VIRGINIA The Northern Virginia region is full of interesting places to visit and lovely weather to take in, especially this time of year. Throughout the area, several homes for sale take advantage of the region's splendor with stunning porches and convenient locations.

A home for sale in Leesburg is more secluded,with plenty of space for the new owners to stretch out. It also has luxury features like a golf simulator, multiple wet bars, and a winding driveway.

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Another home for sale in Fredericksburg has an eye-catching 1970s style along a lakefront. It's situated within the woods and allows for plenty of privacy.

Patch has put together a collection of beautiful homes on the market in Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg. You can find photo galleries of properties in the listings linked in each article.

$5M Leesburg Estate Boasts Golf Simulator, Wet Bars, Marble Floors

$1.1M Fredericksburg Home Features 1970s Style In Secluded Woods

Relax On Screened Porch With Fireplace At Custom Vienna Home

Inside this $3.2 million home, there are seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms. The chef's kitchen lives up to its name with a six-burner stove. The lower level is an entertainer's dream with a media or game room, rec room, exercise room, wet bar and fireplace. There's more space to enjoy outside with a spacious backyard as well as a front and back porch, or the screened porch with a fireplace provides an option for all seasons.

Riverfront Views Are The Backdrop Of This Luxury Alexandria Townhouse

The Potomac River views are unparalleled at this luxury townhouse in Old Town Alexandria. Residents will enjoy river views from the home, especially from the Georgian Palladian windows. The main level boasts an open floor plan with an expansive living room, luxury kitchen with a custom island, and formal dining room with room for large parties. The master suite is updated and has vaulted ceilings and river views. Two other bedrooms were updated along with the bedroom on the lower level.

Fit For A King: Here's Your Chance To Own A Regal Estate In McLean

Once owned by the Saudi Royal Family, this palatial estate is situated on over three acres near the Potomac River in McLean. This spacious property is tucked away down a private drive, surrounded by lush and mature foliage, providing a sense of peace and serenity. Features include a gated driveway, a four-car garage as well as a stunning grand foyer resembling a scene from your favorite fairy tale.

Relax On The Unique Amenity-Rich Porch At This $1.1M Manassas Home

Updated Home Near Del Ray Shows Off Plants For Spring

Enjoy the vibrant plantings and close proximity to Del Ray at this home in the Mount Ida subdivision. The four-bedroom home is move-in ready and located on a quiet street. Mature and landscaping make the outdoor space appealing. Out back, there's a fenced yard to enjoy.

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Feature-Filled Decks + Stunning Locations, Views: VA Dream Homes - Leesburg, VA Patch

Colorful backyards, with bold planters, painted walls, and lively-hued furniture can become a home's eye-catching focal point, and turn the outdoors from ordinary to one-of-a-kind. And with the weather turning warm, there's no better time than now to cozy up and create the most welcoming outdoor space where you can lounge around and spend your days.

To help you out, we reached out to top experts, to understand how to add vibrancy to backyard ideas. Here are 10 ways to inject hue into the outdoors.

(Image credit: NJ+ Arquitetura)

Add a splash of color to your outdoor seating with colored sofas, stools, and chairs. Even adding a colorful hammock could make for a fun, welcoming space.

'It's so easy to embrace bold colors in the outdoors since there are so many wonderful and durable outdoor fabrics to choose from today,' says Victoria Holly (opens in new tab), principal, and founder of Victoria Holly Interiors. 'This wasn't the case 10 years ago, but now there have been many improvements in fabrics, and dyes and there are so many exceptional offerings out there for throw pillows, cushions, table clothes, and more. Microfibre, polyester to Sunbrella (opens in new tab), you can choose the ones that suit your needs.'

'There are many playful outdoor furniture options too available in bold colors, or furniture made in powder-coated or repainted hues,' says Victoria. 'And of course, so many design-forward styles of planters to mix and match with.'

'The theme here was to create a more fresh and citric atmosphere, to enjoy the hot summer days,' says Nildo Jose (opens in new tab), founder of NJ+ Arquitetura of this backyard with vibrant green furniture. 'This space is completely uncovered and is used by the family quite a bit. We added an outdoor kitchen to this space that serves intimate dinners, and complemented it with brightly colored outdoor seaters.'

