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nan_lewis29

Boring Front Porch "design" help needed!

4 months ago

We just finished having our front stoop and path rebuilt and now we want to style it with appropriate outdoor design furnishings, for example, lanterns, planters, maybe outdoor rocking chairs? Looking for stylish ideas to make the front stoop look finished, inviting, the design must be in harmony of the architectural styles in our neighborhood which include a variation of Traditional Capes, Dutch Colonials and Salt Boxes. Our home is a traditional expanded cape. Here is a photo of what we are working with. The porch is 153" x 63".

Are there online tools that could provide mock ups? I am not sure what type of professional to engage for consultation? An interior design person seems off as this is the exterior. A landscape architect seems off as there is no work except finishing design elements? Advice greatly appreciated.


Comments (10)

  • 4 months ago
    last modified: 4 months ago

    Capes typically have simple entries; I think very little is needed for the stoop itself except a second chair for symmetry and maybe a couple of ceramic garden stools as side tables. I would want to raise the ground level to the level of the paving and add landscaping to settle the house into the land.

    The main thing I would want to do is add a third dormer over the front door. Not cheap, I know, and I can't tell how that would work with the interior, but the roof line really needs it for a satisfying balance.


    Nan Lewis thanked simplynatural
  • 4 months ago

    It doesn't look like your stoop is symmetrical, so I'd leave one chair and put a pot of flowers on the other side. I'd remove the two pots you have now because they highlight the asymmetry.

  • PRO
    4 months ago

    Porch is such a generous word. Stoop is accurate.

    These type of projects have to be approached considering the total scope and the end goal. I don't see that you can do any more than add a chair & wait for your landscaping to mature.






  • PRO
    4 months ago
    last modified: 4 months ago

    Some inspiration



    Nan Lewis thanked Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
  • 4 months ago

    This is a stoop. Do you intend to sit out here? If not, don’t put any chairs. I’d like to see a large black container on with side of the door with a shrub in each.


    I’m not in love with the white planters. The size and location seems off.

  • 4 months ago
    last modified: 4 months ago

    I wish you hadn't taken the brick path to the side door. It has thrown off the look of a front walk. Done is done, but this is what I could see for the walk.



    Move the planters up to the front door landing.

    And your home is NOT a traditional Cape. Calling it a "variation" is very generous of you.



    Why? The main section of your home, trying to replicate a half Cape, would never have a dog house dormer. There would not be two modern style windows on either side of the front door. And,chimney is not aligned with the front door.

    This house is a reproduction of a half Cape, in Chatham, Ma, next town over.

    The architect did a wonderful job. Perfect roof pitch, transom over the front door and window muntins 12/12.


    Mill Pond House · More Info


    I am all for your brick walkway. It does relate to our Barnstable brick.

    Nan Lewis thanked JUDY GRAHAM
  • 4 months ago

    Sweet house. @simply natural is the simplest way to integrate your new hardscaping. Get a second porch chair for the right, no planters.

  • 4 months ago

    I would move 2 planters to one either side of main entry door & get another to place where pot is at side entry. 3 matching pots. I’d move the chair to the left side of lower brick - on side where tree is. Is that space wide enough for 2 of the chairs? If not, just add a table for the one chair. Or, add a small bistro table & 2 chairs that would take the same amount of foot print space. The deal with chair at door - doesn’t look like enough space to sit there & stretch legs out. The lower space I suggested feels /looks more usable, inviting & relaxed.