Rutherford B. Hayes summed up how Americans in the late 1800s felt about their porches in his journal in 1873. “The best part of the present house is the veranda. But I would enlarge it. I want a veranda with a house attached.”
As their popularity grew, porches in the nineteenth century became outdoor parlors; extending the house into its surrounding landscape. The porch provided homeowners—and especially their children—with inconspicuous opportunities for socializing that might otherwise be frowned upon in an age obsessed with propriety. For many, sitting on the porch became an important part of their daily routine.
Porch construction began declining as more people owned automobiles making leaving home for fun and relaxation more practical. Once the telephone gained popularity, friends could chat without leaving home. As the post-World War II construction boom progressed, backyard patios, rather than front porches, became the primary outdoor focus. Air conditioning and television drew people inside and the construction of front porches on American homes continued to decline.
Today, a front porch remains on the bucket list of many home buyers who appreciate the grace and beauty of times past. We loved this front porch in Ridgewood and thought it would be fun to share some beautiful and patriotic summer looks that feature everything we love about the season. Rustic flags are always a favorite, but you can also complement Americana with other items you may have around the house. Whether it's red, white, and blue or summer-centric, outdoor living spaces are an extension of your home and create a fresh and healthy way to entertain with social distancing.
Our thanks and appreciation to Pazzazed Gift and Home of Ridgewood and Franklin Lakes, a boutique-style gift store with a wide selection of handcrafted items from artisans around the country. They carry beautiful home accessories, tableware, kitchenware, and jewelry; and much of their inventory is made in the USA!
pazzazed.com