The Blessing of the Front Porch
I took a walk this morning to pick up the mail from the office. I am so fortunate to live and work in the same neighborhood. I feel extra blessed that I live in a Denver neighborhood of older bungalows - most of which were built during or right after the last major pandemic. I noted each one as I passed by. They had survived and so will we - a good reminder of those that endured unsure times. As I approached one of my favorite homes, I appreciated its beautiful front porch and thought of the potted flowers that will arrive later this spring, just as every spring before (although it’s almost April, Denverites know well that flowers aren’t put out until after Mother’s Day. We’ve all learned that the hard way!).
I couldn’t help feeling lucky that porches are such a significant part of our neighborhood. In our busy urban lives, they serve many purposes. We use them to drink coffee/wine, store bikes and hide packages. They give us that “curb appeal” when selling or buying. But today I also noted that they give us community. As I walked by (socially distant, of course) I could see and hear my neighbors - some having morning coffee and others on zoom chats with family - all waving as I passed by. That’s when it hit me - it not just curb appeal, but soul appeal that these outdoor rooms provide.
Historically, porches are American. Although there may have been some religious buildings in Europe that included porticos, Americans, during the turn of the century, made them a standard part of the home. When most of our clients think of the perfect porch, large southern plantation homes are often the images brought to our attention. These beautiful, sunny spaces with rocking chairs and fresh lemonade fill us with a longing of a simpler time. These originated out of necessity to separate the outside world of the farm, weather and outhouses from the interior. These porches evolved to become the gathering of family (and musicians) and often the main zone of communication before FaceTime and Snapchat.
When we have the opportunity to work on older homes in our community, we tend to look at the porch as the transition zone from the exterior to the interior. This public/private space gives shelter as we enter and provides a better sense of scale from the sidewalk. In most bungalows in this neighborhood, just beyond the door is the living room so the porch often becomes the foyer. However, today, I saw the porch inside-out, as an extension TO the world. Especially now. As we are feeling isolated, these porches become our physical outreach to our community.
So especially now, with the Denver brisk early spring air, may you sweep those porches, make them your work space. Make them your family space. Make them your shelter in place.
Interesting trivia: Denver neighborhoods are planned on a true north/south grid with most houses facing to the East or West. Prevailing winds from the north often prompted a single paned glass window only on the north side of the porch. Many houses here still have that architectural detail today.
BONUS: Take a listen to Principal Architect & Owner Sandy Thompson speaking with Jason Lewis of Ecospace on the Creative Real Estate Podcast. She discusses the history and significance of the American front porch, shares her expert design insight, and discusses the changes we anticipate in light of our extended periods of time at home. Enjoy!