Relax With the Most Popular Porch Photos of 2016
Houzz readers’ favorites ran the gamut of styles this year, but they had one thing in common
Views of mountains, lakes, nature preserves, pools, yards, streets — no one type of location dictated the most popular porch photos uploaded to Houzz in 2016. Neither did style: Modern, traditional, contemporary, transitional and eclectic are all well-represented in the top 10 as measured by the number of saves to ideabooks. The common thread that did run through this group was breezy comfort. Elements like cushy furniture, porch swings and outdoor fireplaces make porches places where we can imagine ourselves relaxing and having a great time. Which one is your favorite?
10. With its expansive views of the North Carolina mountains, this site was just right for a covered porch and a cozy fireplace. The porch swing is the best spot to catch the sunset, while a cable railing keeps the views clear. The fireplace surround is local stone. And though the flooring looks like wood planks, it is actually ceramic tile. The result is warm contemporary comfort.
9. This traditional porch makes the most of a side yard as well as a large chimney. Classic columns, stone steps that span the entire width of the porch and two gorgeous dogs make it easy to see why Houzzers were so drawn to it.
8. Using Haint Blue paint on a porch ceiling is a trick that has endured for many years. Some say it keeps the bugs away, while others believe it wards off ghosts. On this Kentucky porch, the clever homeowner matched the hue on the floor in wide stripes. A DIY mobile made of embroidery hoops and DIY swings add playful touches.
See the rest of this home
See the rest of this home
7. This spacious porch has a nautical feel, but the knotty wood on the vaulted ceiling brings a bit of woodsy cabin overhead. Skylights let in extra natural light and draw the eye upward. There is also a convenient grilling deck right next to the porch.
6. This Austin, Texas, porch offers the homeowners a great way to enjoy the surrounding nature preserve all year round. A commanding fireplace serves as a focal point, keeps things toasty through the winter and brings in a Texas Hill Country vernacular via its limestone surround. The tongue-and-groove ceiling and timber framing give it a strong architectural presence, while the large ceiling fan helps cool things down during sticky summers.
5. This modern farmhouse in Napa wine country is all about outdoor living. This inviting California porch is adjacent to a patio with a fire pit and also looks out over the pool. Board-and-batten siding, gooseneck barn sconces and a swinging daybed make it the best spot to spend time on the property.
Zoom out from this porch and see more of the yard
Zoom out from this porch and see more of the yard
4. This fireplace wall strategy can block an unsightly view, while the open sides of the North Carolina porch maintain the cross breezes. The mix of white brick, slate floor, and dark rafters and trim create crisp contrast. With a mounted TV on the wall, it’s a great place to watch football during the fall.
3. This simple side-porch plan is ingenious. The partial wood wall separates its front-facing portion from the back, creating privacy for alfresco dinners and parties on the back side. Another issue this porch addresses is railing. If your porch is close enough to the ground (usually under 30 inches), you can skip them. Be sure to check local codes first.
2. Ceiling fans keep bugs at bay on this lounging porch, which offers up comfy chaise lounges, classic wool blankets for crisp fall days and expansive views of one of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes.
See the rest of this lake house
See the rest of this lake house
1. It looks like the private screened-in porch triumphed over the classic front porch in this year’s popularity contest. This Bluffton, South Carolina, porch has a substantial fireplace for chilly days and two ceiling fans for hot ones. It also has loads of comfortable spots to lounge, relax, visit and, best of all, nap.
Tell us: Which elements from these photos would you use on your dream porch?
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Key Measurements to Help You Design the Perfect Front Porch
Browse more photos of porches
Tell us: Which elements from these photos would you use on your dream porch?
More
Key Measurements to Help You Design the Perfect Front Porch
Browse more photos of porches