She redesigned her front porch, a 10' x 10' covered space, adding a colorful rug, wicker chairs and sofas and bright teal cushions. Now, Dees says, the porch is a draw for the whole neighborhood.

The perfect front porch will vary from person to person, but I can tell you that I'd want one that's at least 16 to 20 feet wide and I'd want it to extend out from the front wall of the house at ...