(Photo courtesy of HGTV)
The return of summer practically begs for more time spent outdoors.
A front porch is a perfect place to spend lazy summer afternoons sipping sweet tea with friends and family. Why not make the most of the warmer weather by making your front porch an oasis for relaxation?
A front porch is the welcome center of the home and deserves just as much attention as your interior design. Greet guests and add curb appeal all while creating a luxurious and relaxing outdoor space with these summer-inspired front porch decor and design ideas.
Porch Swing
A wooden porch swing is charming to see from the street and even more luxurious to relax on.
The modern Organic Swing takes the concept of a traditional wooden porch swing and makes it more versatile and comfortable than ever for today’s homes. The Organic Swing can even transform from a traditional porch swing to a luxurious lounger or an intimate face-to-face conversation space, making it the perfect seating area for any occasion.
Add a few oversized pillows to complete the look and bump up the comfort level.
Rolling Cart Collage
Sometimes the simplest details have the most impact. The DIY Network recommends using a humble rolling cart to create the perfect showcase for seasonal decor.
Place a rolling cart on your front porch and add a mix of seasonal decorating pieces, potted plants, and flowers. Update the look each season by changing out a few pieces and you’ll be able to use the cart year-round.
Peg Rail Storage 
Martha Stewart is the undeniable queen of all things home decor. Her clever storage solution is a beautiful addition to your front porch. Save yourself from sand-filled headaches by using a peg rail to string beach towels, chairs, and other beach accessories outside of the house.
Wind Chimes
Wind chimes add a whimsical touch to a front porch. What’s more relaxing than rocking on a porch swing while listening to the calming melody of a wind chime?
This bronze wind chime on Esty blends modern sensibilities with a design inspired by bohemian, minimalistic, and vintage styles. Buyers are raving about the sound it creates. Multiple people gave 5-star reviews, praising the relaxing tones generated when the breeze blows.
Planters
One piece of porch decor that never goes out of style is a pretty planter. Bricken & Batton, a home design company, recommends choosing a planter made of durable materials like a glazed stone that isn’t prone to weathering quite as fast. Infuse your personality by planting your favorite potted flowers or by picking an artistic design that matches your aesthetic.
Door Knocker 
A decorative door knock is a fun design element that adds a touch of tradition and whimsy. Antique-looking door knockers are a popular choice but there are modern and rustic styles available to suit any taste.
String Lights 
String lights create a magical and festive atmosphere that allows your front porch to be a gathering place even after sunset. It is easier than ever to add a twinkle to your porch. There are dozens of styles including fairy lights, Edison bulbs, icicle lights, and globe lights.
You don’t even need a power source, home improvement expert Bob Villa points out. You can also find solar string lights, which don’t require an electrical socket or extension cord.
Garden Stools
The versatility of garden stools makes them a fun and functional addition to a front porch. The home decor pros at Joss & Main suggest placing one on your porch to use as an accent table or group two or three together for more surface area. Garden stools are great for holding a water pitcher because they are water-resistant.
Painted Front Door
A bold front door paint color makes a front porch pop without taking up more room. Brush on an eye-catching color to punch up the entry way. Limiting the bright color to the front door ensures the color adds the right amount of visual intrigue without being overwhelming.
Outdoor Drapes
A front porch is a retreat, but if the sun is too hot or the neighbors are too close, outdoor drapes can provide a pretty and practical solution. Outdoor curtains blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces while creating an elegant and breezy look.
The DIY Network suggests choosing outdoor drapes created from fade- and mildew-resistant fabrics that are manufactured for outdoor use. There are a variety of styles on the market that can be quickly hung on a tension rod and cleaned with the light mist from a hose.
Hanging Baskets 
Fresh flowers always add beauty and charm. You can still have a beautiful display even if you don’t have room for traditional planter pots. Hanging flower baskets are a great way to add greenery without taking up floor space.
Geraniums, fuchsias, and impatiens flourish in hanging baskets, and they are known to attract hummingbirds.
Personalized Porch Sign
Life really is better on the porch. Create an inviting atmosphere with a customized welcome sign. Made with gauge steel with a powder-coated finish, this metal porch sign on Etsy is naturally rust-resistant.
Hanging Lantern
Add mood lighting and create visual interest with a hanging lantern. Beautiful House recommends incorporating texture with subtle accents like a hanging lantern, no textures bring the feel of summer into a space more than rattan and straw.
Welcome Mat
A welcome mat is a classic front porch decor must-have. Not only does a doormat keep visitors from tracking in mud and dirt, but they are also a great way to incorporate texture and eye-catching graphic patterns.
Outdoor Rug
Roll out a splash of color with an outdoor rug. An outdoor rug is a perfect focal piece for an outdoor seating arrangement or underneath a porch swing. Outdoor rugs, like the one featured above from Wayfair, come in many weather-resistant materials, shapes, and sizes.
Porch decorating makes a lasting first impression and creates a luxurious outdoor oasis as the weather warms up. Adding charming touches like a porch swing or a hanging lantern makes a front porch a place where you and your guests can enjoy spending time this summer.
