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THE
BEAUTY OF A PORCH
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by: Arleen
M. Kaptur
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What is one
feature that you can add to your home that will
definitely increase its value not only monetarily?
There is the ingredient of a “special place”
to relax, to dream about tomorrow, and to slowly
sip a cool, smooth drink on a hot, sticky day.
Also, this is a great place to chat with the
neighbors or visiting relatives, to admire the
seasons, nature and its abundance of color and
change, and to take a catnap when the need calls
for one.
All of the above relate to something as simple as
a porch. Whether it is on the back of the house,
across the front of the home, or even to the side
- there is so much value in having a porch. It can
even do duty as a breakfast room where you start
your day and anticipate what the day will bring
over a cup of coffee.
It can be an elaborate structure with pillars and
graceful archways or it can be as simple as a
screen enclosure where you step out from the
kitchen to the delight of the sunshine, the sweet
smell of morning, and the sounds of the birds.
Taking into consideration the type of home you
have, you can then plan with size, material, and
style. Whatever the final outcome is, the real
statement will be the comfort and enjoyment a
porch can bring. And if you add a porch swing -
then you do have the makings of a wonderful place
just outside of your home. If a porch swing is not
in the plans, then a padded rocking chair, a few
tables, assorted chairs, and plants will do the
trick.
Porches are fun to decorate but they should never
become just another convenient storage shed. They
should be uncluttered, colorful and comfortable.
There should be easy access to the home so that
food and drink can be easily brought it and out.
Porches can be three-season or year-round with a
few extras added.
Whatever your budget allows, inspiration and
imagination in decorating your porch take
precedence. Wicker, wood, or other natural
features are the most soothing and relaxing.
Bright, beautiful colors and a lot of windows or
screens, if enclosed, to bring in the sight,
sounds, and smells of the great outdoors.
Accessories can be anything that helps provide a
relaxing, comforting atmosphere.
There is one drawback to having a porch. The
neighbors will take notice and start stopping by
as they take a stroll in the evening breezes, and
relatives will stay just a little bit longer. A
porch is a great place for children to play and to
entertain their friends.
Small tables so that games, puzzles, or other
activities can be set up and a storage box for
toys provides a lot of fun and entertainment, and
mom is just a step away.
Whatever your budget or home style, a porch can be
added that will delight and give you hours of
pleasure. The size of the porch is not important,
as long as there is space to stretch out and wile
away the hours sipping that cool drink, dreaming,
planning, or just taking in the beauty of your
garden, your flowers, or the trees that line your
street.
A porch opens up the world just a little more, and
allows everyone to have the opportunity to stop,
chat, and share the latest. It is a gathering
place of great friends, conversation, and
relaxation. It is well worth the time and effort
because it will bring back more in home value, and
personal value. It adds charm, comfort, and
inspiration. It will become that special place
where family and fun can be relished and cherished
in a relaxed and soothing atmosphere.
Hope there’s a porch in your future!
ENJOY!
©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 June 1
About the Author
Arleen Kaptur has written numerous articles,
how-to books, cookbooks, and the novel: SEARCHING
FOR AUSTIN JAMES
Websites:
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving/
http://topica.com/lists/simpleliving
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