Embracing simple summer living can be as straightforward as spending some time each day on your backyard. There’s something utterly relaxing about hanging out on the porch, whether it’s to sip morning coffee or unwind in the end of the day — then there’s the additional perk of making your area feel warmer, friendlier and more connected. Make your porch a location you can’t wait to spend some time on with these 11 simple, amazing ideas.
Wettling Architects
1. Channel the Hamptons. Natural wood, sandy beige and blue create a classic beach house combination that works anywhere. Engineered teak furniture fades to sandy gray as it weathers, and it seems just right with indigo and linen-hued cushions and cut hydrangeas.
See how to groom a beach house, from deck to drawer knobs
Historical Concepts
2. Reach the flea market. Digging for treasures at outside flea markets and summertime yard earnings is always an adventure. Folding chairs, classic wicker and little wood tables are organic choices, but keep an eye out for interesting containers for plants, mirrors and art, also. Imperfect finds you could pass up to your living room could be piled onto a summer porch, so keep an open mind.
Linn Gresham Haute Decor
3. Set up an outside dining space. Eating al fresco is even more pleasant when you’ve taken care to create your space as comfy as you can. Begin by using a table as big as will comfortably fit on your own porch — ample room is best for leisurely meals. Add plump cushions to chairs, line your desk with lanterns and hang rope lights overhead.
Barn Light Electric Company
4. Bring shade outside with cut flowers. Next time you are cutting blossoms out of the garden or scooping up a market bouquet, why not take a couple extra to your porch? Vases of flowers or possibly a little posy would be unexpected and completely charming on the porch — you can sit and love the blossoms as you sip your morning coffee.
Shelter 7
5. Hang a porch swing. Only considering a porch swing invites relaxation. And swinging on a single while fretting on a summer afternoon is even better. Be sure to get help hanging your swing therefore it has the appropriate support.
Cortney Bishop Design
6. Repurpose and refresh. Take advantage of a free weekend to liven up your porch with a couple creative DIY projects. Fashion a stump into a plant stand, give your porch flooring a coat of colour or whip up some new cushions utilizing vintage fabric or inexpensive burlap.
Kate Jackson Design
7. Display summer equipment. Prop up that surfboard, screw in a couple of hooks to hang wet beach towels on and toss sandals in a basket by the door. By providing your most often used summer items a home, you will make things easier on yourself and make instant decor.
Wind and Willow Home
8. Stencil a message. Eschew the typical welcome mat in favor of something more creative: words stenciled directly on the floor. Paint words onto the steps, front walk or porch floor to get a personal touch.
Cassie Daughtrey Realogics Sotheby’s Realty
9. Monogram it. Oversize monograms are an enjoyable way to set your house apart from the neighbors’. Embellish plain letters in the craft store or keep an eye out at flea markets and thrift shops for classic letters made from metal or wood. Do not wish to use your initials? Display the abbreviation to your town instead.
Terracotta Design Build
10. Cool down. If sunlight and heat are keeping you from appreciating your porch just as much as you could, an outdoor ceiling fan or some pair of outside drapes could help. Bonus: The moving air by a fan might help discourage mosquitoes, also.
Crisp Architects
11. Create a cozy spot for two. Rather than letting it sit fill that little nook or awkward corner with a pair of chairs and a little table. Bring out coffee in the morning, a publication and iced tea in the afternoon, or even a nosh and a glass of wine as the sun dips in the day.
Tongue & Groove
Tell us : What is your favorite way to use your porch in the summertime?
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