Front Porch Remodel Spotlight: A New Entry with Nostalgic Roots

Posted by Ben Thompson on 12.11.17

The owners of this beautiful historic farmhouse had been painstakingly restoring it bit by bit. One of the last items on their list was to create a wrap-around front porch to create a more distinct and obvious entrance to the front of their home. 

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Before photo of house.

Renderings of the project design.

Aside from the functional reasons for the new porch, our client also had very specific ideas for its design.  She wanted to recreate her grandmother’s porch so that she could carry on the same wonderful traditions with her own grandchildren someday.

Key requirements for this front porch remodel included:

  • Creating a seamless connection to the main house.
  • A floorplan with areas for dining, reading, having coffee and playing games.
  • Respecting and maintaining the historic details of the home and making sure the addition felt authentic.

Upon entering, you will notice the authentic real pine porch decking. 

Real windows were used instead of three season porch windows which also have molding around them to match the existing home’s windows. 

The left wing of the porch includes a dining area and a game and craft space.

Ceiling fans provide light and additional comfort in the summer months. Iron wall sconces supply additional lighting throughout. 

Exposed rafters with hidden fasteners were used in the ceiling.

Handmade shiplap graces the walls.

On the left side of the front porch, a reading area enjoys plenty of natural light from the windows.

Above, you see the entry door into the main house.

The new porch blends perfectly with the existing home much nicer front facade. There is a clear front entrance to the home, where previously guests weren’t sure where to enter.

We successfully created a place for the client to enjoy with her future grandchildren that’s filled with nostalgic nods to the memories she made with her own grandmother.

“We have had many people who asked us what changed on the house but did not know what we did. When we told them we put the porch on, all of them made the statement that they did not notice it was a new addition and fit into the house perfectly.”

Homeowner

Topics: front entry, front entrance, Thompson Remodeling, thompson remodeling grand rapids mi, exterior renovation, historic home, front porch