(Image credit: Ellie Mroz Design)

You can also embrace bolder backyard color trends by adding vibrant pillows to your existing outdoor sofas. If you have a wonderfully set up outdoor seating and you want to warm it up and add a bit of layering, consider throw pillows, seat cushions, or upholstered poufs. This allows you to easily redo your backyard color scheme without completely starting over.

'For outdoor cushions, man-made fibers like coated polyester, acrylic and olefin both wear better than natural fibers and are also resistant to moisture,' says Ellie Mroz (opens in new tab), founder of Ellie Mroz Design. 'I also suggest options such as Sunbrella, Perennials (opens in new tab)or Inside Out (opens in new tab). These will tolerate harsh outdoor conditions.'

(Image credit: Kit Kemp for Annie Selke)

To warm up the exteriors, and add texture and movement to the space, you need to choose the best outdoor rugs that will suit the size and function of the area. Today outdoor rugs are available in myriad colors, patterns, and sizes, plus they look a lot like their indoor counterparts, making them seem decorative and helping to turn your backyard space in to an outdoor living room of sorts.

The difference is that outdoor rugs are generally designed with long-lasting materials that will hold up against weather and resist stains and fading. The best outdoor rugs are typically made from synthetic materials. From polypropylene, polyester, and Nylon, to jute and sisal, you can consider any of these textured materials to add a touch of color and design to your backyard seating.

(Image credit: Kathy Taslitz Studio design)

A clever way to create a vivid landscape in the exteriors is undoubtedly through planting, and a climbing plant is especially effective as it can cover an outdoor wall or structure like a pergola or garden trellis to bring color to your garden's vertical planes.

'The gorgeous pink hue of this Bougainvillea is a delicious complement to my Bring It On the dining table,' says Kathy Taslitz (opens in new tab), founder of Kathy Taslitz Studio Design. 'I love matching and mixing my custom furniture with my clients surrounding floral and fauna for an explosion of color.'

(Image credit: Stacy Zarin Goldberg. Studio credit Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture )

Painting an exterior door, a deck or an entire structure is a quick way to add color to your home's exterior. Choose the best exterior paint for doors and windows, and make sure the hues match the home's existing exterior palette. If your home is set within a row of homes, this could be a great way to set it apart and make it stand out.

Another thing to note is that an effective exterior color scheme doesn't always have to have bright paint colors. Even a muted palette accented with hints of black can work. Simply paint the door frames and shutters so the look is crisp and clean instead of one-note.

(Image credit: MKCA Designs)

Consider bright-toned backyard or patio flooring to build the outdoor scheme from the ground up.

'Ceramic and porcelain are durable tiles to utilize in outdoor areas, but I also love incorporating natural materials like limestone for the outdoors,' says Victoria. 'And incorporating outdoor tiles is a great way to lean into the architectural style of your home. For Mediterranean-style homes, there are beautiful stone-blend tiles such as those from ARTO tiles (opens in new tab). Or for a more modern home, going with a clean porcelain or limestone look can add warmth while still working with the bones of the home. You can incorporate tiles on the stairs leading to your home, or also in your pool/fountain area, as another way to tie in the material throughout.'

'We love using patterned tiles outdoors,' says Lauren Lerner (opens in new tab), founder, and principal of Living with Lolo. 'Opt for ones that are good for your climate, such as terracotta or porcelain. Some of these can get very hot, so they may not be the best choice in climates that are extremely hot in the summer. When choosing a pattern, opt for something neutral to stand the test of time.'

(Image credit: Jennifer Hughes. Design: Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture)

Furniture made in metal is generally affordable and available in many colors, making it easy to find one or more to suit your garden or patio. Outdoor dining chairs in bright yellow, red, and pink look particularly striking, especially if your backyard looks out to a lawn. Consider flea markets and vintage sales for pieces you can transform with a fresh coat of paint.

This design, created by Richardson & AssociatesLandscapeArchitecture (opens in new tab), uses multi-colored chairs to bring a riot of color to an otherwise subdued backyard - the perfect talking point for al fresco dinner parties.

To add more intrigue to the outdoor dining room and to add more color, consider a vibrant tablecloth over your outdoor table. Brightly colored glassware, placemats, or napkins can also elevate backyard entertaining. Balance out the colors with runners made of natural materials such as rattan or bamboo.

(Image credit: thejoyofplants.co.uk)

'Spring is the perfect time to plant various flowers, such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, crocuses, and irises,' says Richa Kedia, founder of Simplifyplants (opens in new tab) & Nurserylady. 'These flowers come in a range of colors and can add a vibrant touch to your backyard. If you're looking for low-maintenance options, consider planting pansies, petunias, or marigolds. These flowers are easy to care for and can bloom for a long time.'

