As much as I "willed" visitors to walk up the stone path to our FRONT porch, it only took us a year of living here to realize that most guests come to our SIDE porch and proceed to the front door. (I think it's because people tend to park in front of the garage or barn at the end of our driveway, rather than in front of our house.)
Not a big deal.
Except that I try to keep our front porch inviting. In contrast, our little side porch - the guests' route of choice - was overflowing with bins of toys and garden odds-n-ends that people had to step over.
Except that I try to keep our front porch inviting. In contrast, our little side porch - the guests' route of choice - was overflowing with bins of toys and garden odds-n-ends that people had to step over.
I wish I had taken a before picture... just picture lots of junk stuff!
Well, I tackled it. And it wasn't that hard. The toys are now in the garage and the garden tools are in the shed. Makes sense.
This chippy chair with burlap seat looks at home in its new space.
It's funny how we can pass by certain areas (eyesores?) and almost not see them anymore. (Or is that just me?) It took guests, and lots of them, before I thought about changing things.
So now if you stop by, please feel free to come to the front
or side porch without shaming me!
xo
or side porch without shaming me!
xo
I know what you mean about guests not using the door you expect them to use. If I leave our garage door up, invariably people walk through the garage and knock at the kitchen door. What?!? What's wrong with my front door? :-) I don't know if I can decorate my garage as pretty as you decorated your side porch, but you've given me some ideas. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteOMGoodness, that's funny about your garage! That's usually one of the last places you want people to go unless you are super organized. We do have people going in and out of our garage sometimes too but I can't stress about it - it's a garage right?! :)
DeleteSo cute & inviting!
DeleteThank you!
DeleteIt is funny how some homes/driveways etc direct you to the front door, and others don't. I have lived in houses where we never used the front door and others where we only use the front door! It is nice that you have made sure that both entrances to your lovely home are just as nice as each other for your guests and you to enjoy! xx
ReplyDeleteIt's true! I didn't realize how little we'd use our front door!
DeleteThis is such a sweet looking home.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had a great porch. I keep my Garage door locked,
I would freak out if someone knocked on my kitchen door
from the Garage. Well Happy New year.
My first visit. yvonne
LOL! :) Thanks for stopping by and happy new year to you as well!
DeleteWhen we bought our home, we were lucky enough to have discovered the blueprints left behind. We discovered that the "front" of our house is actually the back. We have a real front door but mere feet away is the kitchen door. Guess which one gets used most? We had to tear the porches off due to rot so once we are at the point of rebuilding, hopefully we can somehow gently guide people to the real front door. :) I love that little painting you have hanging.
ReplyDeleteI have seen homes like that before - with two doors very close! It is hard to know sometimes which one to use... maybe a welcome sign by the true front door? And a "closed" sign by the other? :)
Deletesooooo sweet!!!!!!! hugs, angie from germany
ReplyDeleteThank you Angie! Happy new year!
DeleteCharming entrance for your guests. Love the little chair.
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
Thanks so much Mary Alice!
DeleteThe last picture is so well-put together that it easily reminds me of a classic still life painting. Good to know you're putting effort ito designing your porch since it's more often than not the first thing that people see. I'm also a big fan of everything rustic and Old Country, so you can call me biased. Haha! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLynn Williamson @ DAL Builders