Welcoming front porch

Front porches are such an important part of a house. It's a downright American culture. I personally like porches, they add to the curb appeal. And, there is such a variety of design.  Porches can be wide or narrow, raised or ground level, wrap-around, two story, brick or wood, you name it.

Originally the porch was a gathering place for family, friends, and neighbors. It seems like now we don't spend so much time on our front porches, but have moved to back porches that have more privacy. While I appreciate the privacy of my back porch, it seems like we've lost a little piece of the community interaction that happens when you sit out front.

I do like that this porch has a comfy chair with a permanent sleeping kitten below.

"Nobody thought much about the front porch when most Americans had them and used them. The great American front porch was just there, open and sociable, an unassigned part of the house that belonged to everyone and no one, a place for family and friends to pass the time." 
~ Rochlin, The Front Porch, in Home, Sweet Home