Concerning the Porch

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 53, 25 May 1927, Page 12

Concerning the Porch

r JpHEßJ±i is an unfortunate lack of privacy in the home where the front door opens right into the living room. Somehow, it does not seem right for anyone to walk straight out of the street into the midst of the family’s main room, without any warning. And in the house where the front entrance leads into a long, narrow hall, it is hard to create just the sense of welcome hospitality that is needed, without going to the extreme. So, in the ideal home, the two styles are blended, and we have the ideal entrance a combination o f lobby and lounge hall. A main entrance —“the front door” —should never be exposed to the weather. If it does not open from a verandah, it should be sheltered by a porch. There is nothing worse than standing in drenching rain or biting

the door to be opened at the end of a journey. The main door itself should be attractive. It should be strong: and durable, but as welcoming as possible, and in keeping with the architectural style of the house. If the door open into a small lobby, where wet coats and dripping umbrellas and goloshes may be doffed, much work in the lounge hall will be saved, in addition to giving more privacy to the home, yet creating a wel-

coming atmosphere for the visitor. For the lobby would lead directly into a pleasant lounge hall, with a comfortable chair or two, a few flowers, and, perhaps, a little table where a note may be scribbled. A fireplace, or a radiator, and a book or magazine, make a delightfu; finishing touch, supplying the right note of real hospitality and warmth. The hall need not be a large room just a small, cosy little place, which does not add a great deal to the building cost, will suffice, but will be an excellent addition to the house. The living room, opening off the hall, should be a comfortable, warmlooking room, preferably carpeted, but the lounge hall can become a pleasing room for an impromptu dance. If it has a • parquet floor, or a j cork, rubber or linoleum covering, ‘ with just a rug or two to be quickly

a popular corner of the house. Another advantage it has is that it will serve as a “play-ground” for the more energetic members of the household while the quieter folk read or talk in undisturbed comfort in the living room. A lounge hall thus made into an extra room should be as cheerful and welcoming as possible. Warm-colour-ed curtains for winter, giving a gay note of colour on dull days and cold, wet nights, help considerably in the scheme.