July 10th, 2019

Make the Most of Your Outdoor Living Space

Porches are great for adding curb appeal to your home, but they also serve another purpose – they extend your living space outdoors and into nature, where you can enjoy the gorgeous Hill Country scenery. Studies have shown that spending time outside and in the fresh air is good for your health, and having an inviting porch makes it that much easier to get your daily dose. With these easy tips and ideas, you can turn this often-underutilized space into your favorite hangout spot in the whole house.

Think Functional

Porches are valuable living space, so chose pieces that do double-duty and not only add some design flair, but also offer a level of functionality. A small table and chairs offer a place to get some work done from home, or dine alfresco and enjoy the fireflies. A rocking chair or porch swing provides seating so you can sip iced tea and chat with neighbors as they stroll by. Or, hang up a hammock for a cozy place to read a book or take an afternoon nap.

But everyone is different, so make sure to use the space for what you really need it for! Hang up some hooks for dripping raincoats and dog leashes, include some storage for outdoor toys or create a space for dirty shoes to stay outside where they belong. The options are endless!

Personalize It

If you make the space uniquely yours, then you’ll be much more likely to want to spend time there. Hang string lights to up the ambiance in the evenings. Incorporate your favorite color or pattern with throw pillows or a durable rug. If you’re a gardener, then the porch is a perfect place to show off containers of flowers, herbs and vines. Or, succulents are a hardy, easy-to-care-for option if you’re more notorious for your black thumb!

For even more inspiration on how to make the most of your porch, take a look at our Front Porch Living Pinterest board.

At Homestead – a new home community located in Schertz, Texas – homes include some of the most sought-after features in their designs, including spacious front and back porches. To learn more about everything Homestead has to offer, join our Interest List.