Spring is here and we’re ready. We always are, because it’s one of our very favorite seasons, next to summer. It’s breathing new life into everything, especially our spaces!
Cortney said, “…We’re getting ready to revamp our porch area for all things spring. Do you have any tips?…”
Of course we love diving into the topic of all things decor when it comes to the outdoors. It’s really all about bringing the indoors, out… and creating a fresh living space while having fun! It’s the quickest way to make your home feel larger, too.
We have quite a versatile area around our pool space, but what we consider our main porch area, is our cabana. I think that our yard projects were our biggest feat in the 2020 apocalypse, and it’s only evolved further from there, with theh little details we love adding. So we can’t wait to hit it this spring!
We adore the cabana. I think it’s really the handmade hideaway part 3. For adults. The kids use it as a friend haven, and we love hosting here. Here are a few of our favorite tips for decorating an outdoor porch!
1. Tips for Decorating an Outdoor Porch: Make it Inviting
The cabana is not huge, so it was really all about smart planning when it came to the layout. Keeping it open, while also offering seating, was our main challenge with the space. A lot of that has to do with options because it’s all about the seating this space has to offer.
We did this in three parts: We loved adding a small bar for kids to eat, so there are actual barstools that can be moved around on a whim. But it also includes hanging chairs, and a mini sectional for lots of gathering.
Oh, and as if that’s not enough {because it’s not} we have a ton of cushions that can be used to move around, as floor cushions for additional seating. We have storage in the closet as well, for all the essentials. {More on that below.} Things are easy to arrange to meet our needs, based on the activity at hand. Aka the boys like to have poker nights out here with their friends, as well as video game-athons. We also love family movie nights, which is especially fun during spooky season. That means shifting accordingly, and it works.
2. Tips for Decorating an Outdoor Porch: Add Comfort
A comfortable space is so important when hosting. It’s important for my life, so it should definitely be a byproduct of all things hosting.
Pillows and rugs are the fastest ways to add all the comfort you can possibly think of. A rug will quickly anchor a space and add a layer {I love this one so much, I’ve already replaced it with the same one because sun- see below for that solution} and pillows as mentioned above. We love cushions for versatile comfort.
3. Tips for Decorating an Outdoor Porch: All the Lighting
We added battery powered lanterns {thanks, Kichler!} for all things ambience. they’re seriously my favorite things. They’re weatherproof and we use them every time we entertain.
We included these twinkler lights which are so fun in a cluster, along with adequate lighting in the closet. The lights on the outside, are also courtesy of Kichler, and they’re all controlled by our phone. So we have lots of options at night, when it comes to the lighting.
We also have sparkle lights on the outside, so it’s really a magical scene for us at night!
4. Tips for Decorating an Outdoor Porch: Add Cooling Properties
We’re from Nashville. That means we get really excited when it snows, but it can only do so for like twice a year at most, and go away after a few days. Then the heat arrives, and it’s there for most of the year. ::laughs in southern:: I just over-simplified because this is one place where we actually get all four seasons in a nice rounded sort of way. But the cooling is important.
Fans are essential for keeping cool. Kichler is the way to go. We adore their outdoor fan collection and all the options they provide.
5. Tips for Decorating an Outdoor Porch: A bug Barrier
I’ve probably gone totally out of order. If you can, a barrier from those bugs. A screened in porch is kind of essential when it comes to being able to enjoy it all without mosquitoes and gnats and flies. People in our neighborhood have chickens nearby, so said flies… they probably tend to be a bigger problem than they should. Screens are amazing when it comes to keeping them out. If you can’t have screens, outdoor curtains come at a close second for lots of reasons. We have both for The option of privacy and to protect our items from sun damage. Because as the world turns, we receive direct sunlight in those summer months, and I discovered much too late, it had faded my favorite rug {see point above.} We use both the screens and curtains for multiple reasons.
6. Tips for Decorating an Outdoor Porch: Personality to Make it Yours
You’ve probably already thought about how fun your space can be with accents, when it comes to comfort. We say take it a step further with the pretty elements you include. We used striped ceilings for an awesome accent, and it’s probably my favorite element. While stripes aren’t for everyone… haint blue can be! So think about those fun accent colors. We also loved bringing in fun tile for the win on that accent wall and have adored how multifunctional and pretty it is… if we do say so ourselves.
7. Tips for Decorating an Outdoor Porch: Accessories You Can Use
Don’t be afraid to bring the indoors out. {With all things safety considerations, of course.} We’ve included a fridge for drink storage which is perfect for gatherings. A TV, which gets the most play in football season and parties where the boys set up their video games. And we also have a closet for storage. That’s super helpful for us in all seasons, since we have a pool.
We definitely say do what works for you, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to accessories and additional elements.
So, we hope this little list of tips for decorating an outdoor porch to helps get you started for the fresh season! What are some of your recommendations? We would love to hear.
We have loved every moment with this cabana, and are looking forward to really using it during the upcoming warmer months. Be sure to check out our entire series here for a step by step how to, as well as all of our sources.
Have an inspired day!
Leave a Reply