Porch Refresh: Decorating a Porch for Spring

Decorating the porch for spring is a great way to usher in the warm, sunny days of the season and share your excitement with your guests and neighbors. Spring decor doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. These spring front porch ideas create a welcoming space and give you a perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

The first step for a porch refresh is a good cleaning.

• Remove all items from your porch.
• Sweep away leaves, dirt and debris.
• Clean the porch and siding using a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle
• Clean your outdoor furniture and cushions.
• Don't forget to clean the windows and your front door.

Updating your porch with the right outdoor decor this spring is an easy way to refresh your home's curb appeal. These spring porch ideas are quick additions even a novice do-it-yourselfer can handle easily.

• A spring porch sign immediately sets the tone. Choose a sign with a spring theme or look for one with accessories you can change for the seasons.
• A wreath creates a friendly feel. Whether you choose a wreath with a spring theme or a wreath that works for several seasons, this is a really simple way to dress up a porch. Hang your wreath on a door with a wreath hanger. You can hang wreaths from porch windows with suction cup hooks or adhesive hooks, just make sure they can support the weight. Take a look at Festive Wreaths for Every Holiday and get ideas to keep your wreath in step with the seasons.
• Freestanding spring porch décor is perfect for an outdoor end table, adding color and dimension to your outdoor space.
• Wind chimes add background sounds on a breezy day and the variety of styles and sizes offer lots of options. Look for traditional designs or choose from birds, flowers and butterflies.
• Adding a flag is another way to take advantage of spring breezes, whether you want the patriotic look of an American flag or you want to continue a spring theme.

Plants and flowers offer endless varieties of colors, shapes and textures to create natural spring porch décor. Planters, pots and plant stands give you an easy and attractive way to decorate your porch with seasonal favorites that work with any style.

• Fill barrel planters with bright pansies for a country vibe.
• Hanging planters look great with low-maintenance succulents or showy flowers that complement the color of your home.
• Plant daffodil bulbs in galvanized buckets for a farmhouse look you and your guests will adore. Drill holes in the buckets for drainage.
• Urn planters create a stately, traditional look but take on the feel of spring with colorful petunias, violas and pansies.
• Simple terra cotta pots get a fresh look with a whitewash finish. Or involve the kids and paint polka dots in pink, yellow, blue and green.
• Display planters symmetrically on either side of the door. Group them in staggered sizes on tables or showcase them on metal plant stands.
• Wall planters add a unique touch to a porch while maximizing floor space.
• Repetition creates a cohesive look in a window box. Fill longer window boxes with repeating groups such as English ivy, chartreuse coleus, sweet potato vine and white caladium.
• Set planters, pots and window boxes apart by tying in elements of your home. For example, if your home has siding with white trim, consider filling a planter with miniature or ground cover roses in the siding color and white caladium foliage.

Replacing your door mat is one of the quickest ways to update your porch. A new door mat can be the first step of a larger porch entryway refresh.

• Choose a door mat with a spring theme to fit the look and feel of the season.
• From dogs to birds and more, an animal-themed door mat adds a friendly touch.
• Create a traditional appeal with a standard welcome door mat or signal a more relaxed feel with a simple hello.
• Browse other door mat styles from sports to humor and novelty options to match your porch décor.

Now take a look at your door. It’s a feature every guest sees before they enter your home. Make sure your door offers a welcoming look.

• Consider a new color for your front door. If you want a monochromatic color scheme, consider the color of your house and choose a lighter or darker shade for the door. For a bold look, select a color that's opposite of your home's main color on the color wheel. Take a look at 10 Top Front Door Color Ideas to get more inspiration.
• Update your front door hardware with new doorknobs, hinges, kick plates and smart-compatible locks.
• Replace your doorbell for a fresh look and a finishing touch.

Help guests relax when you use well-placed seating to turn a front porch into another room.

• Prioritize conversation by organizing pieces of furniture around a round patio table. On large porches, create two rooms with a porch swing on one side and wicker chairs and a sofa in another. On small porches, use a bistro table and two matching chairs. And, of course, rocking chairs are front porch favorites, creating a relaxed feel that’s perfectly in step with spring.
• Use outdoor throw pillows in a variety of shapes and colors. Pair geometric and striped pillows, layer florals and solids or any other combination to create a look of your choice.
• Patio rugs create anchors for porch décor and tie a space together. They also keep your feet warm when conversation lasts into cool spring nights. Cover your whole patio with outdoor carpeting or use smaller area rugs to designate seating areas.
• Increase the time you can spend on your porch with outdoor drapes and shades. Outdoor window treatments offer a great way to keep your porch cool on warmer spring days while also adding color and personality to your porch. Curtains will also soften outdoor noise, giving you both peace and privacy.
• Don't forget to include the family pet. Put an elevated pet bed on your porch for your four-legged friend. They’ll stay cool while still being able to guard their territory.

There's no end to the fun you can create when you decorate your front porch for spring. Browse Lowes.com or visit your local Lowe’s for more front porch inspiration and all your outside decorating needs.