Everyone loves a front porch. It's that magical place where you can watch the world pass you by. It's a place to escape from the confines of home while still being home. All over the world and in different types of architecture, porches are both a place of respite from bad weather and a place for leisure. It is also a space that divides the public realm from the private. Creating your own porch style can be easy if you follow certain guiding rules.

A porch is most definitely a place to decorate. It is the preamble to the decor and architectural style of your home. The design of your porch should offer a peek into the design vibe of your home. Traditional decor might rely on good old-fashioned rockers, wrought iron patio sets or swinging benches where space allows. Contemporary decor might insinuate a more minimalist approach with just one or two items of furnishing. While we always encourage you to think outside the box, be considerate of your neighbors and err on the side of understated design. Even if stylish, a bold design can sometimes be offensive. Remember that the goal here is to have a porch with curb appeal, not a furniture store or a storage room.

Just how much space is needed for a front porch? The size of a porch is generally dictated by the size of the house. A good guideline is not to exceed 10 percent of the square footage of the house; however, there might be zoning, setbacks and other laws of the land that could help determine the exact size, location and architectural style of your outdoor room. Some porches are just large enough for a chair or a pair of potted plants, while others are large enough to host a party. Your neighborhood and surrounding homes will also impact the design and style of your porch.

Porches are also about views, overlooking landscaped lawns, bodies of water, or the movements and business of a busy street. Many porches capitalize on their location and raised position a few steps from the public way. Porches are intended as friendly architectural components that connect to the street and the community. Porches are designed to invite conversation and other activities, including romantic activities such as a goodnight kiss or a knee-dropping proposal.

Front porch decor necessitates some adjustable form of lighting: enough light to guide one to the front door without tripping or falling but soft enough as to not be the beacon of light in the neighborhood. Furniture shall be light and designed for the outdoors. Bamboo, wicker, wood and aluminum and iron seating are fine. Upholstered pieces and cushions should be covered in outdoor fabrics that are designed to resist mold and humidity. Under no circumstances are sofas allowed on the porch, unless you want your home to look like Sanford and Son Salvage.

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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