Sometimes overlooked as mere indoor access or a place to drop packages, the covered porch is an introduction to the home; it’s time that we put it to better use. While often small in space, the front porch can be transformed into an outdoor room, serving as an area for relaxing, light gardening or a place to entertain and socialize. With a few updates and decor additions, it can be easy to style this transitional space into a beautiful, welcoming area to enjoy during the summer and throughout the year.

Furnish with Function

Making the most of a porch starts with a practical approach and simple, uncluttered furniture that fits the space. “To make your porch more functional, think about your best use for it, then design the furnishings and flow around that,” said Jan Brockway, owner of Pomegranate Home & Garden—a décor and gift shop nestled in a historic farmhouse on Bend’s northeast side. “A porch can be such a great extension of indoor living spaces, so I recommend considering some of the same elements—albeit a little more weatherproof—as you would for indoors,” Brockway said. “I love having some nice storage options; I’m also a big believer that whether indoors or out, wherever you sit, you should have some sort of landing spot nearby for drinks, snacks and books.”

Create a comfortable sitting area with a pair of chairs, hang a porch swing or squeeze in a small bench if space is tight. Next, include surfaces, from easily movable side tables to large picnic tables, for activities and al fresco dining. Finish with other practical furnishings such as rugs to define spaces, shelves for muddy shoes, a faux wicker trunk for throw blankets or a potting bench for planting projects.

Think Focal 

Once the function of a porch is determined, it’s time to personalize it with stand-out elements that add character and give visitors a stylish welcome.

Command attention toward the entrance by transforming the front door into a focal point. Upgrade an old door to a new style to add architectural interest, or simply paint the door a fun color to create contrast—from sophisticated black to bright hues like yellow or green. Next, keep the color going with a few accent fabrics scattered throughout the space. “Sunbrella, and other weather-resistant fabrics, come in so many patterns and colors now; you can really play with that for a pop of color in curtains and pillows, especially if your main seating upholstery is in the beige or gray zone,” Brockway said. 

To prolong porch gatherings past sundown, Brockway suggested adding statement lighting. “Outdoor lighting options have expanded, too; there are nice floor lamps designed for outdoor living and lovely outdoor globes to hardwire into a porch ceiling,” she said. “Good solar lights run the gamut from string lights to hand-held lanterns that you can carry from the dining table to lounge chairs. It’s all about creating some ambiance for day into night.”

Grow with the Flow

Not only good for gatherings, the porch also provides extra gardening space. Plants and flowers are a beautiful way to brighten an entry, but Central Oregon’s arid growing conditions require some know-how. “The most important thing is to know what the plant you’re buying is zoned for. Local garden centers will have the correct zones in stock and help you know how to take care of them,” said Michael Ludeman, owner of Earth’s Art Garden Center in Redmond. “People with smaller yards, the porch or back deck is where they want to hang out, and sometimes you can establish a small microclimate. For example, in places like Tumalo and Terrebonne that have very high winds, a protected porch area might offer a plant a better chance of survival.”

In Bend and the surrounding areas, select plants designated for USDA hardiness zones 3-5, then flank the doorway with planters, put up hanging baskets or add a trellis for shade and privacy. “Container gardening is really popular right now, and the advantage of that is you can move them around to fit the space,” Ludeman said. “You can move them to create a hedge, use tall grasses to make a screen, or I like to recommend climbing plants. If you want to create color, I’m excited we have a zone 4-5 wisteria, also Virginia creeper and even climbing roses.” 

The last addition to a revamped porch space might be the planting of table grapes, which can wind around a porch trellis and soak up the sun while adding some charm to the newly designed space. Ludeman said, “They have a good-sized leaf and come back every year—that way you can enjoy the fruit of your labors.”

Compact, functional and highly customizable—Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, are popping up in more backyards across Bend. But what are they exactly? Commonly referred to as backyard cottages, in-law apartments or granny flats, ADUs are secondary living spaces built on the property of a single-family home. In Bend, an ADU may be up to 800 square feet of detached, attached or even repurposed space such as a garage or attic, so long as it has a separate kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area. With popularity on the rise in recent years, these small-sized projects involve complex local regulations that require careful planning and efficient design to maximize space. With a little research and planning, an ADU can add functional space to a property and be a fun design project.

Small dwellings, big demand

Over the past twenty years, the ADU trend has boomed in Bend. According to the City of Bend Community Development Department, 702 ADU applications have been approved since 2001, with 516 occurring in the past five years after the city eased permit restrictions in 2016. “The city has made strides to make it an easier process, but there is still a lot of pre-construction planning,” said Hank Hill, owner of Bend Craftsman Company. “One of the biggest misunderstandings with ADUs is people think they can just throw one up in their backyard–they don’t understand the application process, city requirements and fees involved.”

Still, the appeal of an ADU lies in its multifunctionality. Whether an ADU is used for rental income, family housing, a home office or workout space, Hill said local interest increases each year. “As ADUs get more popular we are seeing a lot more inquiries, despite how involved and expensive they can be,” Hill said. “Sometimes it doesn’t make financial sense, sometimes it’s more of a necessity because they are building it for a family member. There’s definitely a market for people who want them no matter what, and I think the demand will continue to rise because it’s a creative way for people to maximize return on their property.”

