The Easiest Porch Styles

Simple and Relaxed

• To find that ultimate look of comfort outside your home, invest in a porch swing or comfortable patio furniture and pair with a cozy rug. This style will make you want to go barefoot and snug up outdoors with a glass of wine. Most stores offer furniture in wicker and wood, so you can choose pieces that suit not only your home, but also your own personal style. If you decide to use furniture, make sure it's made specifically for the outdoors so it can withstand heat and rain.

Lights and Ambiance

• Create an outdoor private retreat by playing with the mood of your home. Illuminate your summer evenings with festive lighting like hanging lanterns, which add a whimsical touch. Adding fabulous porch lights is a simple way to change the look of your home; the only addition necessary is just a neatly swept floor and maybe a welcome-home doormat. Always consider the decor of your home when choosing your porch light, and one with a motion sensor is a plus.

Rustic and Vintage

• Rustic antique pieces can be chic when done right. Great for cottages and homes to which you want to add that vintage charm, using antiques is an alternative that is simple and won't break your budget. Go to an architectural salvage or thrift store to find pieces that mix and match. Whether it's a rustic skeletal chair or chipped bench, you can always add elements to make it new again, like cushions with playful patterns or a fresh coat of paint.

Plants

• Fill those empty spaces on your porch with greenery and flowers. With so many plants available, you can find one that suits the style of your home in terms of shape, color and texture. Choose according to your climate requirements. By using potted plants, you always have the option of rearranging your landscape. For a different mood, use funky and unique planters from thrift stores and your own basement instead of traditional terra-cotta pots.