Designers Have Spoken: These Front Porch Features Are Always Eyesores

Like the front yard, the porch sets the tone for the rest of the home as it’s visually front and center and the main entry point to the house, and it’ll likely create a lasting first impression on your houseguests, neighbors, and passersby.

So, when it comes to decorating and maintaining the front porch, your goal should be to create a welcoming and tidy space. We asked a few design professionals to share what porch faux pas you need to avoid to achieve this. Here’s what they had to say.

Clutter

A messy front porch is unpleasant to look at for both the homeowner and the visitor alike. A common mistake that contributes to a messy porch is over-accessorizing and decorating. Be mindful of how many decorative objects you place here, with how much free space you have.

“A couple of concrete lions can be a nice addition on some porches, depending on the house style, but for the most part, statues and sculptures can create clutter and attract dirt and pollen,” says Jonathan Gordon, lead designer and owner of Design by the Jonathans.

Large furniture—like outdoor seating—is another mistake that can lead to your porch looking more cluttered than it is, according to Lee Crowder, national director of design for builder Taylor Morrison.

Gordon adds to this, stating that unless the porch wraps around a significantly large portion of the house, seating should be very deliberate and sized correctly for the space.

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Out-of-Season Holiday Decor

Leaving up holiday decorations way past their expiration date is more common than you think—and an eyesore. Some homeowners leave a winter-themed or spring-flower wreath hanging on the front door all year long or don’t get around to clearing a cornucopia and pumpkin display until New Year’s Day, for instance.

“They are seasonal decorations for a reason, so let them have their moment and then take them down,” says Summerlyn Feckner, founder and owner of Ginger Designs.

Dead or Excessive Plants

Greenery on the porch can be a nice touch, but it should be used in moderation, according to Gordon. While the front porch is technically outdoors, it’s the formal entryway to a home and should visually bridge your indoor and outdoor space in an accessible way.

“Plants create a fair amount of dirt and debris and require maintenance, but too many plants can also give off an overgrown jungle vibe,” Gordon says.

Also, be sure to monitor any potted plants and flowers you keep on the porch and remove and replace any that have died (unless they can be revived).

“Planters with dead or dying plants don’t look or feel very good and immediately catches the eye,” says Feckner.

Surface Wear and Tear

Front door damage and wear—from cracks and rusted hardware to peeling paint—is unsightly, so consider repainting it or updating the hardware. If the damage is blaring and can’t be fixed with a few small swaps, you might want to replace the old door entirely.

Crowder suggests that you use each season (four times a year) as a guide point for checking on porch features that need to be maintained, from the railing and balustrade to the floor and any screening, whether it involves washing, repainting, or re-staining.

Unmaintained or Mismatched Furniture

Completely mismatched furniture—whether to each other or to the house style—can ruin a good porch. If the furniture selections are fine, but their conditions aren’t, that’s another issue. In particular, Crowder says that old, dirty, or torn seating cushions are most common, but are usually a quick fix, as you can replace them, wash them, or change just the covers.