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:)

A Delay and a Neat Low Country Home

Alright, you wonderful readers. You guys are just the most patient readers, right? Please say yes. I have a reveal for you, but a little problem with getting the picture. I finished it up tonight, but can't seem to get a good "After" shot with the available lighting. This is one of the downsides to having a mid-line camera. Mine shoots fantastic outdoors, but it's nearly impossible to get a good one indoors after dark. It obviously has an issue. So, I'm going to wait to post the reveal until tomorrow when I can get better lighting. Because you all are SO patient, I may even have two more to show as well! Then again, I may just spread them out to tease you...'cause I'm mean like that (wink, wink).

In the meantime, guess what I get to do tomorrow morning?! It's my fabric shopping day!!! I am like a kid before Christmas the day before. I'll be up and at the doors when they open (with all three kids). Maybe I'll hit the jackpot. It's always a hit or miss. I'm due a big score, so maybe God will be good to me:)

To appease you, I've got another low country style home to show you. It was designed by the same architect firm that I've featured before, Frederick and Frederick. The layout is really open and airy, although darker woods are used. I've mentioned this before, but when you live where it's beastly hot nine out of twelve months of the year, those dark rooms become more appealing because they are a respite from the sun and heat. That's something I didn't fully understand until I lived there. My guess... is you want light and sunny when you live where it's cold (i.e. Scandinavian design), and a break from the sun when you feel like you're frying every time it hits your skin. Regardless, I still love light an airy and the hot climate!

Welcome to the Lowcountry River House.

This is just a nice, cozy, unassuming and comfortable home. I like that when you walk in, it's not the old house it appears to be and it takes you by surprise.

Metal roofs are fantastic...especially when it rains (which it does a lot of on the coast).



This is the biggest I could get this shot of the screened in porch from the outside.



Oh, to take a nap or read a good book out here in a hammock!





How great is this plank flooring? I really like this entry area.

This maybe just a little too rustic for me. I could definitely do without the bear head and hide on my floor! But, that tub!

The floor plan is pretty much all one open space for the main living areas.
Not what you'd expect when you walked into such an old looking home.

Although it's a little dark, the open rafters, double-sided fireplace and dormer/skylights create such an openness.

Check out the galvanized deep sink! That MIGHT just hold an afternoon worth of dirty dishes around here.

There's a little eye candy for you. Tomorrow you'll get to see my newest finished piece, I promise!