Size-wise design

After homeowners persevere through the detailed ADU permit process, the next step is to design a minimal structure that meets all the requirements. “The first thing is to determine the footprint, where the house is on the lot, and know what space you have. Secondly, ask ‘Is it allowed?’ Then you have to fit a bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, dining and living area all in one,” said Kathleen Donohue, a design consultant for Neil Kelly remodeling firm.

Discussing a recent ADU project in Bend, Donohue
described tactics for designing in a compact way. Exterior
factors to consider include: location (some neighborhoods and historic districts have special requirements), parking spaces and whether the unit might cast a shadow on a neighbor’s
property—potentially interfering with solar panels. Inside, she said open elements such as vaulted ceilings, half walls and strategically placed windows can help make a space feel bigger. “You try to add as much natural light as possible but you also don’t want to be looking out on the main house—or the hot tub—so we locate windows high up on the wall,” she said, laughing. “I like it, because it’s a puzzle, thinking about every little inch and how to achieve the most multifunctionality. I like walking through a project after it’s finished thinking ‘I could live here,’ and keeping things simple; it can be a lot of fun.”

In Bend and beyond

Despite high costs and extensive approval criteria, ADUs are here to stay; recent legislation is expected to make ADUs easier to build in Bend and across Deschutes County. In November,
the City of Bend adopted House Bill 2001 amendments, with changes that make ADUs easier to develop. The
updated code includes streamlined review processes and design standards that allow for denser “middle housing” in more neighborhoods citywide.

Tucked In: Orienting an  detached ADU around a north-facing courtyard can provide privacy from the street, while large windows and glass doors bring in light.

Outside of Bend, Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed Senate Bill 391 into law last June, granting counties the right to allow ADUs in rural residential areas, subject to certain restrictions. However, according to Tanya Saltzman, senior planner for Deschutes County Community Development, enacting the new law locally will take time, as the county cannot pass local legislation until state-level criteria are completed after June 2022. “The Planning Division has been receiving a lot of inquiries and staff has been conducting outreach to communicate the timeline,” Saltzman said. “There are a lot of factors involved with ADUs—both as the county develops the code and individual property owners go through the process, but our goal will be to make it as clear as possible for property owners once the code is in place.”   

photo Dan Cutrona Photography

From teeth brushing after breakfast to bubble baths before bedtime, a bathroom where children start and end each day should be playful, yet practical. Kids grow up fast, so before installing toddler-sized toilets and bright-colored countertops, consider ways to make effective use of your family’s space with features that can change with a child’s tastes. With an eye on safety, easy access and organization, here are some kid-friendly ideas to help you make bath time lots of fun.

Play it safe

Before fun themes or color schemes, bathroom design should always start with safety first to protect children from common hazards such as slipping, scalding and everyday curiosity. Prevent trips and falls with floor fixes such as bath mats, decals or anti-slip tile treatments. Cover sharp faucets with spout guards and install removable grab bars to help little ones in and out of the tub. 

Also, kids love to test everything—from water temps to electric hairdryers—so you should, too. Inspect each part of the room for potential danger zones; check that shelving is secure, appliances are unplugged, and the water heater is set to no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Most importantly, make certain breakable glass, chemicals and medicines are removed or kept out of reach by adding childproof locks to cabinets or drawers.

On their level

As children learn self-care routines, it is important to ensure that everyday tasks are accessible. Help kids reach new heights with a small step stool (or two) that allows them to climb up to the sink without adult help. A stool should be sturdy, but still easy to carry so it can travel from countertop to toilet and tub throughout the day.

Another way to achieve a child-sized setup? Think short. When little hands need washing or want to grab a towel, make things easier by stocking appropriate supplies at their height; set folded towels in a nearby basket or beneath the vanity, and keep toilet paper in an easy to reach drawer. Install an adjustable hand shower to simplify bathing small children (and shower cleanup!) and assist older kids’ transition from baths to showers.

Fun in store

Small kids make big bathroom messes—from towels tossed on the floor to drawers overflowing with toothpaste and toys—so “storage before style” is a good rule of thumb to reduce clutter. Arranging items effectively and creating easy cleanup habits can encourage kids to get on board with an organized bathroom that they can keep tidy (mostly) on their own. 

For starters, select a bathroom vanity with both counter and cabinet space, or outfit an existing pedestal sink with shelving units. Second, opt for extra hooks (anchored or over-the door) that can hang more towels than traditional racks and allow kids to skip folding without looking sloppy. Minimize the rest of the mess by designating water-resistant storage bins to drain and contain bath toys as well as a hamper to keep dirty clothes under control.

Fair and share

Sharing a bathroom with siblings or occasional guests calls for a smart, squabble-free layout that creates extra elbow room for all. Speed up morning routines and cut back on kids’ clashes by adding double vanity stations or a farmhouse sink with multiple faucets if the room is short on space. Another way to encourage kids to keep things nice and neat is to provide personal storage—separate drawers or different colored caddies can help children visualize and organize their toiletries.

In the end, a family bathroom should be functional for everyone, but also fun. Sprinkle in small details kids will remember— a few playful prints on the wall, animal hooks or a colorful shower curtain add a special touch that can turn bath time into playtime and let delight bubble over.