Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Teresa Merelman, Broker, Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VTPhone: (802) 793-5171
Email: [email protected]

Consider these decorative porch ideas

by Teresa Merelman, Broker 02/05/2025

If you want to spend more time outdoors, a decorative porch is the perfect place to do it. Adding a bit of style to your front porch will make it more welcoming, increasing curb appeal and your own personal enjoyment.

Just like with interior design, it can be helpful to find a specific style to inspire your porch ideas. To help you get started, here is a quick guide to some of the most popular design styles to try:

Modern farmhouse porch decorating ideas

The cozy, homey and practical modern farmhouse style is a goldmine for front porch decor ideas. Classic wooden rocking chairs and a traditional porch swing are right at home in this style, providing comfortable yet simple seating for you and your visitors.

Try using a neutral, nature-inspired color palette for your porch decor, and include plenty of greenery. Consider using half-barrel planters for your container gardening, or hang a lush seasonal wreath on your front door.

Rustic porch decorating ideas

If you prefer more rough edges in your outdoor space, try going for a rustic front porch decorating scheme. Opt for traditional furniture made of heavy, natural materials like solid wood. Weathered finishes and natural wood grain are perfect accents, as are natural stone elements.


To add some major rustic charm to your front porch, try installing some stone veneer siding. The rough-hewn texture makes a rugged statement while costing less than natural stone.

Boho chic porch decorating ideas

For a softer and more whimsical approach, boho chic is an excellent source of decorating ideas. Instead of a traditional porch swing, try a cozy hammock. Rattan and wicker furniture work perfectly on a boho chic porch, especially when accessorized with plenty of eclectic cushions.

Don’t forget the plants. Potted plants in weathered terracotta pots add a comfortable, earthy feel to any front porch.

When searching for front porch decorating ideas, it can be helpful to consider the style of decor you use indoors as well. Many popular design elements can be brought outside to the front of the home, and these three ideas are an excellent place to start.

About the Author
Author

Teresa Merelman, Broker

 Teresa's beginnings were at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She was child #5 of 8 and born into an Air Force family that moved all over the United States but usually ended up back in the Washington, D.C. area. Teresa attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and received her bachelor's degree in business from George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. Some of her prior careers include: computer buyer in Fairfax, Virginia; Deputy Clerk at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado; Police Officer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Bed & Breakfast owner in Stowe, Vermont. Teresa obtained her license as a Realtor® in 1998. She has been through many ups and downs in this profession and continues to learn every day. She very much enjoys the real estate profession and the wonderful people she has met and assisted along the way. In order to serve her clients and customers, Teresa continually attends classes and seminars. Some of her Designations and Certifications include: 

  • ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative (2003)
  • CBR - Certified Buyer Representative (2000)
  • e-PRO - Internet Certified Professional (2001)
  • CNHS - Certified New Home Specialist (2005)
  • CRS - Certified Residential Specialist (2005)
  • AHS - Accredited Home-Stager Specialist (2008)
  • TRC - Transaction Referral Certification (2009)
  • RSPS - Resort and Second Home Specialist (2009)
  • GREEN - NAR's Green Designation (2009) 
  • SFR - Short Sales & Foreclosures Certification (2009) 
  • SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation (2012)
  • AHWD - At Home With Diversity (2021)
  • SRS - Seller Representative Specialist (2021)

Teresa has also served and continues to serve on several boards:

  • Lamoille Area Board of Realtors - President and Board of Directors
  • Vermont Association of Realtors - Board of Directors
  • NEREN (MLS) - Board of Directors and Shareholder 
  • Vermont Real Estate Commission - as a member of VAR's Liaison Committee
  • Stowe Vibrancy - Board of Directors - this is a volunteer group that promotes activities in the Village of Stowe

In 2007, Teresa was named Vermont Realtor of the Year.Teresa and her husband, a local attorney, moved to Stowe in 1987. They had two sons and Stowe has been their home for the past 36 years. She still feels the Stowe area is a wonderful place to raise a family, there's always something going on. Teresa can often be found behind the lens of her camera documenting the beauty of the area and its many events.As an update, Teresa's older son is now a Doctor/resident at the University of New Mexico's Emergency Management Program. Her younger son graduated from James Mason University and currently resides in Chicago, IL as a supervisor for OKTA.