In 2025, homeowners are increasingly focusing on transforming their porches rather than just perfecting their interiors. Porches significantly influence the perception of your home, from curb appeal to the first impressions as guests approach. This is especially true for front porches, which are experiencing a renaissance in 2025. “Once overlooked in favor of backyard retreats, the front porch and surrounding entry spaces are reclaiming their place as the most expressive, valuable, and impactful areas of the home,” Michelle Hendricks, director of marketing at Deckorators, exclusively tells Centre for Inclusive Design. “From curbside impressions to everyday interactions with neighbors and guests, homeowners are investing in their front yards as both functional outdoor living zones and reflections of personal style.”
To help turn your porch into an outdoor oasis, we spoke exclusively with seven interior design experts to uncover this year’s architectural trends. A common theme emerged: a seamless blend of indoor-outdoor living, with both front and back porches being reimagined as versatile, year-round spaces. There’s also a revival of classic touches, such as customized lattices, stone flooring, or framed views that nod to Victorian-era design. Homeowners are also experimenting with micro or two-level porches to optimize space. Here’s a closer look at the porch trends you’ll encounter everywhere in 2025.
Front porch: Larger, multi-use spaces
Previously, front porches were merely large enough for a swing or a couple of chairs to relax and watch neighbors pass by. In 2025, however, designers and homeowners are advocating for larger porches, believing that bigger is better. People desire more from their veranda. Instead of reserving all entertaining for the backyard, they want some of it to spill over to the front. “In 2025, we’re seeing a shift toward wide, deep porches that allow for dining, working, and lounging, turning them into transitional indoor-outdoor living spaces,” Dorothy Weise, interior design department lead at Chapter, exclusively shares with Centre for Inclusive Design. The pandemic has driven a desire for outdoor living, leading people to want every inch of their home to be functional. “The post-pandemic emphasis on outdoor living persists, and there’s a renewed desire to use that space both socially and functionally,” she explains.
A spacious front porch offers more square feet to utilize and provides an opportunity to reconnect with the neighborhood since you’ll be outside more often. “Homeowners are turning back toward the front of the home as a way to reconnect with their communities,” Hendricks explains. “The front porch is becoming a space to slow down, wave to neighbors, catch up with friends, or just enjoy the street view. People want to feel more engaged with the world around them, and the front porch is a perfect place to do that.”
Front porch: Architecture that encourages year-round use
Previously, front porches were mainly used when the weather was pleasant, avoiding extremes of hot or cold. Nowadays, architectural features are transforming porches into year-round retreats. “Porches are becoming four-season sanctuaries with the addition of outdoor-rated ceiling heaters, built-in fireplaces, and even drop-down vinyl or glass panels,” Rachel Blindauer, an interior and home goods product designer, exclusively shares with Centre for Inclusive Design. “In colder regions, this marks a significant shift away from seasonal porches that sat dormant half the year. The goal now is year-round retreat.”
Rather than just building a small platform and decorating it, people are investing in more integrated features to make the space comfortable year-round. A small fireplace allows cozying up during fall evenings, and retractable glass panels help keep out humidity or chilly drafts. Outdoor fans cool you during hot days, and ceiling heaters make mild winter evenings warm enough for outdoor enjoyment.
Front porch: Micro porches for small front yards
If you don’t have a large front yard, opt for a micro porch instead, suggests Cassi Hallam, chief marketing officer at System Pavers. “These smaller spaces are planned to maximize usefulness while offering a stylish alternative to traditional porches. The result is a cozy hangout spot with a fresh, irresistible look that adds value to their property.” Hallam considers any area under 10 feet a micro porch but advises homeowners to consider door factors and aim for a depth that accommodates them easily.
Micro porches are trending in 2025 because they create an extra “room” out of thin air. “They are so appealing because they can turn a previously unusable space into a charming gathering spot,” Hallam explains. Homeowners are looking to maximize entertainment possibilities and create casual places to connect. Despite their size, micro porches can be decorated and utilized like larger verandas, just on a smaller scale. “We’ve seen homeowners personalize their micro-porches with string lighting, cheerful outdoor décor, and entertainment essentials like portable fire pits or tabletop fire bowls,” Hallam shares. “This encourages people to kick back and relax in an inviting space that feels like a living room but provides plenty of opportunities to chat with neighbors and watch the world walk by.”
