We’ve found creative ways to communicate from home during quarantine; some sing in choruses from their balconies, some decorate their windows with morale-boosting messages, while others safely hire photographers at a distance for “porchraits” to capture their family pod and the very close quarters in which they are now contained.
Suddenly, our front steps have become a much louder part of the narrative. Consider painting your doorway something bold, laying down a playful mat or mailbox for some personality, or creating a new reading nook with inviting outdoor seating. When a friendly wave to a neighbour is maybe the most human contact you have in a day, you’d better make it a good one.
Name: Sharleen Thomas
Interior designer/painter
Five — my husband Stephen, my son William (6), my daughters, Alice (5) and Pepper (2) and I
“California Poppy” by Behr
2014, right before we moved in
We live in a modern farm-house with rustic touches just outside Edmonton. I knew I wanted a red door to match our red barn that you see when you come into our yard. I have always admired bold-coloured houses, so choosing to go with the cabot blue siding and white trim creates a beautiful backdrop for a welcoming pop of colour on the front door. I added seating with an oversized, custom-built porch swing and a thrifted rocking chair, so that our guests feel comfortable and know they are welcome to stay a while.
My front porch makes me feel: Cozy
Name: Justine Ma
Job: Stationery and home goods designer
Family of: Three — My six year-old daughter, my darling husband (and one sweet beagle) and I
Front door paint: “Diva Glam” purchased from Home Depot
Year painted: 2019, when we were renovating our home
Details: I wanted to create a welcoming front porch, while maintaining a contemporary look. Magenta is one of my favourite colours. It really popped against the black steel siding and it’s just so fun. Partnered with the natural cedar steps, we’ve adorned the porch with additional pops of colour, like the orange mailbox (“The Marina” from Architectural Mailboxes), the rainbow rug (from Michaels), and a second-hand bistro set in sunshine yellow.
My front porch makes me feel: Joy
Name: Natasha Chiam
Job: Social media and communications consultant
Family of: Four — My husband, our two children (and a betta fish named Kevin) and I
Front door paint: “Bright Sun” by Benjamin Moore
Year painted: 2017, painted right before we moved in (our house was a complete renovation and addition by Serenity Contracting and Design to an existing 1,200 square-foot traditional 1958 bungalow)
Details: My hope is that our front porch is first and foremost welcoming. The door colour draws you in and up the steps. I repainted the bistro table and chairs — which were an old rusted set that was left on the property by the previous owners — in Rustoleum Turquoise. It’s there for anyone to take a rest, for us to hang out and greet our neighbours as they walk by.
My front porch makes me feel: Warm, welcoming, fun and bright
This article appears in the October 2020 issue of Edify
