Porch Décor and Foyer Ideas to Kickstart Your Curb Appeal

According to Pinterest, front porches and front porch décor are definitely having a moment. As Americans continue to battle the impact of high prices and supply chain disruptions, folks are learning how to make a big impact on a small budget. Porch décor, which can be freshened up with only minimal time, effort and cash, is one area where homeowners can easily maximize curb appeal and overall usability.

But where to begin? If you’re looking for tips on how to upgrade your porch décor, along with a couple of ideas for your foyer, entryway or mudroom, we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling to discover how to bring your home exterior design up a notch – and keep the party going once guests are indoors.

Front Door Colors & Ideas

Long gone are the days when front door paint colors were limited to whatever the neighbors were doing (or what the HOA approved). While blue, green, and black front doors remain at the top of the list for many, the options are truly limitless for anyone feeling a bit daring. We’ve seen yellow, turquoise, and even pink spike in popularity of late, as people try different ways to express themselves through their outdoor spaces.   

One note of caution, however, must be sounded due to the impact that “wacky” colors can have on curb appeal. According to designers surveyed by Homes & Gardens, moss green, yellow, violet and brown front doors are the “least attractive” and hardest to maintain. Black front doors even make their list, due to the fact that they absorb and release heat daily, which can cause serious damage to both the door and the frame.

Our advice? If your porch décor and design is meant to enhance your curb appeal for a possible sale or lease, stick with classic hues that go best with the rest of your exterior color palette. By all means, paint your front door with a hue that speaks to you – just make sure it speaks to others in the same way. Front door colors can be instantly divisive, so consider ever-popular shades like white or cream to add brilliance and reflect light. And if you get stuck coming up with ideas? Keep the classic red front door in mind. Red coordinates with many architectural styles and always seems to be on-trend.

Front Porch Décor & Furniture

Livening up your front porch décor and furniture is another relatively easy way to instantly enhance curb appeal and overall function of the space. After all, your front door shouldn’t be the only spot that draws the eye.

If you’ve only got a weekend to spare for the project, we suggest cleaning and repainting anything that you’ve already got (and want to keep) on your front porch. It’s amazing the amount of dirt and dust something can collect sitting outside, especially if you’re in an urban or particularly dry environment. A good scrub can do wonders for faded furniture either on its own or followed by a few coats of exterior paint or varnish. 

If your furniture is beyond the point of no return, shop around online and in second-hand stores either off-season or at the very beginning of the season, when people are more likely to cast off their treasures.

We also recommend adding a new indoor/outdoor area rug. This is the best way to introduce color and pattern and can be easily picked up and stored away if your realtor or landlord thinks it’s off-putting. Rugs really pull a space together – even an outdoor space – and can quickly add comfort and visual interest without a high price tag.

While you’re sprucing up the furniture and picking out new front door colors, don’t forget to take a good look at your hardware while you’re at it. A new door knocker, knob, and hinges can bring sparkle and flair to your front porch. Updating your mail slot and house numbers are also tasks that can be knocked out quickly and have a big impact on curb appeal.  

Front Door Portico Inspo

While more intensive and costly than the projects mentioned above, updating or adding a front door portico can completely change the look and function of your main entrance. While there are really only two components to a front door portico – the small, pitched roof and support columns – you’ll likely want to hire a contractor or carpenter to bring the look to light. According to Angi, the overall cost will be somewhere in the $2500 to $4000 range – but the addition can bring “an immediate return on investment” in terms of curb appeal, while keeping your front door protected from the elements.

As far as inspiration goes, there are plenty of ideas on Pinterest to get your ideas flowing. One of the most interesting concepts we came across was the idea of an enclosed front door portico. While obviously this could become a more involved endeavor than the classic look, it’s also a way to increase both the space and comfort of your home.

If cost is a primary concern, you can achieve a lot of look (and safeguard your door) with a simple awning. While these vary wildly in terms of price, materials, and style, there are many available online in the $150 – $300 range. With a little research and a little elbow grease, you can oftentimes purchase and install a simple awning in just a day or two.

Foyer, Entryway & Mudroom Glow-Ups

Carry the good times from the outdoors in by updating your foyer, entryway or mudroom at the same time you brighten your porch décor and design. Here are some quick tips to get you started!

• First, is your entryway designed for maximum function and appeal? If not, start by considering its main purpose and users. Kids? Pets? Add hooks, bins and other storage options to keep it organized and tidy.  
• In that vein, add or update a console table to collect keys and other odds and ends as people enter your home.  
• If you pick a new color for a front (or back!) door, consider bringing elements of it into the interior design of your entrance as well.
• Invest in some greenery – either real or fake – to add a touch of biophilic design to the space and help smooth the transition from outside to in – or vice versa!
• Ensure the materials and furniture you choose can withstand wear and tear. People will be shedding coats, stomping off boots, and dropping groceries and other bulky items. If your entryway is too delicate, it probably won’t last too long.

Looking for more front porch or foyer ideas? Click through for our recent piece on easy porch ideas to upgrade your space and check out front porch decorating trends from Martha Stewart and entryway ideas from Real Simple.