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!
![Southern front porch with swing, haint blue ceiling, and Michele of Hello Lovely.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/hello-lovely-studio-franklin-porch-swing-michele-1.jpg)
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.
![Vintage American Beauties pillow on a porch swing with a sumptuous cushion - Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. #porchswings #vintagepillows](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/shabby-chic-rachel-ashwell-porch-swing-american-beauties-pillow.jpg)
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:
![Southern front porch with swing, haint blue ceiling, and Michele of Hello Lovely.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/hello-lovely-studio-franklin-porch-swing-michele.jpg)
What is it About Southern Porches?
There’s something so friendly and irresistible about wide wrap around porches all over the South.
![BM Simply White siding and BM Blue Porcelain shutters on a beautiful Charleston house exterior - Julia Berolzheimer's home in Southern Living (photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez). #bmsimplywhite](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/julia-berolzheimer-charleston-home-southern-living-front-exterior-blue-shutters-porch-bmblueporcelain-bmsimplywhite-1440x1054.jpg)
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.
![Breathtaking lovely curb appeal with amaazing floral covered arbor and blue shutters - Pineapples Design Group. Peek at Charming Porch Inspiration & Decor Ideas for your home! #whitehouses #housedesign #exteriors #curbappeal #shutters #arbor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/beautiful-white-house-front-porch-blue-shutters-arbor-pineappledesigngroup-jessica-glynn-photo.jpg)
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:
![Pretty porch decor from Pottery Barn with sage green plant stand and vintage style pots - Hello Lovely Studio. #porchdecor #plantstands](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pretty-porch-decor-hello-lovely-studio-banner-pottery-barn.jpg)
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.”
![Classic and timeless piazza on Battery Street in Charleston with green shutters and beautifully stained wood floor. Peek at Charming Porch Inspiration & Decor Ideas for your home! #piazza #charlestonhouse #frontporch #greenshutters #historichome #houseexterior #southernhomes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/44-s-battery-st-charleston-sc-exterior-2.jpg)
Piazza is a term worth preserving considering Charleston’s distinctive architectural design influenced by the community’s needs, culture, and traditions.
![Breathtaking exterior of a historic home on Battery Street in Charleston. #charlestonhomes #houseexteriors #historichomes #piazza](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/44-s-battery-st-charleston-sc-exterior.jpg)
What color would your traditional Charleston home’s front door and shutters be?
![Gorgeous Southern plantation style home with front porches - Southern Living Magazine. Charming inspiration if you love white painted house exteriors! #whitehouses #housedesign #exteriors #designinspiration](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/beautiful-white-house-front-porch-southernlivingmag.jpg)
After blue and green, I think pink would be so fun.
![Funny aging quote - Hello Lovely Studio. #midlifehumor #agingquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/funny-humor-quote-aging-midlife-keelyflaherty-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
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.
![European Country Porch Shop the Look - Hello Lovely. #frenchfarmhouse #porchdecor #getthelook](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/european-country-porch-shop-the-look-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
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!
![Luxurious front porch. Luxurious house exterior on Somerset in Alys Beach. #houseexterior #luxuryhomes #alysbeach #beachhouses #coveredporch](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/223-n-somerset-alys-beach-fl-house-exterior-porch-1.jpg)
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!
![Funny quote and humor about modern day cell phone culture - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/funny-phone-quote-humor-wellnessmama-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Heartwarming Nostalgic Porches
Isn’t this a unique design where the porch’s center section is more enclosed?
![Welcoming cottage with arched entrance and front porch - Homes by Garden Gate. Come peek at Charming Porch Inspiration & Decor Ideas! #housedesign #exteriors #whitecottage #picketfence](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/beautiful-white-house-front-porch-homesbygardengate.jpg)
And I will always love the look of a porch that stretches wide and is layered with rocking chairs!
![Charming front porch on a Southern home by Garden Gate Homes. Come peek at Charming Porch Inspiration & Decor Ideas. #frontporches #southernhomes #houseexteriors #porchdecor #porches](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/front-porch-rocking-chairs-north-carolina-garden-gate-homes.jpg)
No porch? Maybe a pretty plant can offer a little lifegiving consolation:
![Just Add Houseplants: BH&G at Walmart Finds on Hello Lovely Studio. #houseplants #planters #terrariums](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/JUST-ADD-HOUSEPLANTS-walmart-bhG-banner-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
You can bring the terrarium inside as well:
![Terrarium with fern inside in my entry with tree wallpaper mural - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/001-april-2023-entry-hello-lovely-studio-04.jpg)
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!
