6 Porch Design 'Upgrades' That Will Lower Your Home's Value—and What to Do Instead

A front porch is one of the most visible parts of your home and makes an important first impression. As a result, its features can greatly add or detract from the value of your property, whether it’s architecture, décor, or even a paint color.

Investing in a renovation that ends up stunting your home’s curb appeal is anyone's worst nightmare. Here, to help you avoid these costly faux pas, we tapped experts about the porch design "upgrades" that can actually lower your home's value—even if they might seem like a good idea.

Enclosed Porches

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is enclosing a front porch to create more interior square footage. "I get the appeal, but you lose that open, welcoming feel that gives a home character," says Mikel Welch, interior designer and founder of Mikel Welch Designs.

This feature also defeats the purpose of an outdoor space. "Enclosing a front porch poorly often removes the charm and social function of the original design—especially in historic homes like brownstones or colonials," says Kerry O'Duibhir, CEO at New Wave Design & Contracting.

It's better to leave your front porch open and airy, making it feel spacious and inviting for guests.

Bright, Bold Colors

While vibrant hues are a fun personal choice, they can end up distracting from a home's overall design. "Porch colors that feel too trendy or jarring can be a turnoff, like neon brights or overly saturated blues or greens," Welch says. "A soft, muted palette will always age better and blend into the surroundings."

These colors may even give the false impression of your home being a fixer-upper. "Buyers [will] assume there is more questionable taste or deferred maintenance inside," adds O'Duibhir.

Instead, you can take inspiration from historic references, like old European manors. "None of them use rainbow colors—there's a reason for this," says Brittny Button, interior designer and founder of Button Atelier. "It’s the use of neutral tones, alabaster shades, creams, soft blues, and greens that give them a timeless quality."

Incorrectly Scaled Lighting

Lighting shouldn't be an afterthought, as it can throw off the proportions of your porch. "If the size is wrong, too small, or too big, it will cheapen the facade of the home," Button says.

Instead, it's important to select lighting that feels appropriate for the architectural style of your home. Otherwise, these features can cause your home value to plummet. "Swapping out classic sconces for industrial-style floodlights might seem modern, but it often feels harsh," adds Welch.

Themed Décor

While themed décor has its place, there's a fine line between curated and tacky. "Too many seasonal decorations, tiki torches, beach or farmhouse signs, [or] fake ivy walls make the space feel cluttered," O'Duibhuir says.

Signs with cliché sayings are a particular no-go for Button and can be saved for more private spaces. "Often, I see people with written words displayed on a board at the front of their home. These are outright tacky."

Less is more when it comes to these elements. One or two might be okay, but too many can quickly overwhelm a space—and tank home value.

Distracting Landscape Elements

It isn't always about the porch itself—nearby features can impact how this space is perceived.

"When it comes to landscaping, anything that completely blocks the view of the porch from the street—like oversized hedges or a wall of potted plants—defeats the whole point of having one," Welch says.

If you still want a bit of greenery on your front porch, consider hanging one or two plants instead. This will add a lushness to the space, without completely obscuring it.

Decorative Columns

Columns can create a sense of grandeur—but only when they're thoughtfully considered.

"Oversized or overly ornate styles can feel out of place, especially on smaller homes," says Welch. "They end up competing with the architecture instead of complementing it."

A more minimalist, less-is-more approach is better when it comes to these architectural elements.