I couldn’t do better than just refer you to the greatest book — just on porches, by James Crisp.  Writing sentence alone, points you to years of work by an expert.

What follows is just my wallowing in one of the dreamiest spaces of a house… the front porch, the side porch, the back porch, the wrap around porch, each kicks you with a feeling, usually a good memory, all the idea of freedom ofbeing in fresh air, while still protected by roof, and proximity to the main house.

Pretty much, time spent here is OK.