Choose the right door

The wrong front door can be a huge turnoff when it comes to the appeal of your home, but the right door can be one of the most inviting things about your home. If you are thinking about giving your portico a facelift, you may want to consider replacing the front door. Installing a new front door can be done by a homeowner and with so many style options, you are likely to find a front door that meets your needs. If you do not want to replace the door, you can also dress up an old door with trim by replacing the clear insulated glass with colorful art glass, installing new hardware, or refinishing or repainting the surface. Remember, your guests will have a few moments to look closely at your front door and what surrounds it every time that you have them over, so make sure that you make the best first impression possible. Make your guests feel at home before they even walk through the door.

Decorative molding and columns

The use of decorative moldings and columns to spruce up a tired portico is both simple to do and affordable. You can even use reclaimed moldings or vintage pieces to give your portico a more period specific look. Outdoor moldings and accent pieces are often treated to be able to withstand the elements so be sure that you are choosing the right materials for the job when it comes to selecting your molding pieces. Using decorative moldings is an easy way to give character and interest to a space that may otherwise feel dated or forgotten.

Make necessary repairs

One of the first things that you should consider as you think about giving your portico a facelift, is if there are any repairs necessary. The purpose of having a portico is to protect people from the sun and rain. If your portico does not currently do this, make sure that repairing what isn't working for you is in your plan for the facelift.

Paint to match style of home

Paint can do a lot to improve the look of your portico and yet costs relatively little. However, people make some mistakes when it comes to choosing the right color. Choosing the right color of paint for your home should include considering the style of the home and the other colors on the exterior. If you choose a paint color for your portico that is too different from the rest of your home, you may want to either re-consider your choice or think about repainting the home's exterior so that everything matches.

Overhead lighting and window positioning

Adding a light to a portico is a great facelift item to consider. Make sure that as you draw up the plans for your facelift, that you consider how any second-floor windows will affect the porch's roof (you want at least 8 inches of clearance). Keep in mind that porticos can also shade some windows. The effect is particularly pronounced when front rooms have no side windows.
Therefore, you will also want to consider which direction the door faces and whether there's an overhang. Doors on the south, east and west sides of a home are much more susceptible to high heat and sun exposure than those on the north side. If your portico is going to face any direction other than north, the paint or fabric you use should have some sort of UV-resistant coating.