12 Southern Front Porch Design Ideas
Our Austin Architects Share Our Southern Porch Design Ideas and Photos for Charming Curb Appeal
While our architecture firm is in Austin, Texas, our team has a fond appreciation for the classic Southern front porch that graces homes from New Orleans to Charleston. And it turns out that many of our Austin clients are catching on to the idea. That’s right. The front porch is officially trending in Texas! Our team shares 12 Southern front porch design ideas and inspiration photos from one of our latest design projects to show just how charming and functional a front porch can be.
The History of the Southern Front Porch
You may find a front stoop on a New York brownstone or a small front porch on a Midwestern Craftsman. However, the front porch dominates most Southern architecture styles. So, why are front porches so popular in the South? Before the days of air conditioning, front porches were a necessity for the hot and humid climate. Often spanning a home’s entire facade, front porches were seen as secondary outdoor living spaces (and they were usually much cooler than the stuffy indoors). Today, they’re still seen as important places to welcome guests, hang out with family, and relax at the end of the day.
The Resurgence of the Front Porch Design Trend
When you think about Austin architecture styles, you don’t necessarily picture Southern Colonial or Accadian homes. Our city has become known for more contemporary builds, especially in new real estate developments. However, our Austin architecture team has noticed home design trends moving toward more traditional and charming design features, including the Southern front porch. In fact, it is now one of our most requested items!
12 Southern Porch Design Ideas & Must Haves
What differentiates a Southern front porch from any other landing or patio? Here are 12 Southern porch design features to include for that charming curb appeal the South is known for.
1. Symmetrical Design
Southern Colonial architecture is always symmetrical, creating an exterior that feels balanced, charming, and peaceful. A true Southern front porch should mirror the symmetrical style of the home and run the length of the exterior, providing enough space for rocking chairs and porch swings.
2. Elevated Brick or Wood Base
Many Southern homes are built in floodplains, so they are elevated to prevent seasonal flooding. However, a higher porch elevation also provides the added benefit of catching the best breezes. Traditional Southern porches typically have a brick or wood base, adding to the charm and visual texture of the exterior.
3. Long Roof Overhang
Extended porch roof overhangs not only create more shaded seating space but also help improve the home's energy efficiency. Our Austin architecture clients also appreciate some shady relief from the hot Texas sun!
4. Blue Ceilings
If you’ve traveled through New Orleans, Savannah, or Charleston, you may have noticed that most porch ceilings are painted blue. Blue porch ceilings are a traditional Southern feature. The haint blue shade resembles a pale robin’s egg blue and is said to ward off evil spirits. If you don’t believe in ghost stories, the blue color also helps keep bugs away.
5. Decorative Columns, Railings, & Trim
Traditional Southern-style homes love a touch of added detail. Southern front porches are always finished with decorative columns, railings, and trimwork. Columns can be squared off or rounded, and the base and crown trim can be highly decorative or simple. Railings are typically wooden criss-cross or vertical pickets, never horizontal. For a bit of New Orleans charm, you could use decorative wrought iron. Or if your porch is low to the ground, you could forgo railings for a cleaner, more open look.
6. Single Front Door
Southern homes typically have a single front door for the main entrance. While these homes are traditional, they are also casual and welcoming. A single door feels less imposing than more formal double doors and welcomes guests to cross the threshold after greetings on the porch.
7. Gas Lamps
Gas lamps are a classic Southern design feature and a great way to add charm to your front porch. The flicker of the flame offers an old-world charm that can’t be beat!
8. Rows of Windows or French Doors
To capitalize on the shade the porch provides, many Southern Colonial and Coastal homes position most of the windows under porch overhangs to shade them from the hot summer sun and protect them from stormy weather. In our Pocahontas project, we used French doors instead of windows. We think it adds a bit more charm and also provides easy access to the porch from other rooms of the home.
9. Functional Shutters
Shutters add classic Southern charm but also function! They can be used to protect the home from inclement weather or simply shade rooms not in use during hot summer months, which is important in the South and here in Texas.
10. Ceiling Fans & Screens
Make the front porch a true hangout spot for the summer by adding ceiling fans and screens. Fans are a great option to ensure there is always a cool breeze. Creating a screened porch will keep the bugs at bay. Additionally, there are options for screens that are almost invisible or even retractable, so you don’t interrupt the view or the look of the home’s exterior.
11. Potted Plants
While not an architectural feature, potted plants are an easy way to add a fresh and welcoming touch to the front porch and increase curb appeal. For many, it’s also a fun spring project.
12. Rocking Chairs
And no Southern porch would be complete without a rocking chair. After all, you need a place to sip your ice-cold glass of iced tea!
Southern Porch Photos to Inspire You
Need inspiration for your front porch design? Check out the photos from our latest new construction project.
Front Porch Curb Appeal & Other Benefits
Southern front porches are known for their charming design. So, of course, curb appeal is one of the main benefits of adding one to your home. However, there are many more! Many people find that front porches improve your social life, providing a space to connect with neighbors, welcome guests, and disconnect from online distractions. Here are some of our favorite front porch benefits:
Front Porch Benefits
Improves Curb Appeal
Increases Energy Efficiency
Provides Weather Protection
Increases Home Value
Creates a Social Hangout Spot
Design a Southern Front Porch for Your Home
Want to design a new construction home with a front porch or remodel your current home to include one? We can help! Reach out to our team of Austin architects, and let’s start designing your dream front porch.
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