It sure feels like summer is in full swing now. With only 2 more weeks left of school, and temperatures staying consistently warm, the memories of winter are fading fast. I’m so excited to be teaming up with some of my friends today for another edition of 10 Minute Decorating. You can see the entire tour at the bottom of the post, but first our front porch decorated for summer! While I tend to keep the decor on our front porch at a minimal throughout the year, primarily because it’s narrow, summer is the one time where I will elaborate a little bit in the space.
I think because of it’s size, some might feel limited with possibilities, but the way I look at it is summer is short, at least for us in new england, so I’m going to utilize the space, and create an area I want to spend time in.
In the first months of blogging, I actually shared how we painted our front porch, which is actually our farmers porch that runs along the side of our house, but it greets you as you pull in our driveway.
Because it’s narrow, and long, I think it can be over looked at times as a cozy space. I would love a porch swing, but the furniture on our front porch needs to be movable, so it’s easier to get around. But getting outside is what summer is all about, so I created this space using pieces I already had, in just about 10 minutes.
I brought out our 2 wicker chairs (Ikea) from our dining room to create a seating area. I anchored the seating area by hanging a DIY pallet wood american flag I made years ago.
Next I brought out accessories. A few planters nestled in around the chairs, helps them feel like they are there on purpose, instead of awkwardly sticking out, as if they are too large for the narrow porch.
I also added a large glass jug and placed a few candles in it, which help play with the heights of the planters, and add ambient lighting at night. You can find the jug in our curated collection with Painted Fox, HERE.
They help soften the look of the seating area, and make it feel more cozy. Adding throw pillows is another great way to help the space feel inviting. While one throw pillow would have been enough on each chair, I opted for two, which only helps the space feel that much more inviting.
Adding a graden stool, or small table gives purpose to the space. Now it’s more than just a place to sit, it invited you in to sit and sip a beverage, have conversation, and as my husband put it “A great place to play cribbage”. Our favorite card game to sit and relax together.
I finished things off with a few hanging plants, as if the space wasn’t cozy enough already. To keep things less busy visually, I stuck with simple white flowers that play off of the color of our white farmhouse.
Now lets stop by and see what others did, for a little summer inspiration.
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Paula says
Bre, can I ask you a question? I love your IKEA wicker chairs, and was thinking of putting the same ones on our covered front porch for the summer. Do you recommend them for outdoor use or should these be strictly indoors?
Thank you for your time. I love your blog! From a fellow New Englander – loving life in CT
Bre says
Hi Paula! I think if they are on a covered porch they should be ok. I’ve left mine on our covered porch for an entire summer, and they have held up just fine. They have gotten slightly wet once, so that is what I would watch out for. While it did no immediate damage, I have no idea how the long term would be 🙂 I do love them, and they are very comfy!!
Meg says
Bre, this is such a charming porch! I love the bold simplicity of the dark posts & floors against the lovely wicker and white flowers! I’m so lost on how to decorate our farmhouse’s front porch, but yours is so inspiring! Love that it’s simple and so charming at the same time 🙂
Shawnna says
hey girl love your porch! So pretty!
Kristi says
SUCH a cozy and inviting space! Just beautiful!!!
Shirlee says
Beautiful!!! I love it!!
On another note… 2 more weeks of school?? Do y’all do year round school? Just curious! Seems late to get out for the summer!
JEss says
Where is the white round table from? So cute!
Deborah says
Can you tell me the size of the flag you made? I’d love one for my front porch.
Debbie says
Love it all Bre, can you come to Georgia and help me!
susan says
Love your chairs Bre they are lovely! Your porch looks great!