Keep Your Porch Stylish With 5 Things Washington Experts Ban And 5 They Approve

Your porch is the first thing visitors see when they come to your home. It sets the tone for what’s inside and can make or break your curb appeal. Washington experts have strong opinions about what belongs on your porch and what should stay far away.

I’ve gathered their top recommendations to help you create a stylish, welcoming entrance that neighbors will envy.

1. BANNED: Plastic Flamingos Are So Last Century

Those pink plastic birds might remind you of fun Florida vacations, but Washington design pros cringe when they see them. They scream tacky rather than tasteful.

Modern porches need authentic character pieces that reflect your personal style. Instead of mass-produced plastic decorations, look for handcrafted items that tell a story or showcase local artisans.

2. APPROVED: Native Plant Arrangements Bring Natural Beauty

Nothing says ‘welcome to Washington’ like gorgeous arrangements featuring local flora. Our region’s rhododendrons, ferns, and evergreen branches make stunning porch displays that change with the seasons.

I love how they connect your home to the beautiful Pacific Northwest landscape. Plus, using native plants supports local ecosystems and requires less maintenance than exotic varieties that struggle in our climate.

3. BANNED: Holiday Decorations That Overstay Their Welcome

We’ve all seen that house with Christmas lights still hanging in March. Washington design experts say leaving seasonal decor up too long is a major porch faux pas.

Outdated decorations signal neglect and make your home look forgotten. A good rule: take down holiday items within two weeks after the celebration ends. Your neighbors will appreciate your timeliness, and your porch will stay fresh and current.

4. APPROVED: Weather-Resistant Wood Furniture Creates Cozy Conversation Areas

Cedar, teak and other weather-resistant woods earn top marks from Washington experts. They stand up to our rainy climate while developing a gorgeous patina over time.

A simple wooden rocking chair or bench invites people to sit and chat. The natural material feels warm even on cool evenings. Add washable cushions in colors that complement your home’s exterior for extra comfort and style points.

5. BANNED: Cluttered Collections Make Your Porch Feel Chaotic

Some homeowners treat porches like storage units – stacking shoes, sports equipment, and random knickknacks by the door. This creates visual chaos that Washington designers absolutely hate.

Clutter makes even spacious porches feel cramped and unwelcoming. It also collects dust and creates hiding spots for spiders and other pests. Remember, your porch should be an intentional space, not an afterthought for things that don’t fit inside.

6. APPROVED: Subtle Lighting Enhances Evening Ambiance

Soft, warm lighting transforms your porch into a magical space after sunset. Washington experts recommend string lights, lanterns, or small sconces that cast a gentle glow rather than harsh spotlights.

Good lighting serves double duty – creating ambiance while improving safety. I particularly love solar-powered options that charge during our long summer days. They’re eco-friendly and don’t require running new electrical lines to your porch.

7. BANNED: Artificial Turf Belongs On Sports Fields, Not Porches

The fake grass trend has gone too far when it reaches your porch! Washington design experts unanimously reject artificial turf as porch flooring or decor.

In our naturally lush state, fake grass looks especially out of place. It gets hot in summer, collects debris in fall, and never quite mimics the real thing. Our experts suggest embracing authentic materials like stone, wood, or concrete that age gracefully in our climate.

8. APPROVED: Rain Chains Celebrate Our Northwest Weather

Rather than hiding from our famous Washington rain, why not celebrate it? Copper rain chains have replaced traditional downspouts on many stylish porches across the state.

These beautiful alternatives guide rainwater from gutters to the ground while creating a mesmerizing water feature when it rains. The gentle tinkling sound adds sensory appeal to your porch experience. Over time, copper develops a gorgeous patina that looks even better with age.

9. BANNED: Mass-Produced Welcome Signs Feel Impersonal

Those generic “Welcome” or “Home Sweet Home” signs from big box stores make Washington design experts roll their eyes. They’ve become so common they’ve lost all meaning and personality.

Your home deserves better than cookie-cutter decor. If you want words on your porch, choose something that reflects your family’s unique story or sense of humor. Custom signs from local artists or vintage finds from regional antique shops add authentic character no mass-produced item can match.

10. APPROVED: Year-Round Wreaths Made From Local Materials

Wreaths aren’t just for Christmas! Washington experts love seeing seasonal wreaths made from materials found in our beautiful state – evergreen branches, dried lavender, or fall leaves.

A well-crafted wreath signals attention to detail and changes with the seasons. I especially love wreaths incorporating elements from our coastal areas like driftwood or those featuring dried huckleberry branches from eastern Washington. They’re conversation starters that showcase regional pride.