Building or Designing Your Own Porch?
1. Make it cozy and inviting. Think outside the box when it comes to comfy seating! You could use old church pews, a wooden bed swing or even a dining set, and, of course, don’t forget the classic wooden rocker. Be sure to add lots of pillows and a fun blanket to warm up on those chilly nights!
2. Be consistent with your palette. Did you set up your interior with neutral colors and textures? Or does your home primarily contain bold color? Whatever your style may be, don’t forget to carry your indoor décor to the outdoors. Having this focus will help to maintain a cohesive look as you design/shop for your porch. And make sure you use outdoor fabrics and paints so your look will last.
3. Choose proper lighting. Your light fixtures will help to set a perfect ambiance in the evenings. Outdoor chandeliers, sconces and even candles all work together to make the perfect setting! 4. Shop your home for accessories. Some décor pieces to look for include beautiful wreaths, cool lanterns, colorful florals, an outdoor clock and chippy architectural pieces, whether that be a corbel, a bookcase, etc. And, of course, a metal bar cart can serve a dual purpose: It could act as a table for your glass of sweet tea or as shelving for all your beautiful vignettes.
Katie shares her tips for what to do and what to avoid.
5. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get the look you desire. Make it a goal to stay within budget. You can save money by shopping thrift stores and yard sales, or by scouring estate sales. Other fun ways to shop are Craigslist, your local resale page on Facebook (e.g., a “Buy, Sell, Trade” page), or the end-ofseason sales (and beginning-of-season sales!) at retail stores.