 Some people confuse a porch with a deck but, in fact, the two are very different. A deck is an uncovered structure that can be attached to a home or sit alone while a porch is a covered structure that sits at the entrance of the home. You have probably seen plenty of examples of porches – especially the ones that wrap around the side of the house. I think the porch that is designed to match the style of the home can add a lot of charm. Here are some ways to turn your porch into a relaxed extension of your interior.
An outdoor living space
When the porch first emerged, it was the place where you could sit in a rocking chair and shell peas, carve wood, work on a piece of embroidery, or enjoying a cold glass of lemonade on a hot day. People used to sit on their porches for long periods of time and that trend is starting to return. You should treat your porch as an outdoor living space. Some of my favorite porches resemble living rooms but without walls or windows. If you keep this in mind when working on your porch you’ll be able to create a wonderful gathering place.
Flooring
A porch should have a homelike feel and one great way to do that is to put out a really nice rug that is weather resistant. I prefer to use rugs that are made out of natural materials such as grasses or cotton because they bring in a rustic expression while still warming a space. I also like to use color in the rugs that I choose because you can bring in a lighthearted and cheerful atmosphere. Rugs work very well in dry and arid climates although you will have to hang them up from time to time. You can also use rugs in climates that have more moisture as long as you remember to air them out so that they are not attacked with mildew.
Work with your space
Porches can come in any size and I have seen several where you can have an eating area, a sitting area, and even a spot for a hammock. Before you start shopping for furniture, it is important to look at your space and then decide what you would like to put into it. If you are working with the front porch, chances are that you would want to have a sitting area and a long narrow porch would provide you space at the end for a comfortable hammock. If you have a back porch, you could decide whether to have a sitting area or a dining area. Perhaps you would like to even portion off a section of the porch as a play area for the kids.
Decorating
Unlike working with a deck, a patio should be considered a part of the house, and as such, the decor should reflect the rest of your home. This means that instead of the traditional wicker furniture, you could choose any type of furniture that you want and turn it into any style of space that you want. The furniture should be sized appropriately to the size of the porch but, other than that, you can use wall fixtures, lighting, plants, clay ornaments, pillows, candles, or whatever else you choose.
What would you like to do with your porch?
 A renovation can be a big job so before you start tearing down walls, it’s a good idea to make a checklist for your renovation process. The checklist should include all aspects of the renovation from design to the finishing touches. This will help you stay organized and avoid forgetting an important element such as lighting or fixing a problem with a water line. These are the items that I put on my checklist and I usually like to put them in chronological order so it’s easier to follow.
Item 1 – planning
Before you can renovate a bathroom, you need to have a working plan of how you intend to change it and this includes creating a floor plan, selecting the fixtures, and choosing colors and materials. What I like to do is create an outline form and then under each heading such as item 1, I will write the items that fall under that category. This way, I can check them off as each item is completed. For example, when I am working on the planning stage I will put items down such as create floor plan, choose tub, tile, lighting fixtures, flooring, and so forth.
Item 2 – tear down
The next item, or category, on your list should be the tear down and this is self-explanatory. You want to put everything that relates to the demolition stage under this heading. This includes removing the old fixtures, breaking off the old titles, tearing up flooring, and destroying a wall if you are enlarging your space. Under this same category, I also recommend putting items such as turning off electricity and water lines and any other safety related procedures.
Item 3 – check for damages
Now take some time and check to make sure there are no issues with your pipes or wiring. If you live in an older home you should also put on your list to remove any asbestos material. If your home does have any weak spots, you will need to repair those issues before proceeding further. Being thorough at this stage of the renovation will save you unnecessary costs later on.
Item 4 – plumbing and wiring
At this stage of the renovation you will put in any new plumbing or wiring that is required for your new bathroom and if you are intending to do the job yourself, you will want to make sure that this part of your list is extremely detailed. This means that you should put a reminder to yourself to have the proper tools, protection gear, new piping, and all the materials that you will need to do the job. You also should make a note that you should find someone who is experienced with plumbing and wiring to assist you if you have not done this before.
Item 5 – installation of bath fixtures
When the plumbing and wiring has been completed, the next item on the list should be installation and here you will list the bath fixtures that you are replacing with new ones. You should have someone helping you with installation and is a good idea to include this reminder on your checklist.
Item 6 – flooring and walls
In this category you want to write everything that is related to installing the flooring and any wall tiles that you intend to put in. This should include any tools, the materials, and a helper to assist you.
