Front porch ideas to brighten your home

Greeting guests starts before you even answer the door, with the front porch or verandah telling a story about who you are. A pretty entry with glowing light, homely touches and a splash of personality welcomes your guests like a warm hug – and you, too, every time you return home. Here are some front porch ideas to give your place a refresh just in time for the entertaining season. Find out how to upgrade your porch design by:

● Adding modern home security like smart door locks and video doorbells.

● Using paint to freshen up your porch.

● Giving your front door an upgrade or adding a new handle.

● Refreshing your front porch personality using lights, plants and outdoor porch furniture.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Get smart home security

Here’s how to level up your front porch functionality and security.

●Smart door locks: They take your home into the future and free you from the shackles of keys, allowing access via passcode, fingerprint, facial recognition or geofencing linked to your phone. You can also grant unique codes and limited access to individuals, and monitor who enters and when.

● Video doorbells: Provide advance warning of who’s at your door before you answer and let you talk to your visitor (for example, telling them where to leave a parcel) from wherever you are, but that’s only the beginning of their capabilities. Sarah Boutros of Swann says the SwannBuddy4K video doorbell is like having a smart concierge. “Whether you’re too busy, not home or don’t feel safe answering the door, SwannShield will answer it for you,” she says. “It greets visitors, takes messages and can give delivery instructions, so parcels aren’t left vulnerable.” With wireless functionality and the ability to run on batteries, it’s renter-friendly, too!

● Security cameras: Take care of areas of your property out of sight of the doorbell, and their visible presence alone can help to deter unwelcome visitors. Cameras can be hardwired, or wireless and solar powered which allows D.I.Y. (and tenant) installation around your porch, and makes it easier to take security beyond the verandah. “The Swann MaxRanger4K solar security system’s solar-powered, long-range 4K cameras can be placed down driveways, near gates or along fence lines, creating a protective perimeter,” Sarah explains. “With strong wi-fi reach and smart detection, it alerts you before anyone even gets near the porch.”

Add a fresh coat of paint

A sad concrete or paved porch can be transformed with paint. Just make sure you follow the directions carefully – including patching cracks with concrete filler, cleaning and etching – and use a specialty paint, which will give you hard-wearing adhesion and slip-resistance.

Think about where guests’ eyes might wander as they’re waiting at the door – clean cobwebs and scuff marks from paintwork, and consider a fresh coat on weatherboards, the porch ceiling and trims to make your home appear bright and cared for.

Give the front door a fresh makeover

A boring front door is a missed opportunity. While cladding colours tend towards the conservative, a bright front door makes a streetside splash and is a fun (and easy to change) way to express your personality. To choose a hue, think about what you want your front door to say – for example, a bright red or electric blue will grab the eye from across the street, while more reserved versions (burgundy or navy) send a sophisticated message but are equally striking.

While you’re giving your front door a facelift, polish up door hardware at the same time, or consider upgrading. A new handle in bright brass or chic black will transform your entry experience, while an ornate door knocker is the perfect finishing touch to a traditional home.

Front porch ideas using lighting 

We light our interiors for both tasks and ambience, so treat your exterior the same way. Jane Troiano, Bunnings lead buyer for home and lifestyle, outlines the options: “For front porch or verandah safety, install weatherproof (IP65+) wall sconces, motion-sensor lights, overhead ceiling lights, step or deck lights, and smart lighting with timers to improve visibility.”

Illuminate hazards (such as steps), cover off security with sensor lights near access points, and ensure there’s adequate light by which to find your keys. Now you’ve considered the essentials, balance them with aesthetics. Always choose warm-white globes, which cast a cordial glow, and consider making a decorative statement with wall sconces or a beautiful pendant light.

For renters, or those wanting a quick solution (no electrician required), Jane says, “Consider solar, battery, rechargeable and hybrid-powered options to support easy, D.I.Y.-friendly installation.” Hybrid lights run on a combination of solar and battery power, delivering dependable lighting, even on cloudy days or south-facing porches.  

Small front porch ideas

Furnishing options for petite porches might be limited, but there’s always room for a pot plant or two, which instantly makes an entrance space feel considered and complete. Opt for a single large pot or a matching pair either side of the front door, or if space is really tight, hanging planters deliver maximum impact while barely encroaching on the space. Plant baskets with flowers like calibrachoa, bacopa and lobelia for a hit of cottage-garden colour, or for a more modern fall of foliage, Siobhan Macreadie-Day of Bunnings Greenlife suggests Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ or creeping Jenny; ferns like Boston fern or staghorn; or strappy specimens such as carex or spider plant.

Engage olfactory senses by including fragrant plants on and around the front verandah. Highly scented options might include dwarf lilac. “These get to 1-2m tall, so you would need lots of space and a large pot,” says Siobhan. “Other fragrant options include gardenia, rosemary, daphne and bulbs like daffodil, jonquil and hyacinth. Just note that these die down over winter and the pot will be bare.” A note of caution though: fragrant flowers attract bees, so a whole wall of jasmine is probably too much for a guest entrance, and those who suffer allergies might want to avoid scented flowers altogether. 

Stylish outdoor porch furniture

A porch swing seat or pair of rocking chairs might be a front porch cliché, but honestly, what could be nicer than sitting and watching the world go by? Mix things up to suit your space – a cafe table and chair if the verandah is the best place to catch the morning sun, or a dog-friendly outdoor sofa for you and your furry mate. Bring charm and comfort to the front porch with outdoor cushions, a bowl of flowering bulbs, and a doormat – or better yet, swap the mat for a small outdoor rug in a pretty colour or pattern.

Keep in mind...

Any hardwired electrical work must be done by a licensed tradie.

Looking for more ideas to make an entrance?

Read these tips on how to enhance the path to your front door.

Disclaimer

Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.
Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

 

Photo credit: Anna Robinson, Larnie Nicolson, Belinda Merrie, Brigid Arnott.