![Beautiful Southern porch with Bevolo lanterns, ceiling fans, and outdoor furniture. Linen & Flax Co.Come peek at Charming Porch Inspiration & Decor Ideas. #southernporch #porchdecor #summerliving #houseexteriors #porchlighting #forntporches](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/southern-porch-linen-and-flax-co.jpg)
Anything that reinforces loungewear and jammies has my heart. 🙂
![Funny tweets and humor quotes on Hello Lovely Studio. #funnytweets #funnyquotes #humorquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/funny-tweet-quote-marathon-good-way-to-respond-erinchack.jpg)
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:
![Our backyard and screen porch at our French country style home - Hello Lovely.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/001-exterior-french-country-hello-lovely-studio-screen-porch-1440x1080.jpg)
I always dreamed of adding curtains like Suzanne Kasler’s design below, but we didn’t stay put long enough.
![Suzanne Kasler designed porch area with curtains. Come peek at Charming Porch Inspiration & Decor Ideas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/suzanne-kasler-sophisticated-simplicity-blue-screen-porch-1440x1687.jpg)
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:
![Serena & Lily Campania pillow cover on gorgeous outdoor seating at a coastal home. #serenaandlily #coastalstyle #homedecor #outdoordecor #pillows](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/campania-pillow-cover-serena-lily-product-1440x1800.jpg)
At least we can have the pillow!
![Coastal design inspiration on this porch with Serena & Lily blue check pillows and furniture. #serenanadlily #coastalstyle #porchdecor #homedecor #furniture #summerliving #outdoorliving](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/perrennials-gingham-pillow-cover-serena-lily-product-1440x1800.jpg)
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.
![Timeless classic coastal pretty decor on Hello Lovely Studio. #timelessdesign #classicdecor #homedecor #furniture #hellolovelystudio #coastalstyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/timeless-classic-coastal-pretty-decor-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
![One off humor tweet quote on Hello Lovely. #funnytweets](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/funny-humor-quote-hello-lovely-studio-aunt-fell-winery-sauvignon-bonk-aaronchewning.jpg)
Traditional Fall Decorated Porch
![Fall front door of historic home - Nora Murphy Country House. #falldecor #frontdoor #fallporch](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/fall-front-porch-door-basket-noramurphycountryhouse.jpg)
Rustic European Country Porch Sitting
Is this instantly recognizable as Brooke Giannetti’s Patina Farm or what!?!
![Rustic French basket on Patina Farm porch with a vintage chair and potted vines. Brooke Giannetti. Come peek at Charming Porch Inspiration & Decor Ideas. #patinafarm](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/french-farmhouse-basket-on-patina-farm-porch-giannetti-velvet-and-linen.jpg)
How about decorating with a mass of potted boxwood in aged pots like the Giannettis have in this glassed in room at Patina Farm?
![Beautiful sunny glassed in room with potted boxwood in aged pots on French limestone floors - Giannetti Home. #patinafarm #giannettihome #pottedboxwood](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/patina-farm-potted-boxwood-limestone-giannetti-home.jpg)
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.
![Charming white farmhouse decorated for Christmas - Country Living. #countrychristmas #farmhousechristmas #outdoorchristmasdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/christmas-white-farmhouse-holiday-exterior-wraparound-porch-truck-red-door-garland-@countryliving.jpg)
The Sweetness of Porch Symmetry
![Charming 1880s white cottage front door flanked by simple lanterns and tall topiaries. #frontdoor #cottagestyle #frontporch #housedesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/1800s-white-cottage-beaufort-sc-airbnb-front-door.jpg)
![Funny quote about not trying to please everyone. #funnyquotes #tacoquote #whimsicalquotes #humor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/summer-quote-hello-lovely-studio-colorful-you-are-not-a-taco.jpg)
Metal Roof on Covered Porch
![Beautiful white modern farmhouse porch and exterior with metal roof and dome shade barn style sconces from Rejuvenation. #modernfarmhouse #houseexterior #metalroof #barnlights](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/white-modern-farmhouse-exterior-with-black-dome-shade-sconces-rejuvenation.jpg)
What About Postage Stamp Sized Porches?
