When doing front porch decorating you are showing the world the type of lifestyle you and your family enjoys. Is your lifestyle laid back and casual? Do you prefer formal entertaining or are you the backyard barbecue with softball type of family?

When thinking of front porch decorating, consider your porch just another room, only it is on the exterior. Using basic home decor ideas, create an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation that will make your porch a gathering place for family and friends.

Read on for some easy ways to create a fun relaxing atmosphere on your front porch:

Color adds life and energy to your front porch decorating style

More than any other elements, soft furnishings and color add life and style to your front porch decorating ideas. Introduce color, pattern and texture to your porch with fresh, bright colors in your upholstery, linens and accessories and see your front porch spring to life. This is also another great way to coordinate your front porch decorating ideas and tie everything all together.

For curb appeal, nothing draws the eye like a contrasting front door

A front door painted in a contrasting color is always an eye catcher. Add a seasonal wreath or welcome sign and your have real curb appeal.

Think carefully when choosing your front porch furniture

When choosing porch furniture, consider the weatherproofing qualities of your choice. Although bentwood and wicker furniture are the perennial favorites, composite materials are quickly overtaking these materials. With advances in synthetic materials, it's difficult to tell if furniture is real wicker or a composite.

A classic porch swing always adds to the romantic ambiance of a front porch.

Coordinate your mismatched furniture when planning your front porch decorating style

When looking at your front porch decorating, if you have a hodge-podge of furniture but would like a more unified look, consider spray painting everything one color. Simply by coordinating your various pieces of furniture with one color grouping, you can quickly achieve a custom decorator look, when decorating your front porch.

Don't forget to use art on your front porch

Because the porch is outside, don't think you have to live without art. The outside walls of the house make a great place for an art gallery. It is usually sheltered and so you can use this as a display area.

Consider hanging mirrors on the house to reflect and accent a really great view.

Some front porches are exposed to the weather. If you look around you will find many items that can be hung on walls that are waterproof. Flags, tin signs, collectibles; these are some of the items you can hang on home exterior walls.

Add sound to soothe and relax the atmosphere on your front porch

A water fountain always soothes and calms people after a stressful day. There are many size fountains that will fit into your decor and add interest to your porch

Wind chimes are another great sound accessory. Bamboo, metal, glass all make beautiful sounds for you to enjoy.

Add a white noise machine to help you relax on your front porch. There are sounds to please everyone. Try some out in the home dec stores to find one that appeals to your ear.

Lights play a big part in your front porch decor

Informal chandeliers can be hung from the porch roof and wall scones can be installed on the exterior walls. If this is one of the things you are considering, be sure to include dimmers in your installation plans.

Lamps on end tables make reading outside on beautiful nights a pleasure. A variety of candles can also be used either on tables or in wall scones.

What do You Want From Your Front Porch Decorating Style?

Decorate your porch as an outside room and become inspired to make some changes.

Turn your porch into your vision; a fun gathering place or a serene retreat. Make it work for you and your family.

Make your porch useful and used by following your thoughts and ideas. The more you have a plan, the more you'll find yourself using and enjoying your front porch.