Front Porches

I don't know about other parts of the country, but one thing that is synonymous with the south is the front porch. There is nothing like lounging in a rocker or swing, taking in the sights and sounds or having a good chat with your neighbor. When we lived in Charleston, we ended up with the deepest front porch that got the afternoon shade on the street. So, our porch became hangout central. We spent many an hour hanging out, chatting and watching the kids play. I don't think I had ever really appreciated how meaningful a good porch is until then.

The house we live in now doesn't have a front porch and I have missed one terribly. This time of year is one of the best times to enjoy them. The temperatures are wonderful, the leaves are changing, there's a crispness in the air, and the kids love being outside. Oh, to have a swing to hang out in as I watch them play. One day.....

So, to appease myself, I hunted up some images of great front porches to share with you. Sit back and imagine yourself and a good friend or your significant other taking time just to talk about the little things or say nothing at all...just enjoying each other's company.

                                    Traditional porch design by Charleston interior designer Alix J. Bragg via Houzz

Traditional porch design by Charleston interior designer Alix J. Bragg

Traditional porch design by Atlanta architect Soorikian Architecture.

Traditional porch design by Birmingham interior designer Tracery Interiors.

Tropical porch design by San Francisco architect Sutton Suzuki Architects.

Traditional porch design by Charleston architect Frederick + Frederick Architects.

Traditional porch design by Boston interior designer Michelle Jacoby, Changing Spaces.

Traditional porch design by Boston architect Duckham Architecture & Interiors.

Traditional exterior design by Atlanta architect Soorikian Architecture.

I am in LOVE with this style home!

Traditional exterior design by other metros architect Jonathan Miller Architects.

Traditional exterior design by Los Angeles interior designer Doni Flanigan.

Traditional exterior design by Miami photographer Craig Denis.

This is one of my personal files that I just love. I have no idea where it came from.

via Southern Accents

via Southern Accents

Via Southern Living

A REAL Charleston porch/piazza via Southern Living

via Southern Living

via Southern Living

via Southern Living

via Southern Living

via Southern Living

Do you have a front porch? If so, make sure to take the time to sit out there and enjoy the little things in life (if not, improvise with a comfy chair or two!). Or as a dear friend once said "Take time to smell the roses". You only get one ride on this merry-go-round. There is no better way to take in God's precious creation than to do so sitting out on the porch:)

Group 3 Design

Ready for some eye candy? I know I am. Considering how chaotic our lives have been the last few weeks, slipping into dream world via some beautiful home pictures sounds like exactly what the doctor would order for me:) Want to go along? If so, keep reading and see what I've dug up this time!

Previously, I shared a few pictures from a home featured in the June 2011 edition of Southern Living from the article titled "7 Ways to Make a New (Old)  House". It's a new construction house on Daufuskie Island off of the South Carolina coast between Savannah and Hilton Head built in class Lowcountry vernacular style. It is pretty much my dream home. I decided to check out Group 3 Design - the architect firm of Rick Clanton who designed it - and found some beautiful homes to share with you. To start off, I'll show you the house featured in Southern Living. These first pictures are from the website:

Does this front porch not just scream "Welcome"?

I love some Spanish Moss, live oaks and a screened in porch!

Happy and Sunny.

I am in love with the two story kitchen and all the windows! Notice how the architect's shots of the kitchen shows more of the interior architecture versus the decor.

I'd love to have one of those deep farmhouse sinks.

Casual and relaxed.

Great details - including lighting and pull down window screens or hurricane shutters (?).

Nothing beats a great front porch and this one is near perfect!

Great idea to put a window to the breakfast area instead of a standard pass-through.

The following shots are via Southern Living and were featured in the magazine:

Lots of wood balanced with light watery tones.

One of my inspirations for blue ceilings. 

Nothing pretentious here! Just relaxing.

Somehow my screened in porch will "transform" into something like this...one day!

I can't just leave it at one house. Want to see one more? Of course you do! All the following images are via Group 3 Design's website :

How pretty is this?!

Lots of character.

How great to be just steps from the beach (sigh)!

Another great porch.

I would be here every chance I got with a good book or magazine!

These floors are just perfection...especially with all that natural light!

Great use of whites with wood tones and golds.

This wainscoting around the tub is just magnificent!

There were so many beautiful homes at Group 3 Design , that I'm going to use them as a posting series to help carry me over to the end of soccer season. I'm thinking there will be maybe two more posts from here. So, get ready to sit back with a good cup of coffee or tea and do a little day dreaming soon!