Why Front Porches and Outdoor Gathering Spaces Are Making a Comeback

For many years, there was a growing trend for homes to have a streamlined exterior landscape, with little to no focus on creating outdoor spaces that were actually functional. This has recently started to reverse. Front porches, backyard patios and outdoor gathering spaces are making a strong comeback, as more homeowners are now looking for ways to make the most out of their property.

The Growing Demand for Outdoor Remodeling Spaces

There has been a major shift toward outdoor living and feeling more of a connection with nature in recent years. The trend really started to take off during the pandemic when many people were essentially stuck at home for months. Exterior remodeling allows you to enhance your lifestyle by creating an ideal space to relax or gather with loved ones. It’s also one of the best ways to boost both your property value and your home’s curb appeal.

Porch Additions That Blend Style and Function

Whether you have a modern house or a more traditional one, adding a new porch can be a great investment. With so many designs and styles to choose from, it’s easy to find something that complements the look and feel of your house and adds real value. When deciding what to install, usability and comfort are as important as appearance.

After all, there’s no point in spending money on a beautiful new porch if it doesn’t meet your particular wants and needs. Shade is another important consideration for ensuring that you can comfortably enjoy your new outdoor space whenever you want.

Porch Installation Options for Every Home

Both covered and open porches have their benefits. A covered porch provides shade so that you can relax outdoors during the summer without the sun beating down on you. With an open porch, you can enjoy beautiful sunset views and sit outside watching the stars. Opting for an open porch with a retractable roof or awning provides the best of both worlds. Many homeowners also opt to install retractable screens or shades on the sides of their porch to both block out the sun and make the space more private.

When designing a porch or patio, choosing the right layout and materials is of utmost importance. A well-designed porch should feel like an extension of your home while allowing you to feel more connected to the outdoors at the same time. In terms of layout, focus on things like the seating areas and additional features such as a fire pit or outdoor kitchen to ensure the space is fully functional. The materials you decide to use can have a major impact on both how the space looks and feels and how easy the porch is to clean and maintain.

Outdoor Kitchens as a Backyard Centerpiece

Having a grill on the porch is great, but opting for a full outdoor kitchen can really elevate your space. Some features to consider adding to an outdoor kitchen include prep counters, weatherproof storage, a refrigerator and side burners so that it’s functional for everyday use. Installing an outdoor bar with seating is great for entertaining and making the porch area the centerpiece of your backyard.

Exterior Remodeling Ideas to Boost Curb Appeal

Outdoor remodeling should really be about more than just porch installation. Instead, the goal should be to have the porch, landscaping and lighting all seamlessly blend together to create a cohesive and inviting exterior design. In terms of landscaping, adding trellises or lattice that allow you to grow a vertical garden is a great way to make the space feel cozy and more natural while also ensuring you have plenty of shade. Using floodlights to highlight landscaping features and strategically placing color-changing LED striplights are great ways to boost curb appeal as well.

Designing Spaces That Encourage Connection

The layout and features you choose should be designed to bring people together, providing a comfortable space for everyone to gather and converse. This is where it’s useful to have a centerpiece, such as a fire pit. You also want to think carefully about the seating options and ensure you have ample space so that the area doesn’t feel cramped when you have guests over. Balancing privacy without the space feeling too secluded or closed off is also key.

Bringing People Together Starts Right Outside Your Door

Outdoor remodeling offers a wide range of opportunities to enhance your space, from pergolas and screened-in porches to luxurious, full-service outdoor kitchens. No matter what you choose, the focus should be on creating a space that both fits your lifestyle and upgrades the look and feel of your home.

At Willet Construction, we’ve been helping homeowners in and around Lincoln, NE meet their exterior remodeling goals for more than 30 years. We specialize in installing deck and porch additions, outdoor kitchens and much more, and our seamless design and construction process ensures we provide beautiful results every time.

Are you tired of your outdoor space at your home in Lincoln looking outdated or not meeting your needs? Start your exterior remodeling project with Willet Construction. Contact us today!