Hello friends…happy May! Seriously? It’s May already? I say that every month don’t I? 😛
My days have been filled with tending to my injured hubby (he almost poked his eye out…with his own thumb…while giving someone a high five…so be careful giving high fives…could get dangerous) and working out in the yard. Like a lot of you out there, I am so loving this gift that we call spring. For those of you who live anywhere near the southeast, then you are probably like me and are frantically running around trying to get as much yard work done as possible before it turns a gazillion degrees outside.
So, the other day, I spent alllll daaaayyyy cleaning one of my back porches. It was a hot mess. Probably because I did diddly squat to it last year. I worked so hard on it and thought I might share some easy tips to help make a porch more cozy and welcoming.
Isn’t it lovely?
I know you’re jealous…
Please…hold your applause…but isn’t this the most welcoming porch ever?
Even the pollen wants to say hi!
Juussstttt kiddddiinnngg you guys…those were my before pics in case you haven’t figured that out yet. Seriously though, there really isn’t anything special or fancy about this porch…just the fact that it exists is special enough for me since I love to spend time outside. It is really old and the screens will need to be replaced soon, but for now, I am just going with what I have! I am no expert in design, but the following tips will hopefully leave you with a comfy, cozy, homey, and welcoming porch…that is…if you’re into that kinda thing…
First tip is to clean the darn thing. I scrubbed down this porch and it really made a world of difference. I could have left it at that, but then I had to add some greenery.
These guys survived from last year…impressed much? I sure am…
Real plants or faux…doesn’t matter…I don’t discriminate because they both look great.
Faux hydrangea planters I made a couple of years ago…have held up well…AND I don’t have to water. Woo!
An outdoor rug adds a nice touch and in my case…a little color.
Bought at WalMart a couple of years ago. Has also held up nicely.
Curtains. They make outdoor curtains, but you can use indoor as well. My curtains are indoor…found at Ikea. They were only $19.99 for a set of two! That was a steal and they have definitely been worth it as they, too, have lasted a few years.
If you have chairs, or swings, or benches on your porch then add a few colorful pillows.
Those cushions really need to be replaced, but I’m going to try to stretch them out another year.
Things that you like and that make you feel welcomed. For me…it was a welcome sign. Go figure. It was a gift from my mom. She got me three. I guess she wanted everyone to feel extra welcomed. Love you mom.
Hutch came with the house. Score!
Wind chimes! I heart wind chimes. They give a breeze another sense to enjoy…sound. You can’t see it, but you can feel it and with chimes you can hear it. Just think of it as an instrumental band joining along with the orchestrated birds…Iamsuchadork.
Shell chimes…a gift from the hubs from our recent trip to the Bahamas.
Look at those hood rats…just basking in the sun…with not a care in the world.
Bella & Jenkins
I like to add a little ambience at night time.
A string of lights.
A collection of lanterns.
Of course…a candle is always a nice touch.
I’ve been keeping a watch out for the perfect water fountain to put on this table…for now it is the home of bulbs waiting to be planted.
I know that I sound like a sap, but really, I don’t care. I have a love for the simplicity and complexity of nature and it somehow relaxes and stimulates my whole being all at the same time. This is who I am. A lover of God and His amazing gifts.
This view never grows tiresome.
Our new friends. A couple of Canadian geese have found a home. I don’t mind them when there are only two…thirty becomes a problem. I suspect we will be seeing some goslings waddling around soon.
Welp…that’s it. That’s all I’ve got for you. My porch is certainly not perfect, but I’m kinda diggin’ it Come on over and have a cup of coffee with me…or perhaps a glass of wine is more up your alley…
Instagram shot…follow for more shenanigans @luchandler!
Thanks for visiting…now back outside to sow some seeds!
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35 Comments
You are so blessed with that view, if it were mine I know I would spend most my time on that porch if not in the yard itself. If the geese do start a family be sure to share photos, they grow really quickly, well I guess most birds do. My front porch light has a community nest, birds (robins and doves) move in and out from spring to fall taking turns, currently Mrs. Robin has 4 eggs in the nest which is the most at one time since I have been tracking them. Oh and you are no dork, anyone who is not inspired by the wonder of nature is the dork. Thanks for sharing!