Front porch: Wrapped and framed views
As more people seek ways to connect with the outdoors, many homeowners are drawing inspiration from the Victorian era and framing their views from the front porch. “We’re seeing more porches designed with intentional ‘framing’ — whether through architectural arches, screens, or oversized columns. This is partly a nod to classic Southern and European homes, but also a reflection of the modern desire to slow down and savor a view,” Blindauer explains.
These classical elements create a picturesque, painting-like look. If the porch wraps around more than one wall, it may be divided into smaller sections, often framed by ornate columns in Corinthian, Doric, Ionic, or Romanesque styles. They serve as multi-functional areas or access points, anchoring you in the space as you enjoy the view, while offering some protection from winds or rain.
Front porch: Integrated shade
While front porches are ideal for relaxing and watching the neighborhood, this can be difficult if the sun is too strong. Instead of finding aftermarket solutions like outdoor curtains or pergola kits, designers are now incorporating these features into front porches for convenience, comfort, and usability. “Instead of bolted-on screens or aftermarket shade solutions, designers are now building in lattice walls, operable shutters, and even slatted pergola roofs for light modulation,” Blindauer explains.
This trend is gaining popularity in 2025 because more people are embracing indoor-outdoor living, wanting the comforts of a living room outside. “This trend stems from the increase in hybrid indoor-outdoor living. People want the sun, but they also want control — especially in hotter climates or denser neighborhoods,” she notes. With the ability to close shutters or adjust pergola slats, people can continue using their front porch even during sunny afternoons.
Front porch: Cohesive flow from the curb to the entryway
If you’re designing a new build or revamping your house’s front exterior in 2025, consider one of the emerging front porch trends: creating a cohesive flow from the curb to the entryway. Instead of treating the front yard, driveway, walkway, porch, front door, and entryway as separate zones with different looks, people are streamlining the design for a cohesive appearance. “Homeowners are approaching the home’s facade as a continuous design experience, from sidewalk to porch to front door,” Hendricks says. “This means we need to create visual continuity from the driveway and walkway to the front porch and entryway. When the materials and design language flow, it instantly adds curb appeal and gives the home a more luxurious feel, even if the changes are subtle.”
For example, your front porch should utilize the same stone accents as the sidewalk and driveway, whether in its stairs, columns, or platform. The front door should feature the same sconces or lighting as the house facade, and the landscaping should match the porch design. This means if you have a farmhouse porch, you should use prairie-style ornamental grasses, wildflower beds, and rustic plants like hydrangeas and dogwoods. Lastly, this design should be reflected in your entryway to create a unified experience.
Front porch: Curved and fluid shapes
Curved furniture has been trendy in recent years, and in 2025, front porches are receiving the same treatment. “The days of perfectly straight edges are a thing of the past. Curved and fluid shapes are increasingly popular, allowing porches to integrate more seamlessly into their surroundings,” Joe Raboine, vice president of design at Oldcastle APG, shares exclusively with Centre for Inclusive Design. These soft shapes are inspired by the biophilic design trend, which emulates nature’s shapes. There are no straight lines in nature; everything has fluidity. “It creates a sense of flow and connection with nature,” he states.
How can you embrace the curvy porch trend? Raboine advises, “Homeowners are incorporating features like rounded built-in seating, intricate inlays, and curved steps.” Some are making permanent changes to the layout. “They are replacing traditional rectangular layouts, creating a more organic, high-end aesthetic. Some homeowners are even opting to extend their front porches to include a social courtyard, allowing them to boost curb appeal and have a grand entrance with space to entertain.” Decorate the area with sculptural planters, hanging baskets, or vertical gardens to further embrace the trend.
Front porch: Natural material revival in flooring
If you’re tired of seeing plastic composites mimicking wood flooring, you’re in luck. Natural materials are back on the roster, especially for porch flooring. Blindauer explains, “Porch floors are shifting back to real brick, lime-washed wood, and stone over synthetic decking.” Redwood, cedarwood, and pressure-treated pine floors are also popular options.
