While many of the trending Americana design elements are decor or accent-related, there is one that is impacting new-home design, especially in master-planned communities: the return of front porch living, once the iconic view of streetscapes in towns and cities across the nation.
From a practical standpoint, a front porch extends valuable outdoor living space, important as homes generally get smaller.
The front porch’s appeal is enduring, says Ben Crenshaw, Southern Land Co.’s senior vice president, design. “It is an attractive, timeless architectural feature that allows homeowners to organically enjoy nature, connection, and community.”
“Front porches establish a comfortable distance between the home and the sidewalk, allowing someone to enjoy their morning cup of coffee outside and wave or converse with neighbors passing by—creating organic exchanges,” says Crenshaw, noting that front porches are a prominent detail featured in each of Southern Land Co.’s Tennessee and Colorado master-planned communities.
