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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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