'Another option is to plant wildflowers, which can attract bees and butterflies to your backyard,' says Richa. 'Some popular wildflowers include black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, and phlox. Ultimately, the flowers you choose for your terrace or tropical garden, or backyard, will depend on your taste and the climate in your area. But with so many options available, you're sure to find something that will make your backyard bloom with color this spring.'

(Image credit: Pelargonium for Europe)

Want to create whimsy in your small porch or backyard? Consider colorful flower pots, that along with greenery, spread the joy of hues around the area. Suspended flowerpots along the fence for colorful wall art. If you wish, you could do a weekend DIY project with terracotta pots and coat the bases with spray paint.

To create an interesting outdoor vignette, consider pots in various sizes, and textures to add dimension. A large container can help you add in more flowers and plants, adding more hues to the outdoors. Plus, add decorative accessories such as sculptures, rocks, and accent furniture to amp up the area.

(Image credit: Dentro Fotografia. Studio credit Dobra Arquitetura)

Let your home's pergola become the perfect starting point for the outdoor color scheme. Consider interesting hues as such blue, green or pink, and paint the entire structure so it emerges as a jewel within your outdoor backyard or garden. Fill the space with accent chairs and lively green throw pillows for a coordinated look.

Consider paints in satin or eggshell finishes as these have low reflection, which means that they hide bumps and imperfections on the surface. If it's semi-gloss or gloss finish you're interested in, consider these for trim and doors. The glossier paints are more durable so they will hold up well on these trim surfaces that take the brunt of the weather.

To add more layering to the exteriors, you could bring in colored string lights on the exterior to give the backyard a lively look.

'Multi-colored string lights arent just for Christmastime,' says Sheva Knopfler, co-founder of Lights.com (opens in new tab) and creative director and decor expert. 'They add a fun pop of color to your outdoor spaces throughout every season. Define your outdoor space by stringing the lights around the perimeter. You can hang them on the fence, or drape them between trees or on poles. The multicolored LED lights create a warm look and are great for parties.'

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Colorful backyards 11 color schemes for porches and patio - LivingEtc

Lausen Mitchell Ost and Alexis Coralynn McCoy have been respectively designated as salutatorian and valedictorian for the 2023 graduating class of Sulphur Springs High School.

To perform so consistently over four years these [students] are obviously among our best and brightest, SSHS principal Josh Williams noted. As a father and a principal, I would trust them with anything.

Alexis McCoy has a 4.47 GPA and plans to attend the University of Alabama, where she hopes to concentrate in biological research and business administration.

Alexiss awards and honors include academic all-state volleyball, National Honor Society (secretary), UIL state academics medalist, Hopkins County High School Leadership, key club, and National Merit Scholars.

Alexis extends her thanks to her parents JD and Jennifer McCoy, and her teachers, especially Ms. Millsap, Ms. Herman and Mr. Grafton.

Im probably going to be what they call a life-long learner, McCoy said. It has made them [parents and teachers] so proud, and it makes me so proud.

Lausen Ost has a GPA of 4.46 and will attend Texas A&M University at College Station, where he hopes to study civil engineering, specifically transportation.

Lausens honors and activities include varsity choir, UIL journalism, UIL current events, National Honor Society (president), National Technical Honor Society, 2023 TMEA All-State mixed choir, and 2022 UIL Latino History Essay state champion.

Lausen extends his sincere gratitude to his parents Dr. Loren and Christine Ost, as well as his teachers and God.

My parents always taught me to put my hardest work into it. To come to the end, its nice for me to know Ive reached my potential, Ost said.

By Taylor Nye. Photos by Chloe Kopal

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McCoy, Ost named top SSHS Graduates in 2023 - frontporchnewstexas.com

