for. New cushions and throw pillows
bring a piece back into use, together
Interior Design
with a coat of out door enamel paint.
Create one or two conversation areas
Nancy Dorney
with a loveseat, a few chairs or if
possible a porch swing. An old side
table can get a new identity with a
coat of out door paint and find its way
The Inviting Front Porch
to the porch. If room allows, add a
table and chairs for outdoor meals or
Growing up, I spent countless hours on our front porch. It was there that I iced tea and cookies….or a game of
waited for all the children that came for the summer, with their families. The town Scrabble! Outdoor lamps are available
was quite empty until those first warm days. Summer houses, large and small be- in both standing and table versions,
came filled with “Summer People” that were welcomed heartily by the few children making reading a book in the evening
and many businesses that bloomed with the increased summer population. We never a definite possibility. Candles in hur-
knew exactly when they would come, but word would spread quickly. The screen ricane glasses to protect the flame, add lighting and ambiance. Paper lanterns hung
door would slam and I was off! with a string of lights add an element of fun and glow wonderfully in the evening.
Freed to my fellow adventurers! Hot days were spent on the sandy beach or If the porch is in an area that gets little breeze, consider a ceiling fan. If sun is an
climbing in and out of the rocky caves on the back shore. Cool rainy days, sizzling issue, either bringing unwelcome temperature or damaging rays, a simple roll down
afternoons when we were drowsy and covered with salt from the sea and almost canvas or reed shade will do the trick. Outdoor area rugs have been around for years
every evening, were spent on someone’s front porch. We played cards and games and are better than ever these days. The sisal rugs that by their nature resist moisture
and put on theatrical performances for “The Parents” on
whom we would spy as they gathered on the porch in the
candle lit dimness with their friends, sipping cocktails
and catching up on their winters apart. Very hot nights
we slept there as a group, cooled by the breezes off the
nearby water, whispering and giggling ourselves to
sleep.
Before my time, my Grandmother and her friends
gathered on the same porch for afternoons of whist.
Their long, white dresses with laced in “wasp” waists,
looked cool but needed the shade of the then “Veranda”.
Looking at the faded photos of them, with their big hats and gracefully crossed are a good choice. There are many synthetic alternatives that are easily cared for and
ankles, there wasn’t a hint that anyone had done much of anything but to move the don’t prick the toes or tiny knees.
porch furniture out from the cellar and give it a quick coat of paint. House plants Color sets the tone and theme for the porch. Calming? Blues are best. Bring
seemed to have been brought out and huge pots of probably red geraniums were scat- it in with cushions, pillows and accessories. A little bit Caribbean? Think parrots
tered about. ….reds, corals, yellows and green. By the sea? Bring in the colors of the sea. Tus-
Today, we are often more creative with our front porches. They become an can? Earth tones. A Romantic at heart? Whites, more whites and creams.
extension of our homes, an outdoor gathering space. Walking the streets of North- Bring the inside plants out for a summer vacation on the porch. Group them in
port, Port Jefferson or Setauket, front porches are seen to be not simply a step from corners or near seating areas. Big clay pots filled with your choice of annuals add
the front walk to the front door. They are frequently adorned with hanging baskets color and life to the space. Hanging planters of flowers or ferns are a timeless addi-
of flowers, comfortable furniture and tion. It can also bring a little privacy to
more. Decorating your front porch can this often a little bit public area. And then,
be as simple as two rockers and a pot of there’s the flag….a colorful way of show -
petunias or something that is jaw drop- ing patriotism and support. For me, it is a
pingly gorgeous! In some areas, planned part of the summer “look” that I can’t go
communities are being built with startling with out.
innovations that encourage community As a final touch, I like to bring a bit of
interaction. They have side walks and the inside out side. Fill an old ironstone
front porches! Because it is a peek into pitcher with flowers from the garden or
our lives, behind the front door, dressing sea grasses. Baskets help organize things
up the front porch can sometimes feel and look amazing placed around. Put out
intimidating. It shouldn’t be! an old tray or bowl to collect the treasures
As in decorating the inside of a of summer….shells, pebbles and sea
home, pick a purpose for the space, color glass.
and theme. Is it to be just a spot to sit As you drive around the island this
for awhile and watch the world go by? summer, look at front porches. It’s fun!
Sweep it off, choose rockers or comfort- One of the first warm evenings in May, I
able chairs and hang some colorful plants. If you can’t wait to curl up out there and walked by a gingerbread trimmed Victorian in Stony Brook. The porch was dressed
knit, read a book or sip a glass of wine with your best friends, you might want a bit in white wood furniture and candle light. One side was arranged with a table and
more. Reasonably priced outdoor furniture is readily available. A fun alternative chairs, the other, a seating area. A group had gathered, candles and subtle porch
is to check out garage sales. Wicker holds up well over the years when it is cared lights glowed. It made me smile. Summer had come again.
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Northshoerian JuneJuly 2009.indd28 28 6/16/2009 1:19:01 PM
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