According to a Census data analysis from the National Association of Home Builders, more new homes are coming equipped with front porches. Sixty-five percent of new single-family homes started in 2016 included a porch. For comparison, in 2005, 54 percent of new homes had porches.

Certain regions of the U.S. are showing higher preference for porches. For example, the East-South-Central region of the U.S. had the highest share of new homes started in 2016 with porches at 86 percent.

The Census data from the Survey of Construction report does not indicate much information about the look of the porches. However, the NAHB reports that the Annual Builder Practices Survey, conducted by Home Innovation Research Labs, shows that front porches on new homes tend to be more common than side porches. Also, most new home porches are open rather than screened. The average size of a front porch on a new home is about 60 square feet, according to the report.

Front porches provide the best of both worlds: privacy and community, yet it also provides a “sense of separation” between the indoor living space and the street.

A front porch also provides ecological advantages. Because the windows are protected, you don’t have to close everything down to keep the sun out.

Like all home design, the range of styles runs the gamut, from traditional to contemporary and a lot of eclecticism in between. But one thing is for sure: There’s a desire to bring the indoors outside (with comfy furnishings) and let the cool breezes from outdoors waft inside.

Patio furniture has become more high-end and lighting has also improved – oftentimes with chandeliers or sconces making appearances. And besides being an aesthetically appealing architectural addition, renovating a home’s front porch can often boost both its curb appeal and sale price. So if you’re thinking of renovation ideas to tackle next spring, why not design and build a new porch?