Porch Appeal

By: Tammy Dunsford When I moved to Edwardsville last year, I fell in love with this progressive yet quaint town: the community vibe, the adorable neighborhoods, the eclectic downtown and the constant movement – people biking, walking their dogs, running. It was as if I was transported into another time, another dimension. As I grew familiar with the town and uncovering its undeniable charm, I fell in love and found myself drawn to everyone’s unique and individualistic porches. Once an area to set groceries while you unloaded from the car, to greet family coming in for the holidays, for your daughters to have their fi rst goodnight kiss, porches have now transformed to a new living space, expanding your home’s square footage past the doorstep. I realized I needed to step up my porch game. After a little researching, I learned that the modern porch originated over 125 years ago. While porches have expanded to be more than just a covered entry over a door, I knew that I wanted to really inject my family’s personality to my 1910’s California Bungalow home. I had found so much inspiration from the town – Boho whimsical, contemporary, understated elegance. I knew that I wanted my porch to embody tranquility and a warmth. Our porch has now become a landing strip for my family and our neighbors. My granddaughters have been able to watch a bird build a nest, awaiting her eggs to hatch. We spend warm summer nights talking and looking at the stars. We have dinners and deep conversations on our porch. What I learned in my great porch hunt was that it wasn’t necessarily a theme I was searching for, but the moments created in that space. I realize that some of our readers may say their deck is the gathering place for friends and family. I agree as well; however porch appeal is that special representation to what lies beneath the opening of that front door into your home. I encourage you all to take time to enjoy the tranquility, mask free, and enjoy the outdoors on your porch.