You might classify this entry as an “integral” porch.  Unlike some porches which are applied to a home as a separate entity, this entry porch is integral to the house since there's living space above it. 

As part of a two-story bay of sorts, it projects toward the street and takes advantage of the space above it to give it greater prominence.  The scalloped shingle skirt, below the sills of the second-floor bay windows, helps announce the entry with a flair of flare.  The windows in the entry sidewall contribute a playful indoor/outdoor feel to this semi-enclosed entry porch.  Paneled half walls appear poised to embrace guests.  Chamfered post and panel details are enhanced by a dynamic paint-color scheme.  Together, the quirky elements of this diminutive entry suggest a storybook cheerfulness.

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast

A pleasing entry needn’t be grand. This one, on a favorite house, offers entry essentials with grace, ease, and comfort.

The integral shed roof, which extends from beneath dormer window sills, is just deep enough to provide shelter over a brick entry stoop.  White, wooden brackets and rafter tails modestly highlight the point of entrance.  Spare, white, wooden benches offer a place to rest a package or await a visitor.  High bench-backs double as guard rails and help frame the doorway.  Narrow sidelights provide a glimpse inside and of approaching guests outside.  The intimate scale is both personal and inviting. 

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 (just like the street number here); provide shelter, a welcoming flourish, and a place to rest something or for someone to rest.  Enter and enjoy.

by Katie Hutchison for House Enthusiast

I’m partial to hipped gables.  My parents’ bungalow has them and so too does this c. 1890 work-building-turned-pottery-studio.  Hipped gables typically reduce the apparent height of end walls, keeping them from towering over passersby.  They lend an intimate scale, and the hip, which is almost forehead-like, helps suggest a familiar and friendly countenance.  Surely, whoever created the plaque to the left of the entrance was familiar with the truncated profile’s appeal.  Chamfered-edge shingles (which also recall the end-wall profile) above the door-head trim, and barn-style doors with integral windows, along with a complementary-color paint palette add to this building’s charm.  If a small child were to emerge from within and pause between the flag and hydrant, this slice of Americana might be worthy of Norman Rockwell.

by Katie Hutchison for House Enthusiast

At Home in Provincetown: Plain and Fancy (Provincetown, MA) Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 11:00 am - 4 pm.  Tickets are $30 ($25 members) and include admission to the PMPM.

by Katie Hutchison for House Enthusiast

Set on a grassy perch, the symmetrical building elevation, approached via symmetrical landscaping, shapes a dignified and balanced little bungalow. The simple, broad strokes of the thick mullions and repeated, large, double-hung windows on the enclosed porch delightfully offset the quiet, low-sloped, gable wall which peeks above it. Blue door, matching blue planters, and flanking flounces of lavender are cheerful accents which contrast the milk-white trim and sunny, yellow shingles. The narrow sidelights, featuring muntins designed to align with the double-hung window divisions, and fence-like shutters are appealingly quirky details. This small package brims with gusto. It had me at hello.

by Katie Hutchison for House Enthusiast