Summer on the Porch

Summertime and the livin’ is easy. Chilling and relaxing outside especially in a shady location with a cold beverage, a good book, or good company, well those are some pretty nice moments. Summer on the porch can be the perfect place for quite time or entertaining.

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Love yourself some jazz by scrolling down and playing an amazing versions of Summertime and the livin’ is easy while you reading 🙂

Sprucing up

After a few seasons, my porch begins to look a little drab. Even though it is covered the weather takes its toll. Cushions fade, furniture needs cleaning and sometimes a fresh coat of paint.

Usually I am ready for a color change as well. Most times, I purchase outdoor fabric and recover the existing pillows and cushions. It is a job I do not enjoy. I’d much rather be in the kitchen than in front of a sewing machine. If I am able to find reasonably priced pillows and cushions, that makes my day!

Sitting area

A front porch is a natural gathering spot. Provide comfy seating and you can be sure little people and adults alike will sit a spell. A bench by the front door is helpful when carrying bags and packages into the house as you fiddle for the key or door knob.

And because your front porch is the public face of your home, seating can encourage guests to stay outside and engage with neighbors and streetside activity, too.

The front door

I read that the front porch is like a handshake, welcoming visitors and serving as a connection point with the neighborhood. Runners, dog walkers and parents with children in strollers frequently pass by with a wave of hello. I hope it stays a friendly street.

A front door painted in a color that really contrasts with the front of the house creates a strong impression. I have thought a bold red front door would look striking but it would bee too different from my foyer and other rooms in the house. I think the black adds a bit of elegance. 

Polish or change out the hardware on your front door. Add your house numbers or a address sign for appearance and to help new visitors and delivery people. 

Light and Airy Porch Decorating

For a summer update that feels clean and fresh, swap out any dark colors for whites and neutrals. Add pops of color in coordinated accents like pillows, cushions, flowerpots and rugs. 

If you enjoy bird watching, hang a bird house and hummingbird feeder. This bird house has been constantly occupied for the past 30 years! And, if you sit really still, a hummingbird just might zoom up to you to have a closer look. 

Adding sheer curtain panels look pretty and can provide privacy and act as a screen from bright sunlight. These are hung from a tension rod and tied with string to teacup hooks attached to wood trim. I also have curtains on my patio out back.

Flowers and Plants

Welcoming flowers look lovely from the street and can add lots of impact when approaching your front door.

Low maintenance, window boxes add a bright cheery feel to the porch. My porch receives morning light so growing plants that do well in low light do best. White begonia fill these two boxes. For many years I used impatiens and loved how they grew large with abundant flowers. In recent years these plants are plagued with a fungus and I no longer buy them. They look great and within a few weeks succumb the the disease and must be discarded.

House plants that grow indoors can be relocated to the porch for the summer. I was gifted this pot of succulents last year and it is just as happy on the porch as it was in the dining room. Keep in mind the light requirements for plants and acclimate them to their outdoor location gradually. Set them out and return indoors at night for a few days and they should do well.

I find orchids also respond well outside in the summer. Protect them from hot, direct sun.

At the end of the summer, check plants carefully for insects, cut back and repot if necessary before returning indoors.

Container plants

A pair of urn planters flank the front door. Place either right by the door on as you step up onto the porch as a strong anchor. Fill with flowers, small evergreen bushes or whatever you may have growing in the yard. Here hosta do well. Take notice of the beautiful Mildred Day lily. It was a gift from a blogging friend several years ago 🙂

Here is a peek of the porch from behind a bush.

Summer on the Porch

Remember to cut back bushes or remove if they are getting too big. Overgrown bushes will hide windows and make your porch and home seem foreboding. Keep the path to the front door clear and easy to navigate.

Now the ugly

The heavy wet snow we received in early March of this year caused a crushing blow to several of our huge evergreen trees. 

Yes, this is what our March Nor’Easter did. You can get an idea of the size of these trees by the outline on the siding.

We have been working on removing the stumps. A chain saw took care of the branches but it can’t get to the stump and roots. Someone loaned us a Sawzall. Have you any suggestions on tackling this monster?

Beautiful Porch Inspiration and Decorating

If you are looking to bring new life to your front porch, find inspiration and ideas with these beautiful items for an inviting and welcoming home with curb appeal.

• Solid Brass Door Knocker 
• 3-Piece Folding Bistro Furniture Set
• White Ceramic Small Hex Succulent Cactus Flower Plant Pot with Bamboo Tray
• Metal Fleur-De-Lis Hanging Patio Porch Swing
• Set of 3, turquoise succulent plant pots with tray
• Garden Cart Stand & Flower Pot Plant Holder
• Indoor/Outdoor Corded throw pillows
• Outdoor/Reversible Eco Taupe Gray Rug
• Outdoor Indoor Voile Drape Panels Mildew Resistant Water Repellent Polyester Silver Tab Top Sheer Curtains
• Cast Metal Custom House Number Sign
• Rubber Door Mat
• Set of 2 Crackle teal side tables

You might also like…

Porch Planters

Houseplants

Summertime Lemonade

Classic Pimm’s Cup

 
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