Double Front Porches Stack Up Comfort
Twice the space, twice the outdoor pleasure. A double front porch lets you enjoy views, fresh air and company that much more
We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic (www.mydesignchic.com).
We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic (www.mydesignchic.com).... More »
The front porch is often considered the quintessential element of Southern architecture — it has long been the perfect place for enjoying the view, catching a breeze or simply setting a spell, as they say in the South. Front porches were the original social networking tool, a pretelephone way for neighbors to commune, visit and catch up without ever leaving the comfort of their own homes.
If one porch is good, two must be better — especially when an expansive view is involved. The tradition of building double front porches in the United States goes back to the first settlers. But if you ask us, it's an architecture staple worth holding onto. Here are a few things to consider when tackling the double front porch.
If one porch is good, two must be better — especially when an expansive view is involved. The tradition of building double front porches in the United States goes back to the first settlers. But if you ask us, it's an architecture staple worth holding onto. Here are a few things to consider when tackling the double front porch.
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by Craig Denis
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| Any pair of porches is a great addition to the front of a home, but if they wrap around, all the better. Wraparound porches guarantee plenty of space for sitting areas, dining spots and of course, that all-important hammock for catching an afternoon nap. |
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| The column is a crucial feature in the front porch, both structurally and aesthetically. Traditionally, the front porch column is large, cylindrical and features an ornate capital. |
by Jamison Howard
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The ceilings of front porches old and new have long been painted blue for a variety of reasons. Tour guides in Charleston, South Carolina, claim that the color keeps the bugs at bay and was originally introduced to keep spirits away. Some claim it extends the daylight hours. Some simply like the color, since it reminds them of the sky.
In the South, the perfect front porch color is referred to as Haint Blue. Fortunately, most of the major paint companies have a formula for that perfect shade, making finding the right color easy.
In the South, the perfect front porch color is referred to as Haint Blue. Fortunately, most of the major paint companies have a formula for that perfect shade, making finding the right color easy.
Ceiling fans enhance the already fabulous breeze off this pair of porches. They are great on balmy summer nights.
by Jamison Howard
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Settlers of the South began building double front porches, mimicking the look of their Palladian ancestors. Two symmetrical floors with columns became the look of the day. The tradition has stuck, as evidenced by this 2006 Southern Living ideahouse built on Charleston's Daniel Island.
by New Old, LLC
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Choosing a proper porch railing is almost as important as picking the porch itself. Straight spindles, curved spindles or even wrought iron are all varieties of porch railings that give a home a distinctive look.
by Craig Denis
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Of course the orientation of the home dictates the orientation of the porch. Before the days of air conditioning, houses were ideally built facing south, so that they could benefit from winter light to heat the house while still capitalizing on the breeze and shade that's so necessary for summer.
For year-round enjoyment, a screen on one of the porches helps keep bugs out and adds a bit more privacy.
Read about more porch pleasures
Read about more porch pleasures
Comments
robkat Swooon.
12 months ago · Like
jannie Oh, to nap right now, falling asleep in the afternoon while reading a good book and just the subtlest creak of the chains of the porch swing. Don't anybody spoil this by honking their horn. You may only wake me with the clink of ice in a gin & tonic.
12 months ago · Like
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lyvia A double porch on the east or especially west side of a house will save lots on air conditioning by shading and cooling the entire side of the house. It's passive energy efficiency in a hot climate.
12 months ago · Like
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Marie Meko, Allied ASID I need a Mint Julep!
12 months ago · Like
saya85 i wish we had houses like this in england! the closest we have are victorian/edwardian porches and balconies..... oh to have weather hot enough so we could swing on a hammock or require an outdoor ceiling fan! *sigh*
12 months ago · Like
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davidspiper Could you do this with an arts and crafts style house? Anyone have any pictures?
12 months ago · Like
Sara Parker Wasps don't make nests on our blue porch ceilings.
12 months ago · Like
betsywk Porches were a necessary part of houses in the South before air conditioning. Tall (12' or so) ceilings and transom windows also helped, as did central hallways facing prevailing breezes. Since air conditioning, houses have often been built without these features, but they're still wonderful (and more expensive). I've always heard that the blue porch ceiling was to prevent wasps from nesting there.
12 months ago · Like
ShowHouse home & garden This photos look like the works of Historical Concept. The go-to architectural firm rooted in Southern vernacular .
5 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on June 21, 2012.
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