Generations ago, the porch was where all the action happened a place to converse with neighbors, cool off in summer and watch kids play in the yard. Today, porches are making a comeback as homeowners look to channel those relaxing days with front stoops and wraparounds. As you browse porch ideas, keep in mind that yours should feel like an extension of the home's interior. Read further for more porch design tips. What kind of porch should I add to my home? The size and type of your house porch is primarily dictated by your budget, space and overall look. A typical one is integrated into the roofline, so keep that in mind that youre likely looking at an expensive remodel. Wraparound porches takes up quite a bit of yard space and often require a change to multiple areas of the house, while small sun porch designs out back are a little less tedious. Adding a front stoop is a quick way to enhance your curb appeal, and is a less expensive option as well. In general, all of them have a predominantly traditional feel, so you might try a patio or deck if it doesn't fit your desired style. What type of porch railings should I have? The railings, or balustrade, you decide to use can help set the overall style of your porch design. While you can always go with simple vertical balusters for a more craftsman look, there are tons of other porch designs that will make your railings pop. Try turning those same vertical posts diagonally or varying the spacing to create unique patterns. Alternatively, traditional turned railings give a more classic look and will surely make your space sturdy for years to come. For an intricate showstopper, go with a custom sawn wood design that will instantly give a Victorian vibe to your space. For industrial or modern styles, consider metal railings, or sleek horizontal cable railings. To keep your views from being obstructed, glass is always a good option (plus, all of your gorgeous decor wont be hidden from neighbors). Regardless of the style you decide on, make sure you adhere to local building codes and implement your porch ideas safely. How should I decorate my porch? There are no formal rules when it comes to porch decorating ideas, other than to make sure they reflect your lifestyle. You can easily create additional living space by adding plenty of outdoor furniture. Try creating an afternoon nap spot by adding a hammock, swing or daybed, or include simple rocking chairs and adirondack chairs for sipping and chatting with friends. Many porch ideas Include a table or two to set down drinks or snacks, whether it be a small side table or a larger bistro set for summertime meals. Be sure to leave enough space to walk around any furniture, as climbing over your friends and family is not ideal. In general, remember porches are outdoor spaces, so some metals and fabrics can rust and absorb moisture, or fade from being in the sun. Bring in sensitive items when the weather worsens, and opt for more versatile weatherproof pieces overall. To bring your personality into the space, add decorative items like wall hangings, potted plants, throw pillows and rugs for additional color and comfort. Ultimately, its all about relaxation and simplicity, so be sure that's reflected in your porch decor and furnishings.

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75 Porch Ideas You'll Love - April, 2023 | Houzz

Like any other outdoor room, porches are simply a continuation of your living space. Although all porches provide a space that bridges the gap between the outside world and the inside of your home, not all porches are created equal. Some porches are meant to greet visitors, while others are designed more for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors in an enclosed area.

When it comes to considering the type of porch you want for your home, you have many different options to choose from. To name a few, you can construct a wraparound porch, screened-in porch, farmers porch, veranda, bungalow porch, or detached porch.

Its important that you are aware of all the different types of porches so you can make the most of the space both visually and functionally. Continue reading for our comprehensive guide on the most popular porch configurations.

Also referred to as a front entry porch, a portico is an excellent porch for those on a relatively limited budget. Front porches are the most traditional type of porch and serve as a great welcoming space for visitors. In most cases, porticos are small in size and only cover the area just above the stairs leading to the homes main door.

If you want to embellish your portico with plants or chairs, youll likely want to build it wider. Regardless, an effective portico will provide shielding for your guests from the weather as they wait to enter your home. It can also create a charming outdoor space for relaxing and enjoying the fresh air.

The wraparound porch is one of the most common types of front porches you can choose from for your home. Frequently seen on Victoria-style homes, these porches are perfect for areas of the world that experience mild weather for most of the year. They can extend the living space of your casual family room or provide a space for your guests to enjoy the outdoors while connected to a dining room or more formal living room.

When you open up a wraparound porch to the rooms inside, it can make your entire home feel more expansive. Though, its important to note that a wraparound porch is going to shade the interior of your home so youll want to be aware of where the sun travels on your property.

Since wraparound porches are large and literally wrap around your house, you can create various zones. For example, you can set up a seating area for visitors, a lounge area with a hammock for relaxing and reading, or even add a gazebo for some visual interest. For homes in the country, a wraparound porch is the perfect way to establish a deeper connection between the interior of your home and the stunning landscape.

A screened-in porch is exactly what the name indicates: a porch that is screened. This type of porch is ideal if you want to enjoy the breezes and fragrances of the outdoors, but without the harsh sunlight and bugs. Having a porch that is screened allows you to appreciate your porch on a more regular basis and makes it suited for more activities.

