Design and decoration features
The construction of the porch annexes begin last. To do this, take into account several tips and design recommendations:
- The design of the street porch must match the style in which the country house is made.
- As a finish, you need to choose materials with a high service life.
- Installation technology that affects the safe descent and ascent of the porch should be observed. For example, the upper platform should have a size of at least 1 square meter, and also have a depth and width, taking into account the type of entrance door and the method of opening the structure. The length of the site is built depending on the number of doors that will go out on it.
- If the cottage has a basement and the entrance is located above ground level, the porch structure for convenience is equipped with steps and railings on the sides.
Porch Views
Illustrative examples of the main varieties of porch structures.
Porch with a canopy for a private house
The canopy is most often a continuation of the roof and serves as protection against snow, rain and other precipitation. According to the requirements of special authorities, the visor is placed at a height of at least 20 centimeters above the front door.
This element not only allows you to equip a comfortable entrance to the house, but also due to the original design turns into a real decoration of the surrounding exterior.
A large cottage requires a spacious porch building attached to the terrace, which is additionally equipped in the form of a recreation area.
An excellent solution is a wrought iron canopy. If the design is supplemented with lanterns and hanging flowerpots, it will take on an even more sophisticated look.
For finishing the visor, such material as metal tile, polycarbonate, corrugated board, soft tile or slate is best suited.
Closed porch for home
Represents a covered glazed annexe, protected from all sides. In order for a separate room in the form of a vestibule to be combined with the overall design of the cottage, the same roof is used for its decoration and windows of the same shape are installed. It would be interesting to look at a wooden porch with a vestibule against a stone or brick house with shutters, a balcony or other details made of wood.
The tambour not only protects the entrance space from precipitation, but also minimizes the heat loss that occurs when entering and leaving the room. To achieve a greater effect will help warming the extension.
The porch with a covered veranda is on the same foundation with the house. A similar design was originally laid down in the cottage project. The veranda performs the same functions as the porch, but at the same time has a large internal space, which is used for different purposes.
Open porch with steps for the house
The extension, which does not involve the installation of a canopy, is characterized by the fastest construction time. The main thing is the correct installation of the steps.
Material
The future appearance of the porch determines the chosen building material. The most relevant are the following solutions.
Porch of metal in a private house
A very spectacular building, which harmoniously combines with the house in almost any architectural style. The metal structure is very durable, resistant to external influences and aggressive influences.
A beautiful wrought-iron porch looks elegant and significantly transforms the exterior of the cottage, however, it has a rather expensive and complicated installation.
Wooden porch to the house
The porch structures can be made of wood, timber or logs. They are most often covered with a canopy or completely covered since precipitation has a negative effect on the massif. If an open-plan annex is planned, to extend the operational life, the structure must be treated with special impregnations.
Wooden flooring is the most common option for arrangement. The material is fixed on a pre-prepared concrete, brick or metal base. In the design, it is preferable to use an array of pine, which is inexpensive and excellent for painting and varnishing.
Brick porch
A brick structure is not strong enough, for example, compared to a stone structure. When using low-quality bricks, it is possible to freeze the porch in winter and collapse due to the penetration of moisture into the cracks.
The best option is a frost-resistant and refractory clinker brick. Such a porch will look great both against the background of a brick cottage, and outside the house, finished with siding.
Concrete porch
The low cost and versatility of concrete provides this material with widespread use in construction. Due to its reliability and monolithicity, a concrete porch structure with a reinforced carcass is not subject to loosening. Such a design can be lined with any materials and have the most diverse shape.
The modern design of the houses involves a concrete porch without decoration. This extension organically complements the surrounding exterior and emphasizes the texture and color of the cottage.
Porch shapes
The platform and steps in form are classified into several varieties.
Round porch for a private house
Oval porch design makes the corners of the house more smooth and gives the exterior a certain elegance. It is best if such a structure is made of stone or brick.
Circular steps enveloping the extension provide a comfortable climb on all three sides. This design for the home replaces the porch with several staircases.
Semicircular porch to the house
The semicircular porch annex has the same characteristics as the design of a round shape, only on one side is it equipped with a parapet or complemented by a flower bed. The most difficult thing is to properly organize the formwork of the desired configuration, subsequent construction steps are standard.
Due to the soft semicircular outlines, the structure is distinguished by a harmonious appearance and is considered less traumatic. Such a porch can balance a house that has a complex shape or large dimensions.
Corner porch
An original architectural solution that can have any configuration. The platform is triangular, trapezoidal and even asymmetric. The main thing is that the porch structure does not discord with the overall design idea of the exterior of the house.
Gable porch
A private cottage may have a porch structure on two sides, due to the location of buildings in the courtyard and if there is very little space near the house. The layout of the gable structure implies a convenient descent in the right direction.
However, the two-sided porch has a complex design and requires more construction costs, in contrast to a simple one-sided annex.
How to trim the porch?
Thanks to the huge variety of stone rocks with different textures and shades, you can embody any design of the porch for a private house. Natural stone in the form of reliable granite, as well as marble and natural sandstone, is popular. For a cottage designed in a rustic style, an extension, lined with rubble stone, is perfect.
To make the decoration look as aesthetically as possible with the help of natural stone, it is also desirable to lay out the basement or the entire front wall of the cottage.
The porch structure lined with a terrace board looks beautiful. It not only has high performance properties, but also has a pleasant aroma of natural wood.
Facing with paving slabs allows you to achieve an imperceptible transition from the street to the house and erase the border between the cottage and the landscape.
Which side of the house is better to do?
An important element of a country cottage is the porch with the main entrance. It can be located on the left, on the right side of the building, from the end or in the center. Basically, the structure is attached in the central part of the main facade.
The porch annex is also placed on the side of the structure or even on the reverse side. It is important to know that regulatory documents prohibit entry into the house directly from the street.
Lighting Recommendations
For a porch with a strict canopy, the installation of built-in lamps that will not spoil the overall composition is suitable. The classic extension can be decorated with small hanging chandeliers or universal wall sconces.
An unusual solution will be the presence of decorative neon lights, spotlights or landscape lights.
To save electricity, it is advisable to choose devices equipped with sensors that respond to movement and sound.
How to Decorate a Porch: Design and Decor Ideas
As a final accent, the porch design is complemented by a railing. This fence can be decorated with vertical balusters or horizontal crossbars. Gaps are filled with carved wooden or openwork elements. They are often supported by identical details that are present in the decoration of window platbands, lamps, a fence or a visor.
Columns are used for the outbuilding. They give the exterior of a private house solidity and chic.
Unusually looks arch, which turns the porch into a gazebo. To create such a romantic design, a brick cottage is suitable.
Universal decor are plants. Flowerpots and hanging flowerpots look beautiful on the porch. The railing can be braided by climbing plants, and flowerbeds will be perfectly located along the stairs.
Due to light curtains, you can improve the porch-terrace or terrace and turn the extension into a cozy place to relax and a summer cafe.
Photo gallery
Such an important part of the structure as the porch forms the first impression of the appearance of a country cottage or a country house and allows you to show the individual delicate taste of the owner from the best side.