Whatever your budget allows, inspiration and imagination in decorating your porch take precedence. Wicker, wood, or other natural features are most soothing and relaxing. Bright, beautiful colors and a lot of windows or screens, if enclosed, to bring in sight, sounds, and smells of great outdoors. Accessories can be anything that helps provide a relaxing, comforting atmosphere.

There is one drawback to having a porch. The neighbors will take notice and start stopping by as they take a stroll in evening breezes, and relatives will stay just a little bit longer. A porch is a great place for children to play and to entertain their friends. Small tables so that games, puzzles, or other activities can be set up and a storage box for toys provides a lot of fun and entertainment, and mom is just a step away.

Whatever your budget or home style, a porch can be added that will delight and give you hours of pleasure. The size of porch is not important, as long as there is space to stretch out and wile away hours sipping that cool drink, dreaming, planning, or just taking in beauty of your garden, your flowers, or trees that line your street.

A porch opens up world just a little more, and allows everyone to have opportunity to stop, chat, and share latest. It is a gathering place of great friends, conversation, and relaxation. It is well worth time and effort because it will bring back more in home value, and personal value. It adds charm, comfort, and inspiration. It will become that special place where family and fun can be relished and cherished in a relaxed and soothing atmosphere.

Hope there’s a porch in your future! ENJOY! ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 June 1

Save empty bottles and fill with colored water to set on windowsills, or line up bottles and fill with one flower each from your garden.

Grow plants from seed on your windowsills! Even grass seed has become very vogue. (Don’t tell anyone, because I usually shy away from “vogue”, but I really like grass thing!J)

Above all, invoke your family into place where you spend most time. I’ve heard some designers say you should keep your refrigerator clear to prevent clutter, NO MAGNETS! But honestly, what would my kitchen be without my kids drawings stuck all over door? It wouldn’t be place I want to spend most of my time. I even have a couple of framed photos of my kids, right on kitchen counter! So make your kitchen YOUR home, and have fun doing it!

Copyright 2002 K. Wilson