HOW TO CREATE COLORFUL SUMMER FRONT PORCH

Spring/Feels like Summer presented itself extremely early here in Michigan this year and it motivated me to do a little early decorating. My favorite spot in our home is the front porch, and it was in need of a refresh. With the weather so nice I wanted to get out there with a good book and do a little front porch sittin.

I enjoy just sitting and watching nature. The birds nesting and feeding their babies, the hummingbirds buzzing around the feeder, and the rabbits playing tag in the yard. All the calm colors of nature made me decided to give the porch a huge contrast and that meant I went for a colorful palette this year.

It feels a little boho to me but it’s truly a thrift store look. I did purchase a new colorful rag rug at Olies for $10 but other than that the rest of the items were thrifted. (Except the furniture it’s been around forever).

I cant stress enough how anyone can create a look by shopping their own home or taking the time to stop at thrift stores or garage sales. For instance the pillows on the loveseat are all thrifted (orange and pink) who would have thought that color combination would look good together. But it seems to be working. The more I overthink a looks the worse it becomes. I just pick up things that spark interest for me or sometimes it’s as simple as the item is the right size and I’ll make it work. 

I always start by clearing the furniture off the deck and giving it a good pressure washing. I also removed the area rug that was there from last year and put it in the burn barrel. My chickens like to sit on it in the winter and sitting isn’t the only thing they do, they also poop. 

Next I added the new rag rug and to keep it in place I staple it to the deck boards that way no one trips over it. Next I added the furniture back. I’ve had the same furniture for over 10 years. This year I said I was going to get new, I looked around and didn’t find anything I likes so the old stuff stayed. 

Then I went to Menards with my rebate and picked up a few colorful flowers to add to my colorful pots. In my area pots are at thrift stores in the winter. They are much cheaper that time of year because no one is thinking about planting when we’re knee deep in snow.  I prefer ceramic over plastic so that’s what I’m always on the lookout for. 

The fill ins are house plants that I bring out every year so they can get some fresh air and rain water. My house looks bare but they do much better outside. 

Finally layer, layer, layer. The more texture and colors you can combine will give a porch more intersect. Mine now has so much interest I have a chicken that’s decided to daily lay her egg on my newly decorate porch chair, Ha-Ha. I guess the space is chicken approved.

This look took me out of my comfort zone but I sure am enjoying it. It’s so bright and cheery it makes me smile and want to be in the space. I no longer follow trends I use what I have and enjoy my own style. Remember don’t be afraid to use color!