Country Porch Living
‘Tis the season for country porch living!
With the summer months ahead, it is time to dust off your porch and get it ready for summertime fun! Decks, screened in porches, and patios are about to take center stage for lounging and entertaining. What better way to enjoy these spaces than by embracing the relaxing country feel in your decor! After recently remodeling my 1923 farmhouse, I have inspiring ideas to share with you to make the most of your country porch living this summer!
First, There are No Rules
Let your sense of color and comfort be your guide! Outdoor spaces work best when they reflect what is important to you. It’s okay if you have a mix of furniture! I did too, and I used it to my advantage! Instead of buying all new, I repainted the wicker chairs a dark green and added an outdoor striped-green area rug to anchor the color scheme. I used rose as an accent color for pillows and flowers for a fun pop. Be sure your fabrics are outdoor safe and washable!
The miniature twig chair, ferns, and potted rose begonias add an authentic feel to the “country porch living” aesthetic.
Flooring should be as carefree as possible
Do not fret if your floor is made of wood boards. The boards in my porch were in disrepair, so we laid marine-grade plywood over the boards. Then, we primed and painted them with a base coat. I envisioned a simple checkerboard design for the final product. After a couple of days, a lot of painters tape, even more patience, and painting with two layers of exterior paint colors- the floor was transformed!
Choose area rugs that are not too large so that cleaning them is as easy as hosing them off outside. Polypropylene is a go-to fiber for outdoor rugs. Avoid cotton, which will eventually build mildew from humidity or getting wet. I often order outdoor rugs for my clients from Surya.
Plan for Some Country Porch Dining
Make your porch a fun place for sharing meals! A tablecloth with color or a pattern with enhance even a casual snack or meal. Skip the plastic cutlery and paper plates! Elevate the experience by bringing dinnerware from your kitchen instead. I also adore using my mothers colorful Fiestaware for the porch!
If possible, select the placement for your dining table to a side of the porch that allows for additional privacy and a relaxing view! We all want to enjoy our country porch living on our own! We used to have a porch swing where the table is, but it made more sense to have the table there instead.
Enjoy your porch for any reason during any season, but there is something special about those “country porch living” summer memories! I like to sit here with a cup of coffee and make my to-do lists or take a nap curled up on the loveseat. I hope you and your families (especially those cute little youngsters!) enjoy your porch while it is optimized for the summertime!
See you next time!
