Itching to refresh a porch, patio, or entry? This collection of porch inspiration may help. Maybe a color combination or design feature spied in these pretty porches and patio perches will spark an idea or two. Lovely Ideas for Function & Outdoor Enjoyment include a range of fantasy, luxury, and down to earth examples. Enjoy!
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Pretty Porches & Outdoor Ideas
Spending any time on a porch these days? I have been soaking up sun on the back deck more than porch sitting, but I do love reading in the shade on the front porch.
In fact, along with the setting (on a forest preserve), the covered porch was one of the features that sold me on this Georgian style home.
It is a great size, boasts a lofty ceiling height, and is a good distance from the street so there’s this great balance of social distance. It has columns similar to this porch in Franklin where we spent a few days:
What is it About Southern Porches?
There’s something so friendly and irresistible about wide wrap around porches all over the South.
They’re so perfect for hot weather and for buffering homes where the sun’s harsh rays are too much for the interiors. And those porches in Charleston? Ooh, I love them.
Cool blues with white are my favorite examples.
For one stop shopping and inspiration for coastal chic, make sure to check out Serena & Lily for indoor and outdoor goodness. Pottery Barn is also a favorite source:
Historic Charleston Piazzas
According to Charleston Magazine, “The Holy City still uses the 17th-century term “piazza”—which comes from the Italian word meaning “open space”—instead of the more common “porch” or “veranda.”
Piazza is a term worth preserving considering Charleston’s distinctive architectural design influenced by the community’s needs, culture, and traditions.
What color would your traditional Charleston home’s front door and shutters be?
After blue and green, I think pink would be so fun.
Right now, I have a pretty arched back wood bench, small round tables, a European bistro set, and my tall planters on the front porch. The great thing about my rattan chairs (below) is how they work just as easily inside for a breezy feel.
I placed the indoor/outdoor rug on the mood board above in our entry to catch dirt so I need something new for the porch. I have my eye on this one:
It’s neutral yet happy and coastal, and I can imagine it working in any number of spaces.
Beach House Beautiful Front Porch
Ever dream of having one of those swing beds? Me too!
Here’s a clever hack for the chain which may be necessary for a porch swing yet look less than appealing:
It’s a small thing, but isn’t that little swirl of the rope a nice touch? And don’t even get me started on screen porches! It was the hardest thing for me to leave when we built our dream home years ago, and I put a lot of thought into it, knowing I would be using it all the time.
Do you have a screened porch you use? There’s nothing quite like being out there when it rains, and it was the only space I have ever been able to nap in. I fell asleep out there every single time, and I never nap!
Heartwarming Nostalgic Porches
Isn’t this a unique design where the porch’s center section is more enclosed?
And I will always love the look of a porch that stretches wide and is layered with rocking chairs!
No porch? Maybe a pretty plant can offer a little lifegiving consolation:
You can bring the terrarium inside as well:
Rustic Neutral Farmhouse Porch
If I’m honest, one of my favorite things about porches is I can be out there in pajamas or sweats and no one is the wiser!
Anything that reinforces loungewear and jammies has my heart. 🙂
File This Away for Autumn Porches & Entries
Isn’t this an easy yet perfect fall welcome?
Here’s our old screen porch I mentioned earlier:
I always dreamed of adding curtains like Suzanne Kasler’s design below, but we didn’t stay put long enough.
Not sure I have told you this, but our new home is just seven houses away from the home we built all those years ago. A visiting friend recently asked me if I long to live in the old house since we designed it and loved it for years. The thing is that house is huge and a lot of house for just the two of us emptynesters. Our current home is on a much bigger lot but not overwhelming as far as space and maintenance. Still, it’s hard not to feel a little ache when I walk past our old home and recall so many memories of our boys and our Bella.
Coastal Elegance + Patio Pretty
For anyone building a home – don’t you love the idea of a shingles, oval windows and architectural details like this:
At least we can have the pillow!
I’m thinking about investing in a couple of wooden chaises for the deck since they would get constant use!
Tap on the images on the mood board below for buying info.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Traditional Fall Decorated Porch
Rustic European Country Porch Sitting
Is this instantly recognizable as Brooke Giannetti’s Patina Farm or what!?!
How about decorating with a mass of potted boxwood in aged pots like the Giannettis have in this glassed in room at Patina Farm?
And can we talk about how gorgeous the framing around that porch area is?
Holiday Farmhouse Porch
Ummmm, we’re halfway through the year doncha know.
The Sweetness of Porch Symmetry
Metal Roof on Covered Porch
What About Postage Stamp Sized Porches?
Porch Friendly Rocking Chairs
Rustic Porch Decor Ideas: Painted Wood Bench
With a wide yet shallow porch, two of these flanking a front door would be so charming.
Galvanized Porch Accent Tables
Porch Swing
Can anyone imagine taking naps on one of these? Also, can we discuss those green pillows?
Who can’t use one of these garden stools? I love seeing them in showers too for function and interest.
Rustic Signs for Farmhouse Interiors & Porches
Metal Personalized Signs
Pin THIS to save for future reference!
Our Prior Home’s Porch
Our former porch was simply a shallow step, but it provided a wee space for a chair. (I changed those chairs often, obsessed as I remain with chairs!)
French Welcome Mat Ideas for the Porch
Galvanized Pieces for a Rustic Porch
Watering Cans Always Look Right
Porch Lovely Pillows
Who is seeing Barbie in a few days? I would pay cash dollars to hear Ryan Gosling read the phonebook so if he’s singing in this film? I’m there.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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