Front Porch Ideas for a Single Story Ranch Style House

Sheltered Porch

• Ranch houses sometimes have a "U" or "L" shape, creating a partly sheltered space. This sheltered area makes an idea space for a porch. If it falls at the front of the house, create the porch there. The front porch will create a welcoming space for visiting, and the surrounding walls will add a sense of privacy. For extra privacy, install a lattice fence; the see-through element will keep the space from feeling boxed-in.

Gabled Porch

• On a home with no porch or a narrow porch, adding a square porch under a gabled roof creates a cozy space for relaxing. A high, vaulted ceiling makes the porch feel larger. Ensure the space has enough room for three or four people to sit and talk, even if others enter and exit the front door. The porch should extend out at least 12 feet, and be at least 16 feet wide, so people can navigate around furniture.

Wrap-Around

• Traditional ranch homes often had wrap-around porches, where doors from each room opened to the outdoors. Although you don't need to have every room open outward, the wrap-around porch still provides plenty of functional and attractive space. Design the porch to arch outward in a semi-circle at key spots such as the entryway and back deck, to allow room for activities such as lounging, talking and cooking.

Sun Porch

• A screened porch or sun porch adds another full room onto the house. The room will still be usable in cool weather; in fact, on cold but sunny days, glass windows will make a porch feel warm. You'll feel connected with nature but at the same time have privacy and shelter.

Stairs

• Stairs make a small porch seem wider, and you can also use them functionally, placing plants on the sides and sitting on them. Two or three broad steps form an attractive entryway. With a simple, rectangular house, the front porch's stairs also provide a chance to add style. Frame the stairs with columns or lattice, or curve the stairs in an arch toward the ground.