With screened-in porches, your porch will not be impacted by weather, bugs, or insects, and you still get to enjoy your porch just in a more controlled environment. That said, here are some of the most prominent advantages to screened-in porches:

Also called an open porch, a farmers porch is a common feature on New England and farmhouse-style homes. Farmers porches may wrap around the sides of your house or extend along the front of the house. These porches can be distinguished by their tailored railings and sturdy beams that support the structure.

A farmers porch may either be elevated or ground level. These porches extend your living space into the outdoors. In addition to shielding from rain and providing a stunning spot to sit and relax, farmers porches deliver a very traditional look and feel to your home. The types of farmers porches include:

As the name suggests, a detached porch is a separate structure from the main house. It is usually connected to the home via a walkway, whether its a wooden pathway, gravel, or pavers. Detached porches may be open-air, screened-in, or enclosed in glass.

These porches offer a lot of versatility, with numerous feature options to create the porch of your dreams. Since detached porches are a separate structure from the house, they are often more expensive to construct than other types.

Bungalow porches are very common in Florida, typically featuring oversized stone, timber, or brick pillars or columns. This type of porch provides a front space that is open to the yard, which allows you to extend your living room. The most popular flooring options with bungalow porches are ceramic tile, asphalt, and oak.

These porches are traditionally furnished with rustic furniture, serving as an extension of the living space. The bungalow porch may be covered with a roof or pergola, with some newer styles offering a combination of the two. The roof itself is usually supported by columns or thick beams, positioned underneath a front-facing gable.

Supports are often battered (tapered) wooden posts atop stone or brick pedestals. The posts may also be divided into groups of two or even four.

Gable-style porches are narrow features that sit at the top of a stepped path, leading to the entrance of the home. These few steps lead to a landing before the doorway. The porch itself is topped by a roof that is ridged, dual-pitched, and gable-style.

Back porches are typically more informal than front porches, offering more flexibility. Installing a back porch is an excellent way to connect your kitchen to your outdoor garden. They can be used for enjoying nature or waterfront views or serve as a protected area for watching your kids play in the yard.

When compared to front porches, back porches tend to be larger and more functional. During the designing phase, its important to consider how your back porch will connect to the main home. Things like a mudroom, cooking area, or gardening shed are great additions to add functionality to your back porch.

Loggias are outdoor corridors with an outer wall that is open to the outdoors and a fully shielded roof. This type of porch typically runs the length of at least one side of the house and is supported by decorative columns or arches. Opting for a loggia is a luxurious way to upgrade the exterior of your home. Youll often find loggias around the world connected to palaces and other grand buildings.

Lanai porches originated in Hawaii but have since been introduced in other warm climate areas, including Florida. They are similar to traditional porches, but often open up into wider living areas of the home. Like loggias, lanais are roofed but they have more than one wall that is open to the elements. They may be screened in or covered in panels to help regulate the indoor temperature. With lanais, you can enjoy year-round outdoor living.

Verandas are an open-air style porch or platform with a roof, running across the sides and front of the home. They are typically enclosed by a railing and are leveled with the ground level of the house.

Jessica Stone

Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. She grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home. Being a Los Angeles resident, Jessica spends a lot of her time looking for her next DIY project and sharing her love for home design.

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11 Types of Porches (With Photos) Upgraded Home

Front porch awning ideas can be an excellent alternative to a traditional covered front porch. They're a better choice for small spaces, and they can be retrofitted to existing front stoops to provide shelter from the elements while you open your front door. Not to mention, an awning can help prevent door leaks, and it can be a stylish front porch idea that enhances the overall look of your home.

One of the biggest benefits to an awning is that it'll offer similar benefits to a covered porch, with a much smaller investment, in terms of both time and money.

'Awnings are significantly cheaper than doing a traditional covered porch. Covered porches are mostly something you install during the initial construction or add during a major renovation because of their cost and the amount of work and time that goes into them,' says Edward Griffith, a home inspector and construction engineer at Griffith Home Analysis (opens in new tab). 'Most awnings can be installed as a weekend project by the owner.'

You'll find lots of options for your front porch awning, and they even work for your back porch ideas, too. There are copper awnings with a craftsman feel, canvas awnings with coastal appeal, or wood awnings that can be tailored to the style of your home's architecture.

Whatever style you're after, we've got inspiration for it, below.

(Image credit: Mary Patton Design / Molly Culver Photography)

A fabric awning is the perfect small front porch idea, because it doesn't require any support beams on the ground. It can be attached directly to the exterior of your home above your front door.

