The Porch I Didn't Know I Needed

Whether large or small, enclosed or not, a porch is a special place.  Providing protection from the heat of the sun or dampness of rain, porches are perfect for gathering with people to sit and visit or to take a break from the work of the day.  This multi-functional area complete with comfortable seating and adequate lighting can be used year-round, night or day.

I previously wrote about our project of building a barn and at the time, our porch was not finished.  Since then we have added a deck and fire pit out front to improve the porch experience.  The deck was a one-day project that was well worth the effort.  We leveled the dirt and transplanted the sod to other areas of the yard.  Landscape timbers were laid and leveled prior to nailing the boards down.  We ended it with a deck stain to protect it from the elements.

For my birthday, I got border stones and built a fire pit.  It took an hour or so to dig and make sure it was level and even stuck the stones together so they wouldn’t move around when the kids walk on top of them…because what kid wouldn’t want to use something like this for their fun and enjoyment?!  We spend many evenings on the porch watching (playing with) the fire…it’s so relaxing (and we’re pyromaniacs).

 

I love to sit on this new porch.  I enjoy the quiet of the morning facing the sunrise, cool off in the heat of the day under the nice shade, and love how people are compelled to sit and visit for hours at a time.  Often, in the moments of solitude during the day, the kids will find me and crawl in my lap or sit in the other chairs.  It draws us in and we just sit and talk about life.  We host church events and invite friends and family to share this special space.

So as I titled this blog, I thought about the message I wanted to convey.  A porch is a great place.  We already had a nice porch with good seating and ceiling fans.  However, the sun would pour in from the west and we rarely used it.  I had no idea that building this barn with a cute little porch for aesthetic reasons would create a space that I love and use so much.  It truly is the porch that I didn’t know I needed.  Do you have a porch that creates an environment for relaxation and time spent with loved ones?

My Take-Aways:

1. Everyone needs a porch!  A place that gets you one step (or seat) closer to the great outdoors.  Get out and enjoy nature!
2. Porches create an environment for fellowship…family and friends spending good quality time together.
3. If you have a porch, make it comfortable!  Chairs, lighting, a fire pit, fans, tables to eat at…find what you enjoy and make it happen.