of whether you’re upselling or preparing your home for continued occupancy, putting some effort into it can make a significant difference. Here’s a simple summary of tips and strategies to maximize the potential of what you currently have:
First up
If your porch has turned into a resting spot for abandoned bicycles, stacks of old newspapers and magazines, along with used furniture that didn’t make it to the donation center, it might be time to do some cleaning out.
Given just one opportunity to create a lasting initial impression, it’s high time to take action. Swap out any portions of deteriorated wood trim or banisters, and refresh the painted surfaces. Ensure windows and doors are clean so that natural light can shine through.
Soft furnishings add décor
Before getting carried away with wall colors, think about your neighbors; even though you love Barbie pink, a saccharine-hued patio could cause them severe distress.
Frequently, opting for accessories proves to be the smarter choice. Soft furnishings serve excellently as accents and are simple to swap out whenever you desire a fresh appearance.
When planning your update, it’s enjoyable to blend old and new elements; combining personal touches with carefully chosen modern additions helps you appreciate your hard work.
Portable focal point
Much like how a softly glowing flame brings warmth to a living room, a compact contemporary fireplace has the potential to enliven an exterior area.
There are numerous charming setups powered by bio-ethanol. However, as always, a bit of common sense is essential: keep them away from combustible materials and avoid leaving them unattended.
Fun with furniture
When planning an investment for your porch, consider how you plan to use this area. If space is limited, you might need to decide whether to opt for a compact couch or a petite table with seating where you can observe the activity outside.
As such, with thoughtful planning, you may manage to fit both items; for instance, a woven loveseat paired with a bistro table could serve as an excellent middle ground and the perfect place to relish a midday soda and sandwich.
Choose an outdoor rug that complements your cushions and throw pillows. Enhance the space with plant stands, ceramic decor, and art pieces for extra flair.
A vintage-style outdoor clock could add charm, along with antique railway signs, maps/charts, or modern abstract garden sculptures. To find distinctive pieces that make your area unique, keep tabs on Facebook Marketplace or eBay for quirky finds.
Lanterns, candles, and votive candles bring dynamic lighting, yet similar to outdoor fireplaces, handle them carefully for optimal enjoyment. Don’t overlook the power of sunlight either—Rona’s solar lamps continue to perform admirably, just like when we first embedded them into our topiary pots a few summers ago.
Include a porch swing for an unbeatable outdoor atmosphere. Picture yourself soaking in the street scene: children engaged in a game of road hockey, neighbors tending their gardens, with everybody around envying your relaxation and wishing they too could unwind as freely as you do.
Consider purchasing Adirondack chairs; these have an ergonomic design with slanted backs that aid relaxation, and they feature broad, level armrests ideal for holding either a book or a glass of cold Pinot. You can find them at large retail outlets in numerous colors and made from different materials ranging from teak to reclaimed plastic.
Fond of flora
Balance indoor and outdoor spaces by incorporating vases filled with flowers or fragrant edible herbs harvested directly from your garden to sidestep the expenses at floral shops.
Place welcome hanging baskets and arrange vibrant foliage in troughs attached to the porch rails. Should space be limited, position matching containers flanking your entrance filled with daphne, one of our favorite fragrant plants.
Finally, it’s time for some tinkling sounds. Consider placing strategically located wind chimes of different sizes around your space; these can produce soft twinkles or resonant gongs. They help set the ambiance and also act as effective “white noise” to drown out street noises and nearby chatter.
Tune into Citytv’s Breakfast Television and watch for Colin and Justin on their show, “Colin and Justin’s Sub-Zero Reno,” available on Paramount+. You can also find the Colin and Justin Home Collection at retailers throughout Canada.
Visit
www.colinandjustin.tv