When deciding how to decorate a front porch, canvas awnings can also be an aesthetic choice, as they create a beautiful, retro-inspired or coastal scene on the summer front porch.

(Image credit: Future)

For a simple, functional awning, install a flat wood or fiberglass canopy above your front door. At this modern, ranch-style home, the slim awning is painted a similar shade of charcoal gray as the rest of the exterior, which helps the awning to recede visually and maintain the home's sleek but rustic style.

(Image credit: Blesser House)

If your home is traditional in style, consider a more permanent structure like the one above. This small, open vestibule at the home of Lauren Shaver (opens in new tab) sits somewhere between awning and covered porch.

It's a bigger project than simply installing a ready-made awning, but still nowhere near as involved as building a full-size, covered front porch. Adding fluted support columns instead of simple beams or porch railings gives it a classic look that suits the home's exterior.

(Image credit: The English Porch Company)

Cottage porch ideas require awnings that match their charm, and this gabled version fits the bill.At this brick cottage, detailed woodwork like Arts and Crafts-style corbels and an arched cut-out add extra character.

(Image credit: Wayfair)

Black and white stripes are classic, and suited to a number of different house styles. A striped design complements Tuscan or Mediterranean-inspired architecture (think umbrellas on the Amalfi Coast), but it also underscores the timeless style of traditional colonial architecture.

Canvas awnings are one of the easiest types to install, because they're lightweight, and the installation only requires securing the frame to the house. 'Awnings are very easy and quick to install on an existing structure with very little fanfare involved,' says Griffith.

(Image credit: Sherry Petersik, Young House Love)

Like fabric awnings, metal awnings are both easy to install, and can be excellent space-saving options for front porches (they're also a great back porch idea, which is actually where this one was used at the home of Sherry Petersik (opens in new tab), above).

(Image credit: Wayfair)

Glass might seem like an impractical awning idea, especially if you live in an area that gets lots of snow, but this decorative canopy only looks like delicate glass. Instead, most glass-look awnings (this one included) are actually made from high-impact acrylic sheets that can stand up to the elements.

(Image credit: Paul Dyer)

If you're stumped about the right shape or style for your awning, look to your home's roofline. Mimicking the style of your roof, whether it's flat, peaked, or gabled, will guarantee that your awning suits your home's architecture.

At this contemporary home, a flat metal awning shares a style, scale, and color with the roofline above, and to keep thing extra sleek, the front porch lighting ideas are built right into the underside of the canopy.

(Image credit: Brooke Christen)

Love the farmhouse look? Take a cue from stylist Brooke Christen (opens in new tab), and add a black metal awning with batten-style detailing. The extra feature adds modern farmhouse style to the home's exterior, and would make a great spring porch idea for once those April showers arrive.

If you're looking for a way to add a shelter area to the front of your home and your front porch furniture, but don't want to build a front porch, an awning is a simple but effective solution. To enhance the overall look of your home, choose something that naturally fits with your home's architecture. At a modern farmhouse, a streamlined black metal awning works seamlessly, while at a coastal home, a canvas awning would better suit.

The main types of awnings for a home are canvas or fabric awnings, metal awnings, and wood or fiberglass awnings. Less commonly, awnings can also be made of glass.

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Front porch awning ideas 9 beautiful looks with canvas, metal, and more - Homes & Gardens

The instant I felt his butterfly-fluttering kicks in my womb, I was besotted with my first child.

Ethan arrived with golden hair and a sweet disposition. I documented his first smile, first tooth, first word (mama, of course) with the absorption of a Ph.D. candidate completing her dissertation.

Eighteen months after his birth, I was delighted to learn another baby was on the way. But as my delivery date drew closer I worried: How could I love this new son as much as I did my first?

On a sunny April afternoon, they placed the heft of Alex in my arms. Weighing in at 10 pounds, 6 ounces with a head of dark hair that already needed a trim, he peered at me through the bluest of eyes. Instantly smitten I began to hum, You are my sunshine, my only sunshine

And I didnt worry a bit when my third and fourth sons arrived. Id discovered that a mothers heart expands with each child its capacity for love encompassing every new arrival.

I thought about that during our recent visit to see Alex and his family in Ohio.

Six years ago, when Alex fell in love with Brooke, he got a twofer she had a beautiful 2-year-old daughter.

After they moved from Texas to Ohio, I flew out to meet my sons new loves and just like that my heart expanded again. How could I not adore the woman who made my son so happy? Her beautiful daughter, Farrah, was the icing on the cake.

