8 DIY front porch ideas you'll love all season.

1. Install distinctive lighting

If your home still has its basic, builder-grade lights, consider swapping out your fixtures. A unique light fixture can add style to an otherwise ordinary porch. As this post from @homebykmb shows, new lighting fixtures add an extra touch of class. If you don't want to make any permanent changes to your property, there are many other ways to use lighting. Consider wrapping string lights around your railing or setting a few lanterns on the steps to add a welcoming glow.
 

2. Create a cozy spot to sit

Adding some seating to your front porch increases its style and functionality. To create a sitting area that suits your home, carefully consider its size and shape. For example, West & Co. highlights a petite nook with a slim bench. Meanwhile, HistoricalConcepts shows how to style multiple seating arrangements on a big patio. Group furniture into conversation corners and eating areas so that all the different pieces come together to create a cohesive whole. And don't forget that your outdoor seating can be an ideal spot for a bit of whimsy. Addison's Wonderland uses a combination of rattan swings and knit poufs to create a fun, bohemian porch, and I Spy DIY added a sturdy yet comfy bench accented by a potted plant.
 

3. Spruce up your flooring

Most home entryways use simple wood boards or concrete for the porch flooring. To add visual interest, think outside the box. Instead of a solid, neutral floor, pick something colorful or patterned. We love this stenciled flooring done by @BerryBerryQuiteContrary. It looks completely unique and helps tie together all the other décor on the veranda. Stenciling is a great way to refresh your flooring because it's very affordable. With just a little paint, a basic stencil, and some elbow grease, you can create an eye-catching design.

If your front porch budget allows, consider overhauling the flooring altogether. This brick front porch from @forever.six.acres provides the right touch of character that will last for decades no matter your style. 

4. Bring greenery onto your porch

When looking for front porch ideas, think carefully about plant placement. You don't have to leave all your shrubs and flowers in the flowerbed. Some well-placed planters are an easy way to upgrade your style. Soft fern fronds in a basket make this front porch by @lizlovegrowswild especially welcoming. If you don't have a green thumb, try some alternatives. Lately, we've seen a lot of gorgeous faux greenery styles that look just as good as the real thing. Or consider accentuating simple succulent plants with a fresh coat of paint on the front door like this makeover from @marlaplainandsmall.
 

5. Add decorative accents

The best part of decorating the front of your home is creating a space that displays your unique style. Once you have the basics like some organized furniture and nice potted plants, start looking for opportunities to add a few extra decorative accents. Think about what makes your home unique, and consider ways to incorporate those touches into your porch. For example, Atta Girl Says has an adorable lemon theme to celebrate her love of this tart fruit. You can also use your outdoor space to display some of your favorite collections. MGM Builders added vintage objects like a weathered trunk and a galvanized metal watering can to complete a farmhouse look.

And if you just so happen to have a vintage Schlage handleset, embrace it! @solomonbergdesign paired the perfect shade of green with this antique brass front door handle. Even if you don't have beautiful vintage hardware, you can still add a personalized finishing touch with Schlage Custom™ hardware. 

6. DIY some architectural details

Porches have the potential for some intriguing details. Unlike interior rooms, entryways typically have rails, columns, brackets, and other interesting elements. To get the right type of trim for your home, first consider its architectural style. For example, this revamped porch by Jenna Sue Design Co. features wood railings and bold color contrasts to modernize the exterior. These projects take a little more time than just unpacking some furniture, but they really enhance your home's "wow factor."
 

7. Lay down a beautiful rug

Consider adding an attractive rug, especially if your patio has furniture. A rug helps to clearly define separate spaces on your porch. It's also a great way to provide visual interest and make the area look more cozy and cohesive. As this post from @simplysoutherncottage shows, a rug is a great way to add a touch of softness to an area with a lot of concrete. Outdoor rugs often use special coatings that help them withstand the elements while still looking like traditional indoor carpets.

8. Upgrade your front door handle

Showcase your style with gorgeous door hardware. This simple switch turns a standard door into the highlight of your porch. Swapping out your door hardware offers a great opportunity to tie together all the design elements of your entryway. We love how @EverdayGraceDesigns used the sleek Schlage Addison handleset to complement the other matte black accents on the porch. You can also use your door hardware to switch up the overall style of your front porch. Tiffany from @caldtothefarm used this Schlage handleset to match the farmhouse vibes on her porch.
 

Following these tips helps you get a front porch that looks welcoming, stylish, and appealing. If you're ready to get more awesome ideas for front porch decorating, seasonal décor ideas, and affordable DIY projects, check out more from the Schlage blog.