In many older homes the porch was the only refuge before gazebos and kitchen tents came along. If your home has a porch that is only being used as a pass-through and drop zone for shoes and school books you might want to take another look at this underutilized summer retreat.
Small or large, a screened-in porch can be a great summer escape where you can read a book or enjoy a summer breeze in relative comfort. Making the most of this three-season living space is easier than you think. By adding a few creature comforts you'll wonder how you ever got along without this summer sanctuary.
First things first
Take an assessment of the basic layout of the space including potential repairs, lighting needs and privacy concerns so that you have an idea of what needs to be done. Decide how you want to use the space. Will you be reading alone on a porch swing or will the family want to enjoy meals on the porch? Assessing your needs will help you determine what furniture and accessories you might need to complete this project.
If the porch is sound and the screens are intact then you can start planning your layout. Determining your furniture needs would be a good place to start. You want to use furniture that can be left out all year so that you don't have to haul it out and store it during the winter. Collapsible outdoor furniture can work if the space is tight but if you have room, treat yourself to some comfortable pieces. A good option is to find pieces that have sturdy frames that can withstand the weather and removable cushions that can be stored away during cold months. Treated wicker or outdoor teak furniture with removable cushions is one option but look around to see what suits your needs. You'll want to stay away from upholstered pieces that will absorb moisture over time and become musty.
Furniture in motion
Porch swings, rocking chairs and gliders are great options for a porch. The gentle movement of a swing or rocker is a very relaxing experience that is conducive to reading and napping. Try to find at least one piece of furniture that provides this relaxing effect. Hammocks are another porch must-have though some are not as comfortable as they might appear. Check out your options before you install one. Hammocks also take up a lot of space so if space is at a premium, I'd opt for a rocking chair or a glider.
Floors
A porch with a wooden slat floor is craft painters' heaven! Paint the porch floor in a clean, fresh colour and then go nuts with the decorative painting. Faux area rugs, stencils, borders or designs can be painted onto the floor to create a very unique and fun space. Give the walls and ceiling a fresh coat of paint while you're at it. Wicker throw mats will provide comfort underfoot and can be shaken out, hosed off and hung to dry if need be. They are also fairly inexpensive and can be replaced if they get too dirty over the season. Indoor/outdoor carpeting is another flooring option but I prefer to let air get to the wooden floor so that moisture doesn't build up and damage the wood. If you choose carpeting, ensure that it can be rolled up and stored away during the off season so that the wood can properly dry out.
Privacy
If privacy is a concern use simple roll-up blinds or lightweight fabric panels to provide privacy and sun protection as needed. Light filtering sheer fabric panels weighted down at the bottom hem will billow softly in a breeze and will allow some natural light into the space while maintaining privacy. (Hint: Weigh down the panels by inserting metal washers along the bottom hem. The more washers you use the more the panel will stay in place.) The effect will be a summery cabana-like retreat. If the ceiling in your porch is unattractive consider draping the same fabric to create a soft canopy over the space. Another great way to dress up the ceiling is by suspending colourful kites that will softly sway on a light breeze.
Accessories
A decorative tray holding a cheery pitcher and glasses for lemonade will be a welcome sight in your summer retreat. Magazines and books, flip-flops and comfy toss cushions are all necessary items for a relaxing summer afternoon. Soft music and patio lanterns during the evening can create a magical, romantic getaway. Aside from these creature comforts bring in items that make the space fun and inviting.
You can add colour inexpensively with beach balls, kites (as mentioned above), plastic picnic ware, beach towels and mats and so on. The stores are full of great summer accessories right now so have some fun. A straw hat here a wind sock there and presto; you've created a cheerful summer retreat.
Other fun accessories you might use are things like fishing rods and tackle, butterfly nets, sea shells, coloured sand in clear containers, beach pebbles you've collected, driftwood, potted flowering plants, novels and magazines, gardening implements, bird feeders and houses and so on. Hang a few hummingbird feeders outside so you can watch them as you relax in your bug-free space.
Screen gems
A quick tip for fixing window screens: if you find that you have a small hole in your window screen, don't replace the entire screen, just use two strong fridge magnets (preferable in a decoration that suits the space) and place one on either side of the hole. The magnets will adhere to each other, cover up the hole and add decoration to the space. Finally, a use for all of those fridge magnets!
Enjoy creating your summer retreat! You only need a little space to create a big impact on your life.