Item 7 – finishing touches
This category is for all of the decorative pieces such as pictures, interior accents, window treatments, mirrors, and lighting fixtures. In here you want to include a detailed list of all the items that you want to use in your new bathroom.
How extensive is your renovation going to be?
 Let’s face it—you spend more time in your backyard than you do in your front yard so why are you not putting as much attention on its appearance? I’ve been in some beautiful backyards and let me tell you, once you realize what you are missing out on I guarantee that you will change your mind. Adding some beautiful landscaping in your yard will have you spending more time in your outdoor space.
Backyard Needs
The first thing that you need to do is think about what purposes that you need your backyard to serve. Are you planning to have a vegetable or a flower garden? How about a play area for the kids or a grassy yard for the dogs with a storage shed for all of those toys? I always think a deck or outdoor patio looks really great. I also recommend making a list of those things that you need to make sure that your backyard has. Then add any special features such as a playground or swings for the kids or a kennel for the dog.
Backyard Wants
Once you have a list of what you need your backyard to have, now comes the fun part and that is deciding what you want your backyard to have. Are you dreaming of a swimming pool where you can host the neighborhood or go swimming anytime you want to? How about a romantic gazebo at the edge of the flower garden? Perhaps you have always wanted to have an Asian or Italian garden or a collection of shaped topiaries? Again, I suggest making a list of your wants and putting down everything that you would want in your dream garden (you can always eliminate things later). If you really aren’t sure what you would like, browse through landscaping magazines or look at pictures on the web to see what you like and get ideas.
Backyard Reality
Now that you have a list of your needs and your wants, it’s time to insert some reality into the picture. It’s important to remember the region that you live in and that some of your ideas may not work in your region. For instance, if you would love to have an English garden but you live in a dry and arid environment that may not be a realistic goal. Likewise, having a pool may not be the best idea if you live in a cooler and wetter climate.
Another thing it is now time to do is to look at the budget and see what you can comfortably afford. Setting a budget for your yard is important because with the costs of materials, outdoor patio furniture, plants, and other items, it can get expensive pretty fast.
Draw it
Once you have a realistic idea of what will be going into your backyard, it’s time to create a sketch. You should start with a blank piece of paper, outline your yard’s property line and then play with where to place each area that you intend to have. Draw a couple of different sketches and then give it some time to think about the ideas you have. Try to picture your yard looking that way and entertaining in it or playing with the kids or the dog.
What kind of garden do you want in your yard?
 Are you planning to put a patio in your backyard? Patios can create a lovely outdoor space where you can relax with a good book or sit and have lunch with a friend. They also add value to your home while enhancing its overall appeal. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning a patio into your backyard’s landscape.
Cover
There should be a portion of your patio that has some shade and this can be accomplished in a number of ways. If you are looking for something rustic or romantic in appearance, erect a pergola and then teach a climbing vine or flowering plant how to grow around it and over it. I’ve seen some beautiful pergolas with hanging grapes or ivy that cover an outdoor table.
Large trees are another great way to provide shade to a patio and add a natural feel to your patio area. You could have a couple of adult trees transplanted to your patio area which is a good way to keep the trees from getting cut down. One of my friends did this when someone they knew announced that they were going to cut down their mature trees.
Patios present a lot of unique ways to provide shading such as with an open tent or a retractable awning. When deciding on a cover, try to make it different or personalize an ordinary covering with decorative pieces.
Location
Many people just assume that the patio should be attached to the back of their home but the truth is that you can put a patio wherever you want to. Choose a place where you can provide shade to at least a part of the area. You could even have more than one patio—one area for the barbecue and some chairs and another patio at an end of the yard where the patio table and eating area are located. This gives you some distance from the house and you can surround yourself with nature.
Materials
Another misconception that people make is that patios are created from poured concrete but, actually, you can create them out of any kind of material. If you do choose concrete, you can create a unique look by having the concrete stamped or colored, which gives the concrete a richer look. You can also lay stone pavers, marble, granite, or cobblestone to create a space that is naturally charming. When choosing the materials for your patio you want to take into account the surface of your home and make sure that the materials will blend nicely with your home’s exterior.
Greenery
Patio edges can appear a bit rough and so it is important to incorporate some greenery around the patio to give it a softer appeal. The greenery will vary, depending upon your regional location and it is important to choose plants that will thrive in your area. I suggest consulting with a local nursery and learning about the plants that are native to your area and then incorporating those plants into the surrounding landscape. You also want to design planter beds that follow the curvature or the outline of the patio and the planter beds can be large or small depending on the effect you want to create.
What do you like about patios?