Carol, you are so sweet. Thank you for your kind words. When I am overwhelmed with how much work is to be done in the yard…I just take a deep breath…take a step back…and enjoy the view
Only Craig would injure himsel while giving a high five.
No truer words have ever been spoken…
You did an awesome job to your porch. I’d love to have you link to Seasonal Sundays.
– The Tablescaper
PS What kind of dogs do you have? The one on the left looks a bit like a Bedlington Terrier
Thank you so much and thanks for the invite. The white dog is a mini poodle and the black one is a bichon-poo (bichon-frise and poodle mix). They are rotten!
Very pretty porch! Yes, I’m running around like a crazy person trying to get stuff planted and ready before it turns too hot to even be out side.
Thank you Manuela!
We just screened in our porch and it’s looking a little generic right now…great inspiration here, especially the hanging lanterns. Love them!
Thanks Kim!
what an amazing space and an amazing view! loving that bright green rug! we have a sun room (which i capital L LOVE) and i’m hoping to use the brick we have to make a patio. i’d love to then cover the brick with that great rug.
Super glad you liked it!
It looks so pretty! I am hoping to have a screened porch one day. . . Life to the full! Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle
Thank you Melissa!
I love your fresh new look! Nothing like spring time to bring things back to life! I am a new follower from southern charm! I would love for you to check out my blog and hopefully you will want to follow me back. Happy weekend, Nicole!
Thank you for stopping by Nicole…will be heading over to visit you soon!
Lovely porch! Must be so nice to have dinner out there on warm evenings. Truth be told I would probably end up doing a lot of my projects in that space 😉
Oh yes…lots of different ways to utilize the space!! The double doors actually open right into the craft room
Wow, Luisa, I love your porch. And what a view. Jealous! Thanks for sharing, liz
Thank you so much Liz!
Love your porch!
I have a new weekly link party which is live now and I would love if you stop by and link up this wonderful post! Hope to see you there! http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/ Hugs, Maria
I will have to check it out! Thank you for stopping by!
Your porch is amazing, I love it and the greenery is so pretty. The view to the lake is amazing, I would love for you to link up to my Inspire Me Tuesday party that is ongoing.
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/05/163rd-inspire-me-tuesday.html
Hugs, Marty
Thanks Marty! I’ll be heading your way soon! Thank you again for the invite!
Luisa, your porch looks very comfy-cosy! Love your view, too. A little cleaning and straightening can go a long way, huh? You added nice touches to elongate the life of your cushions. Enjoying God’s blessings, old and new, I’m glad to see are a part of your life.
Kim
Thank you Kim
Hey Kim! I just noticed your from my neck of the woods! I used to work as a nurse at Kennestone Hospital in Marietta…but actually live about 45 minutes north. Small world! So fun to meet others with things in common.
Wow! Did you ever work Labor and Delivery? I was at Kennestone Hospital twice having babies in the 90s. Yes, small world! We miss Marietta. Wonderful area!
Luisa, the porch spruced up nicely! So very pretty. Thank you for sharing. You are one of the features today at the Sunday Showcase from the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House! Here’s the link if you want to check it out. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/05/sunday-showcase-from-make-it-pretty_12.html Have a happy Sunday! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Woohoo! Thank you sweet Kathryn!!
Thanks for linking up to Whimsy Wednesday! Your project has been featured this week!
http://www.ohmy-creative.com/home/garden/garden-and-backyard-outside-inspiration/
Also, you can add your project {or any project} to my website. I feature them on my main slider on the home page…follow this link to submit your project!
http://www.ohmy-creative.com/submit-a-project/
Be sure to stop by and grab a button…
http://www.ohmy-creative.com/grab-a-button/
Thank you so much for featuring me Susan! I am so glad that you liked it!
That back porch is SO lovely! The light and fresh air must be fantastic in the spring and fall. Gorgeous accessories as well.
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