If you have a porch on your Southern Maryland home, you may be wondering how you can get more use out of it. Porches are a beautiful design detail, but some homeowners wind up feeling like they’re more just a part of their entryway than an actual space they spend time in. If you want to turn your porch into a spot you can relax in this summer, here are a few things worth thinking about:

Go for Comfort

Sometimes homeowners pick furniture for the design aesthetic and how it will add to the appearance of the front of their home. While you certainly want to pick furniture that looks nice, it’s also important that it’s comfortable. Add some cushions, include a place to put your feet up, give yourself a couple of options.

Consider a Swing

A swing is a classic feature and can really make your porch even more enjoyable. You’ll want to ensure that your porch can safely hold a swing, but once you get that checked out, you’re good to go. Add a cushion to the bench and a throw pillow or two and you have the perfect place to enjoy a summer afternoon. 

Add a Few Tables

If we really want to spend more time on our porch, we need to make it functional. What do you plan to do on your porch? Will you entertain friends? Play a board game with your family? Getting the furniture to support this is key. Grabbing a few extra tables so that there’s a place for plates at mealtime or a place to rest your coffee can make your porch feel more like an extension of your home.

Consider Your Lighting

Your porch doesn’t just have to be a daytime spot. Add some twinkle lights to make it a relaxing evening oasis. There are many options here, from simple white holiday lights to more decorative outdoor lighting. Get creative! Adding a touch of warm, starry light can really take your porch to the next level.

Do you have a porch on your Southern Maryland home? How often do you and your family use it? What kind of decor do you have? I’d love to hear your thoughts!