 I think it is amazing how many home owners tend to neglect their home’s entrance and the importance that it plays on a first impression. Have you ever gone to a home and not really known which door is the front door or where it is? Not only do I find this confusing, but it often shapes my impression of the person before the door is even opened. Then, there are the homes where the front door is uninteresting and uninviting. Let’s look at some ways to guide your guests to your door.
Make a path
When I say that you should make a path, I don’t mean just a basic sidewalk. I’m talking about a friendly border edged path that guides you through the lawn or around the house to where the front door is. You can create a friendly path in a variety of ways but the important thing is that it should catch your visitor’s eye. Some people use a thin border of flowers and this works well—especially if you use colors that create a dramatic contrast. You can also turn your pathway into an attractive attention getter by using pavers, stained concrete, stone, or even a colored dirt path. You want to make sure that the colors you choose are complementary to your home’s exterior while also being eye catching at the same time.
If you have a path that crosses your front lawn, mark the beginning of it with a pair of topiary shrubs or something distinctive. Provide light and aesthetic charm with a line of solar powered torches or luminaries to light your guests’ way. If you have a lot of concrete in your pathway—such as large blocks, add rocks and greenery to create a border.
Attention getting entry
Once your path leads them to your front door, don’t disappoint them with a bland area that has no depth or color. If you have a wide front patio, place a wood bench to invite them to sit and take a rest. Inserting a water fixture of some sort by the front door provides a soothing effect on your visitor and gives them something to look at and listen to while they wait. If your front door sits higher and the guests have to climb steps, give them the feeling of walking up a grand staircase with curved railings that narrow as they draw near to your door. For just a couple of steps, try giving them an interesting appeal by creating a cascade effect on one side and then enhance the effect with matching planters.
For a front porch, make sure that you have a seating area with living plants and baskets which can create a charming country feel. You can even place a couple of pieces of antique iron furniture, placing garden themed objects on them.
Light their way
Lighting is just as important outside as it is inside and so do not forget this element as you work on your home’s entrance. For some homes that have a cottage feel a string of white lights takes on a fairy like atmosphere at night while a home with an Asian façade would look wonderful with tall Asian lanterns swinging gently above the entry way. Front porches can feature ceiling fan and light fixtures while more traditional homes can use sconces, torches, small luminaries, and other light sources around their front door.
What is the best looking entrance that you have seen?
 If you ask the average person what the number one room they would change in their house is, the chances are pretty high that they would tell you it’s their kitchen. The kitchen is usually the first room that will undergo a renovation and it can also be the most costly. Therefore, it is really important that you do the job right the first time. Here are 4 ways to help you have a successful kitchen renovation.
1 – Hire professionals
If you want something done right, you need to hire people who are highly trained and skilled instead of relying on a reference from a friend of a friend. I have heard dozens of horror stories from homeowners who found a distant relative or relied on a third party recommendation and then ended up having to pay even more money to fix the problems that were caused by the handymen. Save yourself undue stress and financial strain by hiring a professional contractor.
2 – Check for current licensing
I met a couple who had some renovations done in their kitchen through a contractor. The process went smoothly and they ended up with a beautiful kitchen. However, when they had to list the home the next year because the husband received a job transfer to another state, they discovered that a property lien had been placed on their home. It seems that the contractor did not pay the subcontractors and suppliers so they filed the lien. Then the couple’s lawyer found out that the contractor’s license was not current which left the couple financially responsible for the money owed to the subcontractors and suppliers. The problem is that this story is not uncommon and many home owners can be taken in by a professional contractor.
You can check the validity of a contractor’s license by calling your local government’s Department of Labor or the agency responsible for construction licenses. I would recommend asking for a copy of the contractor’s current license and then make sure that the license is valid.
3 – Written contract
Gone are the days when a handshake was as good as a piece of paper. If you are hiring a company or contractor to do the work for your kitchen remodel, then insist on a written contract. The contract is protection for both you and for the contractor and will stand up as evidence if a legal case arises. I recommend having an attorney review the contract to make sure that all aspects of your protection are listed. Don’t just assume that everything is written out correctly—take the time to read it and make sure that you understand it before you sign it.
4 – Don’t go overboard
When taking on a kitchen remodel it is important to stay realistic as to the size of kitchen that you want. You do not need to start tearing out walls and encroaching on other areas of your home to create a great kitchen that you will enjoy for many years. Take the time to meet with a designer and have them come out and help you map out your current kitchen space. Then decide what elements are the most important ones to have in your kitchen, such as an island, a double oven, lots of counter space, and so forth. Start with those and then work in the less important elements if you can.
What renovation horror stories have you heard?
