When is the last time you really looked at the back porch of your home? Does it need a bit of TLC? If you and your family are more likely to hang out around the pool or gather around a fire pit in the backyard, the porch that provides egress to the yard may get overlooked. Luckily, these back porch design ideas will get this area of your home looking just as great as the rest of your outdoor living space.
What’s Your Style?
We are firm believers in the idea that the style of the house should have back porch furnishings and accessories that mimic or enhance that style.
A traditional home can include styles such as Craftsman, farmhouse or ranch, usually combining classic elements with updated details. Contemporary house styles use clean lines and angular architecture, such as mid-century modern. Classic Mediterranean or Mission style homes, which are what we see most of here in Southern California, often have sprawling back yards and minimal back porch space.
Traditional Homes
In a traditional home, the porch is usually an integral part of the structure. Because of this, proportion is important, as is scale. Support columns and the space in between will certainly have to be important considerations, as well as the entablature, which is defined as the area where the columns meet the roof.
In the traditional back porch pictured above, the columns are a major detail in the overall design. Rather than fighting against the restrictions the numerous columns present in the space, this homeowner selected a long, rectangular dining table and matching chairs that mimic the proportions. The upholstery color is not overwhelming, and the simple style of the table lets the beauty of the architecture take center stage. This outdoor dining set with sling chairs is from the Morro Bay collection.
Contemporary Back Yards
The key to working with a contemporary back porch design is to keep things simple. When the lines of the home are angular and sharp, the lines of the furnishings should mirror that sparse style.
As shown in the contemporary back porch design above, the homeowners selected a very simple outdoor dining table and chairs set that is functional but not frilly. Because diners can see through the glass sliding doors, it is important to make the back porch design an extension of the interior design elements. The metal frames of each piece look right at home sitting atop a concrete platform. The orange sling fabric on the chairs adds a whimsical touch reminiscent of mid-century modern favorites.
Another option is to use the back porch for lounging – especially if you have a magnificent view. These two deeply cushioned lounge chairs are set to take in the sites. Their graceful lines are easy on the eyes and the punch of periwinkle color makes them stand out against the white backdrop of the house.
Mission or Mediterranean Style
Often, Mediterranean style homes feature a half round railing as pictured here. This can be quite a challenge to decorate. We like the fact that this extension of the back porch utilizes the space particularly well by using a round fire pit and conversation seating that mimics the lines. The style of these deep seating pieces goes nicely with the traditional columns that make up the railing as well as the beautiful stone pavers.
These are just a few ideas to get you thinking about how you can best update your outdoor space with back porch design ideas.
