Side by side duplex porch

[Ryan Pritchard]

Hi BP,

I am finishing up renovating a side by side duplex in Raleigh and I was looking to get some advice on how I should design the front porch. It is a shared porch with center steps. I have one long term renter on one side and plan to do mid-term furnished on the other but I heard the long term renter has kids that may leave things on the porch. I am looking for a way to design the porch that clearly delineates one side from the other. My first thought was a small planter box with make some fake plants so it’s hand off but would still serve as a barrier. What do you all think? I had a hard time finding any ideas elsewhere! I attached a photo of a similar style duplex since I don’t have any clear pictures of mine  at the moment. 

[Chris Martin]

I think you are overthinking this. 

Tell the tenant not to leave things on the porch. If anything, I'd put a little storage bin/seat (hinged seat that has storage) at the ends of the porch for storing "things" and for seating.