Refreshing the front porch/entry is a quick pick me up for you and welcome your guests.
Step 1: Before you touch a single pot or broom, think about how you use your front porch.
Do you need a place to sit? A place for gardening tools? A place for shoes?
How do the pots or plants look?
Step 2: Shopping????? If you need a bench, pots or plants, now is the time to shop. Don’t get overwhelmed by shopping. Here are a few basics.
1. Pots must be suitable for using outdoors.
2. Pick a color scheme that compliments your porch. There will be 1 main color and there could be some secondary accent colors. More of the pots will be in your main color. You may not know which color until you get to the store and fall in love with that perfect color. If fall in love with a pot color that is just a bit too bold or doesn’t come in large enough pots, use this color as your accent color and choose a more neutral color for the main pots.
3. How many? If you want the more formal look of one pot on either side of the door or walkway, you need 2 large pots that are the same. Other than this symmetrical arrangement, pots are best purchased in odd numbers.
• 1 large pot on one side, 1 medium and 1 small on the other side
• 2 large pots on either side of the walkway to the porch, a grouping of either 1 or 3 at the front door
• Larger pots or hanging plants between each of the porch posts
4. Purchase your plants
• Do you want color or all green?
• Does your porch get morning, afternoon, or little sun.
• An alternative to one plant in a large pot is to plant several. Mix plant heights, textures, and growing habits in larger pots.
• Choose plants you love AND that match the care you’re realistically willing to give.
• Pick the correct soil and fertilizers for your plants.
5. While you are shopping, a fresh door mat and new pillows/cushions for any seating areas freshen the space like a charm. Door mats need to be wider than the width of your door.
Step 3: Sort your stuff! Take everything you can lift off the porch. As you remove, sort into: Love & will use / Not sure / Donations / Trash Moving everything also makes cleaning/sweeping so much easier!
Step 4: Time for the deep clean! (wear old clothes – this is messy!) Sweep cobwebs from high to low , wipe furniture, clean windows, and finish with the floor. Alternative- Pressure wash to knock down wasp nests too (just be careful!). Feeling ambitious? Re painting the front door can be a fun way to refresh your look.
Step 5: FINISH with Style
This is where your front porch turns from clean to absolutely inviting.
• Place large pots and benches first
• Group your pots in odd numbers (1, 3, or 5) — they look more natural and pleasing to the eye. Move or remove any whose colors or sizes just don’t work together.
• Plant your plants
• Place your new door mat and/or pillows
• Add accessories sparingly for interest: a few pieces of garden art, statuary, or outdoor lanterns. Odd numbers or small collections work best — don’t overdo it.
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Let’s get you enjoying a Beautiful Organized home!
–Grace
Find out how I can help you organize and beautify your home!
Grace Bermudes
Your Awesome Organized Home
408-202-4272
grace@gracebermudes.com
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