SUMMER PORCH SITTIN’
Above Photo: Michael Patch
Light, layer and try a new layout for warmer weather
Alan Jackson’s country song, “Where I Come From,” is a quintessential summer anthem. With references to cornbread and chicken and front porch pickin’ among other Southern traditions, the song nails the ambiance. But missing from these lyrics is the reality that before we can comfortably get to the pickin’ and chicken, we could use a little front porch sprucin.’
“Ambiance” is tough to put into words, but we all know that certain “je ne sais quoi” of summer magic when we feel it. It’s not so much a formula, as it is an immersive approach. With some simple steps, we can capture the vibe.
Before sprucin’ can even unfold, we must first tackle the cleanin’ tasks. When spring gives way to summer, she leaves a mess in her wake. But with some elbow grease, you can quickly sweep away grass, twigs and dust from the floors and ceilings, scrub away pollen and wash the windows. Other tasks might involve hiring a contractor.
Pressure washing, for instance, can brighten the walkway, foundation and house itself for a dramatic before-and-after effect. Consider whether upcoming projects will involve electrical wiring or flooring installation. Will you add a new pop of paint with one of the colors of the year? Prepping now will help you avoid redundancy later.
Picture this
Start with a foundational layout comprised of a jute rug and rattan furniture, and try these three styles for your front porch:
- Modern Farmhouse: Group together oversized floor lanterns, along with accessories like a wooden slab side table and a rustic watering can, spilling out over the top with roadside wildflowers.
- Coastal Cowgirl: Install vintage nautical sconces, and curate a row of potted herbs on the window ledge. Hang a windchime, handmade of driftwood, fishing line, seashells and turquoise painted clay figures. If you’re an equestrian, further accessorize with a vertical gallery wall of collected cowboy hats. This is a fun one for those with a ranch-style abode, who have a heart for both lake life and agriculture.
- Mediterranean: Moroccan pendant lights can illuminate the ceiling with geometric patterns. Incorporate blue stained-glass bottles and vases, sunflower motifs and large-scale terracotta pots holding miniature boxwood trees.
Layout & lounging
An area rug can act as both anchor and color palette. The porch spatial configuration will determine furniture placement.
Left Photo: Michael Patch
With porches evolving in recent years to favor function over form, comfort isn’t an afterthought. Although slatted little bistro sets and iron benches may please the eye, the ole’ tush might need a little more cush for longer lounging.
Fortunately, outdoor cushions and throw pillows, can be much more affordable than their indoor counterparts. Slipcovers can offer protection from dirt, sweat, pool water, etc. Maybe in your quest to make your porch more inviting, you’d like to splurge on special seating, like a swing, egg chair, dining set or hammock for midday reading and napping.
Alternatively, you could rearrange outdoor couches, loveseats and chairs that you already have. Facing furniture pieces inward can transform your porch from a nature observatory to a conversation space. Decorative swap-outs can drastically change the overall style.
In the spirit of novelty when rearranging, why not play with asymmetry? Change up a traditional front door framing technique (with identical sconces and plants on either side), for instance, with a cluster of plants on one side and a bench on the other. Thinking outside the box can strike a spatial balance that feels more “lived in.”
Lighting
When the sun goes down, lighting can give your porch a second wind — setting the stage for a block party, friendly catch-up session or a romantic summer lovin’ kind of evening.
Central lighting may already include a flush mount or lit ceiling fan. Work in additional ambient, task and accent lighting, and you might as well dub yourself a true summer ambiance alchemist.
Lanterns, rustic chandeliers, pendants and sconces provide a warm glow. String lights can cascade from the ceiling or wrap around rails, columns, miniature trees and bushes. Solar lights are a hassle-free, eco-friendly option for lining a walkway or casting a subtle spotlight at the base of plants. They can come in different forms, including fairy lights, domes, stakes, faux candles and more.
Right Photo: Michael Patch
Layering
The era of maximalism has inspired innovative coziness through texture and dimension. Airy fabrics like cotton and linen, natural wood and stone and pops of joyful and bright colors are some of the best ways to celebrate warmer months.
Colorful flowers scream summer. Bright choices for summer blooms include roses, daylilies, cardinals, coneflowers and creeping phlox. Potted herbs can double as neutral greenery, as well as a tasty garnishing for summer salads.
Handmade details are the heart and soul of porch personalization. Whatever strikes your fancy, infuse your creativity into floral arrangements, wreaths, windchimes, birdhouses, window boxes and more. Recruit kids and grandkids for these artistic projects to create memories over decorative keepsakes.
After all the sprucin’, it’s time to kick back. Let’s get to the front porch sittin’, and I personally wouldn’t mind if you brought over a bucket of chicken! ✦
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