When they told us they were expecting their first son, Ian Lucas, my joy knew no bounds.

My grief when Ian was stillborn at full term was equally limitless an ever-present ache.

The birth of their identical twin sons, Adam and Nicholas, in November 2019, offered our broken hearts a way to begin to heal.

Two weeks ago, we took Dereks mother, Juanita, with us to Ohio. She hadnt seen the twins since they were eight months old and was eager to reconnect with Farrah.

She celebrated her 79th birthday with us during our trip. Alex took the day off of work to take her and Farrah on a shopping spree to the landmark Columbus book store, The Book Loft, and then out to lunch.

While Derek and I entertained the twins, Brooke decorated their house for GGs (great-grandmas) birthday. GG spent the afternoon at their beautiful backyard pool and taught Farrah how to dive off the diving board.

Id simmered pulled pork in the slow cooker all day for dinner, and GG chose a bakery carrot cake for her birthday treat. We all sang while Alex brought the cake to her, and Adam helpfully blew out the candles.

As I watched four generations of Hvals swim together that evening, I marveled at the ways families shrink with sorrowful losses, but grow with the joy of new additions.

The next morning, Nick needed some Nana cuddles and crawled up in my lap with his blanket. Adam wasnt about to be left out. He ran and got his blanket and scooched onto my lap.

I wrapped my arms around them both and swayed and sang, You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray

It was a tight fit for two gangly toddlers, but oh, theres always space on Nanas lap and plenty of room in her heart. Thats just the way love works.

Cindy Hval can be reached at dchval@juno.com. Hval is the author of War Bonds: Love Stories from the Greatest Generation (Casemate Publishers, 2015) available on Amazon and bookstores nationwide.

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Front Porch: A mother's and grandmother's heart always has more room - The Spokesman Review

Fire that displaced dozens started on back porch

Updated: 4:48 PM EDT Aug 17, 2022

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IS NOW UNDERWAY. RHONDELLA? REPORTER: THIS HOME IS A TOTAL LOSS. A REAL NIGHTMARE HERE ON COTTAGE STREET. IT HAPPENED IN THE REAR OF THE YELLOW BUILDING. BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS TIGHTLY PACKED, THE ADJACENT HOMES HAD TO ALL BE EVACUATED. PEOPLE RAN OUT WITH NO SHOES AND NO CLOTHING. THEY ARE BEING HELPED BY THE RED CROSS WHILE OFFICIALS INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE. THE REAR OF THE THREE STORY CHELSEA DUPLEX BECAME A RAGING INFERNO, AS RESIDENTS SLEPT. A COUPLE OF 911 CALLERS SAW IT FROM THE BEGINNING. >> IT LOOKS LIKE A GRILL OR SOMETHING CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRST FLOOR PORCH. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN OFF. REPORTER: BY AFTERNOON, SOME OF THE 30 PLUS DISPLACED RESIDENTS RETURNED TO THEIR COTTAGE STREET APARTMENTS TO GATHER CHARRED BELONGINGS. MARCO RAMIREZ IS PART OF A FAMILY OF EIGHT AND LIVED ON THAT FIRST FLOOR. >> JUST TO START FROM ZERO WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO? REPORTER: DID YOU SEE THE GRILL FIRE IN THE BACK? >> THERE WAS NO GRILL. REPORTER: YOU HEARD AN EXPLOSION? >> YEAH. REPORTER: OTHER RESIDENTS SAY THEY HEARD A LOUD BOOMING SOUND, BEFORE SEEING FLAMES AND MANY WATCHED A TEENAGE BOY RESCUED BY LADDER FROM THE 3RD FLOOR BY FIREFIGHTERS. EVERYONE ELSE SCRAMBLED AROUND MIDNIGHT TO SELF EVACUATE FROM THE FIVE ALARM BLAZE. >> THE ENTIRE REAR OF THE STRUCTURE WAS BURNING, THE PORCHES ARE GONE. >> WE STARTED WAKING UP EVERYBODY AND STARTED RINGING DOORBELLS, MY YOUNGER SISTER, AS WELL. >> WHEN I WOKE UP, I SAW THE FIRE AND TOOK THE KIDS AND RAN AWAY. REPORTER: THE FIRE VICTIMS AND THEIR NEIGHBORS AGREE ON ONE THING -- EVERYONE IS PRETTY TRAUMATIZED BY THIS BLAZE. THEY ARE STILL INVESTIGATING. TWO FIREFIGHTERS RECEIVED NONE THREATENING INJURIES, INCLUDING ONE WHO WAS BITTEN BY A DOG DURING THE RESCU

Fire that displaced dozens started on back porch

Updated: 4:48 PM EDT Aug 17, 2022

Four residents and two firefighters were sent to the hospital after a five-alarm fire tore through a multi-family home in Chelsea early Wednesday morning.