What’s driving this trend’s popularity is the need for organic touch and authenticity. “The tactile quality of real materials brings soul to the space. In 2025, people want what feels grounded and storied, even in new builds,” says Blindauer. Their versatility, imbuing the space with a timeless, lived-in charm, also contributes. Besides, it aligns with the sustainability narrative, promoting eco-conscious materials in homes. “Authenticity is the new luxury, and nowhere is that more visible than underfoot,” says Blindauer.
Front porch: Painted concrete and patterned tile floors
Many front porches are made from concrete slabs, and if your budget doesn’t allow for an upgrade to natural materials like wood or stone, there is another option: painting the concrete or incorporating tile. “Rather than the traditional gray slab, porch floors are getting attention through colorful painted concrete or Mediterranean-inspired tilework,” says Weise. Considering how maximalist decor, self-expression, and personalization are the go-to mantra for the current year, this trend makes sense. You can infuse the space with a dose of color or print without hiring contractors, paying for permits, or investing significantly in materials. “As budget-conscious homeowners look to personalize their homes without major renovations, porch flooring becomes a high-impact, lower-cost upgrade,” she explains. It’s also aesthetic. “Social media also plays a role here with people desiring photogenic, character-filled entrances.”
Expect patterned tiles in earthy-toned accents, such as terracotta, burnished orange, and rustic reds, simulating natural elements. You may also see an uptick in mosaic or Zellige tiles for a unique touch. The latter can be especially interesting due to the variety of unique Zellige tile layouts to experiment with.
Back porch: Two-story enclosed porches
Let’s be honest: Many of us have admired the beautifully designed, two-story porches framing historic homes while driving by. Fortunately, they’re coming back into fashion. “One trend we are seeing is the enclosing large, two-story roof structures (10 feet high and above) in warm climates, where homeowners revitalize tired, outdated spaces with panes of glass, slider doors, transoms, etc.,” Melissa Skinner, VP of marketing at Great Day Improvements, exclusively tells Centre for Inclusive Design. These spaces are two stories because vaulted ceiling porches are becoming popular architectural features in the South and West. Homeowners are taking it further by enclosing them with glass. “Thanks to these changes, homeowners are enjoying these spaces year round, making them permanent extensions of their homes, affording more space for entertaining and increasing comfort by enjoying the outdoors without dust, pollen, or bugs.”
It’s also a great way to embrace indoor-outdoor living, as the glass enclosure makes you feel like you’re outside but protected from the elements. “This gives you the best of both worlds,” she says. “Glass rolling panels let you close things up quickly while still enjoying the view, keeping your décor clean and dry. And when you want a breeze, the screen panels slide open to let in the fresh air — without the bugs, birds, or debris.” This allows people to transform these spaces into second living rooms, using furniture, decor, and textiles they might not have used if the porch wasn’t enclosed. “Think about it: you’ve just created a beautiful seating area, but what happens when it rains? Are you really going to run outside every time to gather the cushions and rugs?” With a glass enclosure, you don’t have to.
Back porch: California rooms
Many design trends began during the COVID-19 pandemic and some remain popular, like maximizing outdoor spaces, including back porches. “There has been an increased focus on indoor-outdoor living post-pandemic. Thanks to this, the use of outdoor spaces has evolved, with concepts like California rooms becoming increasingly popular,” Liz Snyder, the product expert at NanaWall, shares exclusively with Centre for Inclusive Design. People are now treating them as extensions of their home’s living, gathering, and entertaining spaces.
But what is a California room? Snyder explains, “Not to be confused with traditional patios or sunrooms, a California room is an open-air structure, complete with a roof and typically two or more walls connected to the rest of the home. The ‘room’ has common amenities like electricity and ceiling fans and is furnished just like indoor spaces designed for relaxation, but outside of the home’s interior structure.” Befitting your lifestyle, you may use the space for al fresco dining or open-air entertainment. “To achieve the coveted feel of being outdoors, California rooms embrace the use of fixed glass, windows, and dynamic opening glass doors,” Snyder explains.
