Ways to Enhance Your Entry Porch
Make the right first impression -- get inspired by these meaningful entrances and surprise your visitors
We always work hard on getting our interior spaces right but we often forget to pay attention to this semi-open space – the entry portico. The entrance holds the potential to set the tone for the rest of the house, so why not give it a little importance? Most of the Indian houses use this space to deposit shoes or to place an odd plant here or there. Be it a large area or a compact setting, this area can be uplifted to create an welcoming zone that your visitors will always remember. Here are some ideas.
Water is an important element in Hindu mythology – it is believed to bestow the gift of purification and good fortune. If the area allows, install a water feature coupled with potted or planted shrubs. This will not only create a relaxing and a soothing environment but will also reflect well on you as a sensitive homeowner. 4th Axis Design Studio has incorporated this feature in a rustic outdoor sitting area but it can conveniently be used in the entry portico of any modern or traditionally styled home as well. The wooden pitched roof inflates the elegance of the semi-open space.
In areas where precipitation and humidity are not a hindrance, you may proudly bring out the comforts – the diwan (a settee), the sofa, the ottoman and create an outdoor conclave.
Creepers on facades never really went out of style. Rejuvenate your portico by growing these beautiful plants – maybe not all around the entrance, as that can give off a bit of a messy look but consider covering an arch or a single wall. Natural light passing through the creepers when used over a latticed wall creates such a gorgeous look!
Hanging potted plants and a row of planters really livens this long portico. This farmhouse in New Delhi has pebbled sides and dramatic lighting that completes a picture-perfect setting.
Consider focussing on one feature that can bring the whole look together. Here, the vine covered pergola stands on the raw masonry platform. You can experiment with flooring of any sort. Select from paving stones, wood, tiles, marble, cement blocks – whatever your taste and budget allows.
This Bangalore home showcases terracotta murals on a wall along the garden. For compact entrances, you can use a similar ornamented wall to grab the visitor’s attention.
In a contemporary home, a modern composition of plants, rocks and pebbles can create the right mood. It’s low on maintenance but very high on looks.
If your entry portico has no space or room to do much else, consider using lights to illuminate the path. You could go for the newer, more innovative lights or just simply add lanterns all the way up to your door.
Read more:
Where to Grow Vines and Creepers
16 Sleek Designs For Contemporary Garden Gates
Tell us:
Which of these would you choose to style up your portico? Share pictures of your furbished entrances in Comments below.
Read more:
Where to Grow Vines and Creepers
16 Sleek Designs For Contemporary Garden Gates
Tell us:
Which of these would you choose to style up your portico? Share pictures of your furbished entrances in Comments below.
This house in Goa flaunts a firm concrete seating that is teamed with a traditional slant roof.