Four residents and two firefighters were sent to the hospital after a five-alarm fire tore through a multi-family home in Chelsea early Wednesday morning.

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Fire that displaced dozens started on back porch - WCVB Boston

While Porchfest might center around the almighty porch and our beloved musicians, theres a lot more to the event than meets the eye. As the popular annual event becomes more of a heralded tradition, visitors are finding plenty of ways to enjoy themselves.

Attendees to Porchfest not only come across bands and porches of all ranges and sizes, they also encounter business communities that do their part to make the wandering affairs even more special. What started of as a purely porch-centric event has spread its wings. And in doing so, theres even more to see and do, whether its grabbing a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant, popping into a neighboring boutique, or simply sitting under a tree at the nearest park. The event is an invitation to explore neighborhoods in more intimate and thoughtful manners.

Porchfest is day when people open their homes (the porches) and hearts (the bands) to the public, asking nothing in return except for sharing a heightened appreciation for the cultural joys that embody the undertaking.

In 2022, there are multiple Porchfests taking place throughout Greater Buffalo, starting with Buffalo Porchfest in the Elmwood Village (lead image), set to be held on Saturday, May 21, from 1pm to 6pm. The event is being hosted by the Elmwood Village Association.

South Buffalo Porchfest is also back in 2022, so be sure to save the date Saturday, June 25 (noon to 5pm). The event is hosted by South Buffalo Roots.

Then, later in the summer, Tonawanda City Porchfest will get underway on Sunday, August 28.

Remember, if you have a porch, consider offering it up. And if youre a musician, think about throwing your hat in the ring.

Fans of Porchfest have a lot to look forward to this year. Each of these events is very distinct, thanks to the respective host neighborhoods. At the same time, they are all very much in tune with each other, because they are all built upon the notion that strong neighborhoods and vibrant culture go hand-in-hand. The event allows musicians, music fans, homeowners, and neighbors to band together in ways that wouldnt otherwise be possible. Its kind of a big deal, so be sure to choose your favorite Porchfest flavor, by saving a date.

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2022 Porchfests are a lot more than "porches and bands" - Buffalo Rising

The West Side building where a porch collapsed earlier this week killing one man and injuring two others must be demolished because its not structurally sound, city officials announced Thursday.

The Department of Buildings has determined that the building located at 3418 W. Jackson is not structurally sound and must be demolished. The department plans to work closely with the owners to determine a timeline for demolition and will continue to assist them as they recover from this tragedy, read a statement from the Buildings Department.

The collapse occurred Tuesday, killing Anthony Wright, 53, and injuring two others.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday said the collapse happened at a family home that a brother and sister could not afford to maintain.

What we learned is that a sister and a brother who were living in the family home had fallen on hard times and were not able to keep up the upkeep of their property, the mayor said.

As fate would have it, a truss at the top of the building failed. Part of the faade fell down as they were sitting outside enjoying the warm weather.

A 68-year-old man was taken in critical condition to Mount Sinai Hospital with crush injuries. A third man, 32, was taken to Stroger Hospital with a broken left leg and injured back, officials said.

If you know somebody on your block that owns their home and has some challenges with keeping up the maintenance, please reach out to me or someone on my team because there are resources available. Weve got to keep Black folks in their homes, Lightfoot said.

On June 29, 2003, 13 young partygoers died shortly after midnight when a three-story porch pancaked to the ground at 713 W. Wrightwood Ave. in Lincoln Park.

Five annual city inspections did not flag the allegedly unpermitted, oversized porch that collapsed on that fateful night.

Five years later, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that City Hall had quietly scaled back the flurry of porch inspections it had ordered in response to the tragedy.

The task force of 39 inspectors created to scour the city for shaky porches was folded back into the Building Departments Conservation Bureau to maintain the integrity of existing buildings.

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East Garfield Park building where porch collapsed to be demolished: city - Chicago Sun-Times