The Beauty Of A Porch

The Beauty Of A Porch
By Arleen M. Kaptur, Fri Dec 9th

What is one feature that you can add to your home that willdefinitely increase its value not only monetarily? There is theingredient of a “special place” to relax, to dream abouttomorrow, and to slowly sip a cool, smooth drink on a hot,sticky day. Also, this is a great place to chat with theneighbors or visiting relatives, to admire the seasons, natureand its abundance of color and change, and to take a catnap whenthe need calls for one.

All of the above relate to something as simple as a porch.Whether it is on the back of the house, across the front of thehome, or even to the side - there is so much value in having aporch. It can even do duty as a breakfast room where you startyour day and anticipate what the day will bring over a cup ofcoffee.

It can be an elaborate structure with pillars and gracefularchways or it can be as simple as a screen enclosure where youstep out from the kitchen to the delight of the sunshine, thesweet smell of morning, and the sounds of the birds. Taking intoconsideration the type of home you have, you can then plan withsize, material, and style. Whatever the final outcome is, thereal statement will be the comfort and enjoyment a porch canbring. And if you add a porch swing - then you do have themakings of a wonderful place just outside of your home. If aporch swing is not in the plans, then a padded rocking chair, afew tables, assorted chairs, and plants will do the trick.

Porches are fun to decorate but they should never become justanother convenient storage shed. They should be uncluttered,colorful and comfortable. There should be easy access to thehome so that food and drink can be easily brought it and out.Porches can be three-season or year-round with a few extrasadded.

Whatever your budget allows, inspiration and imagination indecorating your porch take precedence. Wicker, wood, or othernatural features are the most soothing and relaxing. Bright,beautiful colors and a lot of windows or screens, if enclosed,to bring in the sight, sounds, and smells of the great outdoors.Accessories can be anything that helps provide a relaxing,comforting atmosphere.

There is one drawback to having a porch. The neighbors will takenotice and start stopping by as they take a stroll in theevening breezes, and relatives will stay just a little bitlonger. A porch is a great place for children to play and toentertain their friends. Small tables so that games, puzzles, orother activities can be set up and a storage box for toysprovides a lot of fun and entertainment, and mom is

just a stepaway.

Whatever your budget or home style, a porch can be added thatwill delight and give you hours of pleasure. The size of theporch is not important, as long as there is space to stretch outand wile away the hours sipping that cool drink, dreaming,planning, or just taking in the beauty of your garden, yourflowers, or the trees that line your street.

A porch opens up the world just a little more, and allowseveryone to have the opportunity to stop, chat, and share thelatest. It is a gathering place of great friends, conversation,and relaxation. It is well worth the time and effort because itwill bring back more in home value, and personal value. It addscharm, comfort, and inspiration. It will become that specialplace where family and fun can be relished and cherished in arelaxed and soothing atmosphere.

Hope there’s a porch in your future! ENJOY! ©Arleen M. Kaptur2002 June 1

About the author:Arleen Kaptur has written numerous articles, how-to books,cookbooks, and the novel: SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES Websites:http://www.arleenssite.com http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.comhttp://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving/http://topica.com/lists/simpleliving