 I love to take walks around older neighborhoods because there is always at least one house that stands out from the rest. You can tell that the owner put some effort, money, and time into turning their home into one that is different from the others on the block. I believe that just because you live in a planned neighborhood where all of the houses were clearly built by the same builder, doesn’t mean that you have to be like everyone else. Here are some great ideas on how to freshen up your home’s exterior.
Add natural materials
In the home design industry, natural materials are extremely popular and you can incorporate these into your home’s exterior. For example, replace old carved metal or painted wood poles supporting a front porch with solid cedar beams or stone columns to update your house’s entrance. Adding stone to the lower half of your home’s exterior walls gives it a special charm and can change the entire look of your home. Replacing old siding with cedar or stone is another great way that you can give your house its own look.
Focus on the entrance
The home’s entrance is usually the focal point so don’t be afraid to give it a dramatic new look with a portico or arched gable entry. Adding a front porch or changing an unflattering porch for a wide set of steps can change your home’s appearance as well. I’ve seen some great looking entrances where the owner put in cascading bricks leading up to a brightly painted door with planters adorning the steps. Even a simple cross-beam front can do wonders for your home’s first impression with guests and visitors.
Change out the windows
In older homes, windows tend to look small and dark so it’s important to lighten up the home, and bring it into the modern century at the same time, by taking out the small windows and installing large windows. If your windows do not really match the image you want your house to have, take them out and replace them with windows that do. This could involve putting paned windows into a country styled home to give it more charm or replacing a square window with a round one.
Change the home’s exterior style
Maybe you purchased a traditional home but your interior is modern. Well, the great thing about home ownership is that you can change your home to look like anything you want—unless you live in a historical community where you are limited. You can add dormer windows for a traditional appearance, gables and arches if you want your home to be a Tudor styled home, or even take out the traditional windows and architectural features to transform your home into an angular modern residence. Of course, this is all going to be contingent on your budget but you can do the work a little at a time until your project is complete.
Open it up
One relatively cost-effective way to freshen your home’s exterior appearance is by simply cutting back overgrown foliage and removing bushes and trees. Planting ivy at the base of your home’s walls will slowly build charm as the ivy climbs upward, turning your simple home into a darling cottage or older looking villa façade.
What do you want your home’s exterior to look like?
 I love to entertain outside and if you are like me, you probably need to have a barbecue area. Designing a barbecue or outdoor kitchen area requires some forethought and planning in order to create the best outdoor space for your deck or patio. Here are some tips and things to keep in mind as you begin to draw up a concept of your future entertainment area.
1 – Location
Your barbecue area should be close to your kitchen so that you can easily run inside and grab an ingredient. At the same time, it would be a good idea to position your barbecue so that the smoke from it does not enter your house. You need to avoid putting it near anything that could create a fire hazard such as trees, low overhangs, and awnings. If you are not going to have a sink in your barbecue area then you need to make sure that there is a water source nearby such as an outdoor faucet. You also want to make sure that you have access to gas, if you are using a gas powered grill, before finalizing your barbecue’s location.
2 – Aesthetic appeal
A great barbecue area must not only function well, but it must have a welcoming feel to it—where someone would want to hang out for a few hours. One of the ways to achieve aesthetic appeal is in the materials that you choose. When deciding on how you want the outdoor barbecue area to look, you should always keep in mind the style of your home so that you are not tempted to design a space that is really overdone or not done up enough. If your home’s façade uses brick or stone, be sure that you use the same material in the barbecue, making sure that the color is as close as possible if you cannot match it exactly. Incorporate wood beams if those are featured in your home’s exterior and be sure to use complementary colors for tile and other accents.
3 – Entertainment/eating space
Often a barbecue area is where the guests and family like to gather round and chat while the meat is on the grill. I suggest having a seating area that is shaded from the hot sun and I really like the outdoor counters and bar stools that sit around a barbecue station. This allows you to converse with everyone while the food is cooking. You can also place a long outdoor table beneath a roof or awning where everyone can sit and face each other as they talk or enjoy appetizers and drinks. Make sure that you accurately estimate the amount of people that you plan to entertain on average so you do not run into seating problems later.
When planning your barbecue area, I always recommend making sure that you include every element you need to create an enjoyable space. If you really like to cook, why not put in an outdoor kitchen with a built-in barbecue where you can prepare the entire meal and still be able to converse with your family and guests? There are all kinds of designs that exist with the outdoor kitchen and you can have any appliances you desire, including storage cabinets for the outside serving ware, dishes, stemware, and other items.
What does your dream barbecue area look like?
