- 1). Examine the current layout of the front porch and family room. Look for problem areas, such as a cramped hallway leading into the family room, or clutter on the porch. Make a list of all necessary improvements. Focus your design plans on the items on this list.
- 2). Clean both areas thoroughly. Remove as much furniture and other items as possible. Sell or donate anything you no longer need from both the front porch and the family room.
- 3). Paint the rooms, if desired. Use painter's tape to line the corners and windows in each room, and lay a drop cloth down where you'll be painting. Use a paint tray and roller to apply paint to the walls, and a brush to finish the corners and other details. For the porch, choose exterior paint, and use interior paint in the family room. Opt for soft, warm or inviting colors, such as white, or soft shades of green, yellow or brown.
- 4). Purchase, build or install adequate storage facilities for shoes, coats, purses, hats and other personal items near the entry from the front porch into the house and family room. If space allows, create a place for guests to step off to the side to remove outdoor clothing, so foot traffic is not backed up at the door. Cabinets, shelves and coat hangers are all options for storing personal clothing and items.
- 5). Arrange the furniture on the porch to create a social atmosphere. Arrange chairs and couches to face each other to stimulate conversation when people are sitting, and leave room for people to stand up and walk around.
- 6). Arrange the furniture in the family room to create a comforting atmosphere. Most family rooms have a TV or fireplace as the focal point, so arrange furniture so all the seating offers a good view. Accentuate the decor with throw blankets that match the room's color scheme.
- 7). Finalize the design with decorative accessories. Since the family room is all about the family, have some framed photos around the room, or create a photo wall and hang all the pictures on that wall. Add other decorative elements to the family room that give the space a feeling of comfort. For the porch, you can put a barbeque grill and outdoor dining furniture out if space allows. If the porch has a ceiling, consider an outdoor ceiling fan to use on hot days. You can also place outdoor plants around the porch, either hanging or on small tables.
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