![Stony Ground Farrow & Ball paint color is on this gorgeous front door of an English stone cottage with topiaries on porch. #paintcolors #stonyground #farrowandball #interiordesign #exteriorpaintcolors #frontdoorpaintcolor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/stony-ground-by-farrow-and-ball-paint-color-on-front-door-of-english-stone-cottage-with-topiaries.jpg)
Porch Friendly Rocking Chairs
![Rocking Chair](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/42583801/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/2825/28258733/Rocking+Chair.jpg)
Rustic Porch Decor Ideas: Painted Wood Bench
With a wide yet shallow porch, two of these flanking a front door would be so charming.
![Alfon Wood Garden Bench](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/62168565/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/4343/43437553/Alfon+Wood+Garden+Bench.jpg)
Galvanized Porch Accent Tables
![Distressed zinc rustic farmhouse style table.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81xfBAVIXVL._SL1500_.jpg)
![Silver accent table with rectangular tray top and folding style legs](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Tm0fzBqBL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
Porch Swing
Can anyone imagine taking naps on one of these? Also, can we discuss those green pillows?
![Sunday Porch Swing, Ballard Designs](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/image-35.png)
Who can’t use one of these garden stools? I love seeing them in showers too for function and interest.
![Nagle Flora Garden Stool](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/93187824/resize-h800%5Ecompr-r85/2631/26318386/Nagle+Flora+Garden+Stool.jpg)
Rustic Signs for Farmhouse Interiors & Porches
![Framed farmhouse sign with scripture from Numbers.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/numbers-scripture-farmhouse-sign.jpg)
![Framed farmhouse handlettered sign It is Well With My Soul - SIDesignCo on Etsy](https://i.etsystatic.com/14433930/r/il/bb636a/1608400654/il_794xN.1608400654_3tyn.jpg)
![Mary Oliver quote to inspire on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #maryoliver #faithquote #personalgrowth #spirituality](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/summer-quote-hello-lovely-studio-colorful-stand-mary-oliver.jpg)
Metal Personalized Signs
![Personalized family name metal sign.](https://i.etsystatic.com/9702901/r/il/e70986/1824879488/il_794xN.1824879488_r073.jpg)
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 country courtyard with stone walls, pea gravel, boxwood, lavender, wood furniture, and vintage touches. Come see the before and after of our project on Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #courtyard #gardeninspiration #renovation](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/hello-lovely-studio-exterior-courtyard-front-porch-and-door-3.jpg)
![Cara Rectangular Plastic Planter Box](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/84435597/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/3709/37092809/Cara+Rectangular+Plastic+Planter+Box.jpg)
![Metal Watering Can](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/94273676/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/1561/15610862/Metal+Watering+Can.jpg)
French Welcome Mat Ideas for the Porch
![Patrick Bonjour Doormat](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/06987616/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/1519/15194667/Patrick+Bonjour+Doormat.jpg)
![French country courtyard with stone walls, pea gravel, boxwood, lavender, wood furniture, and vintage touches. Come see the before and after of our project on Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #courtyard #gardeninspiration #renovation](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/hello-lovely-studio-exterior-courtyard-bench-4.jpg)
![Aged Terracotta Round Pots](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/9161u1cbfrL._SL1500_.jpg)
Galvanized Pieces for a Rustic Porch
![French country courtyard with stone walls, pea gravel, boxwood, lavender, wood furniture, and vintage touches. Come see the before and after of our project on Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #courtyard #gardeninspiration #renovation](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/hello-lovely-studio-exterior-courtyard-tolix-chair-lavender-pot-2.jpg)
![Tolix style French industrial metal chair](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/French-Tolix-Style-Galvanized-Side-Chair-400x400.jpg)
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 71ORxMyUp2L._SL1000_.jpg](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71ORxMyUp2L._SL1000_.jpg)
Watering Cans Always Look Right
![French country courtyard with stone walls, pea gravel, boxwood, lavender, wood furniture, and vintage touches. Come see the before and after of our project on Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #courtyard #gardeninspiration #renovation](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/hello-lovely-studio-exterior-courtyard-front-porch-and-door-3-1.jpg)
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
Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.