 Have you ever seen a photograph of a deck or walked onto a deck and thought to yourself, ‘I wish my deck looked this beautiful’? Installing a deck can be a wonderful way to enhance your property and if you take your time and plan the project carefully, you will be able to have a space that you can enjoy for many years. I am an avid admirer of well-planned decks and so here are some ways that you can plan out your outdoor space.
Take your time
Just as it took years to build a great city like Rome, or the Great Wall of China, your beautiful deck is not going to just pop up overnight. You need to put in time for research, planning, and development just as you might do if you work for a company that is launching a new product. Setting aside a certain amount of time for each part of your planning process will encourage you to find what you really want out of your new deck.
Shape
If you want to avoid a cookie cutter deck like most of your neighbors’ then I suggest looking at landscaping magazines that have presented special issues focusing on decks. Decks can be all kinds of different shapes from rectangular to serpentine, to round. For example, imagine a group of circular decks with connecting bridges or one that leads you on a small maze through potted plants to a hidden courtyard or central deck. Perhaps you want to have your deck follow the shape of a pond or be placed around a growing tree.
Architecture of your home
When thinking of the kind of deck that you want, one of the most important things to consider is the architectural design of your home. You want to make sure that the deck will enhance your home and not detract from it. An example would be building a massive imposing deck behind a cottage style home or creating a deck that is rustic for a home that is modern. Think of the deck as an extended portion of your home and this will help you as you choose the elements of your deck.
Function
Another thing to keep in mind is what you intend to use the deck for. Do you want to use a portion of the deck for an outdoor eating and barbecue area while another portion of the deck is for a Jacuzzi? If so, how big is your outdoor table going to be and how many chairs do you intend to have? Perhaps you want a quiet and peaceful place to relax in and read a good book or take a nap in a hammock? Knowing what you want out of your deck will help you in determining the size and design of your space. For smaller decks don’t forget about using creative ways to separate space such as arbors, pergolas, and even lattice fencing.
Don’t forget the electric, water
A mistake that people tend to make is forgetting to include things like wiring, pipes, and electric outlets for their deck. Planning should include every aspect of your deck so you want to determine where you will need access to utility lines. Lighting is a must-have feature for a deck and you should always include this in your planning. If you are going to have an outdoor kitchen area or a Jacuzzi, make sure to include where you intend to put the pipes for the water lines and wiring.
What kind of deck are you dreaming of?
 Some people just build a basic deck for the back of their house and this works okay if you live in a rural area or on a large piece of property. However, living in a neighborhood where there are streets, cross streets, and other yards can present unique challenges for a deck. These questions can center on privacy concerns, lighting, and outside access and taking these challenges and solving them will result in a well-planned deck that you can use at any time.
Graph it
Just as you would for a home renovation, you want to use the graphing method to help you visualize all of the elements of your proposed deck. To start, you draw an outline of your home—it doesn’t have to be fancy. Just make sure that it is representative of your home’s initial shape and size. Position it as if it were on a map with north facing at the top of the page and south at the bottom of the page. Make sure that the back of your house is facing the correct direction because this will help you with lighting.
Once your house shape is drawn out, now add your idea for your deck outline with appropriately sized shape and size. Using graph paper is the easiest way to scale your graph and I recommend using one square to equal a foot since the focus of the graph is to see the home and the surrounding environment.
Now add large items that exist such as trees, bushes, flower gardens, the pool, or anything else that is permanent and could impact the deck in some way. Make sure to include sidewalks, streets, street lamps, and neighbors’ fences. This is going to take some time to do as you want to make sure every item on the graph is appropriately sized.
Evaluate lighting
Once you have a working graph of your home and surrounding environment, look at the graph and make note of lighting sources. When is the deck going to be exposed to daylight and does it have shading and what time of day? Is there a nearby light source such as a street lamp or a neighbor’s patio that will have an impact on the deck? You can make copies of each plan and then on each copy indicate the lighting and the time of day. This will help you plan out the best location for your deck and perhaps the shape of it. For instance, if you live in a hot climate, you may want to place a small portion of the deck in the sun and keep the larger majority of it in a spot where it is going to receive the most shade.
Traffic
Now look at the traffic areas around your home and property. If you live near a busy street, are you going to want to erect a line of trees or some structure to soften the noise? Is your neighbor going to be able to see you on the deck if the deck is at a specific height? Do you have a home with more than one back entrance such as an L-shaped ranch house with a couple of sliding glass doors? This will help you keep in mind the traffic paths and plan your deck to accommodate them.
What elements are you most worried about?
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