My first project started the first of summer. I purchased a design consultation from
Layla at The Lettered Cottage (check out her before and after pictures of her kitchen, amazing) and sent her these pictures of my front porch. I needed some suggestions to point me in the right direction. It is a great space but since the pool, we don't use it as much but part of that reason might be the sparse decorations.
Layla suggested painting my furniture black. I liked this suggestion but we had just put up dark bronze outside lights and we live on a gravel road (forgot to mention that to Layla). The dust from the road would be a problem on the black furniture so I picked a dark brown, called Java Bean and it doesn't show the dust too badly. Here is the corner of the porch. I gave a friend the wrought iron chairs, threw a tablecloth on the iron table, added some folding wooden chairs. I am still looking for small seat cushions for these chairs.
I bought this tin cannister at Joann's years ago.
All the ferns were used for the wedding reception and they really flourish on the covered porch.
The north side of the porch has the side door and the one we always use. See hubby's boots, he uses the bench every morning to put on his boots before work. Still looking for a bigger picture, wooden piece or something for above the potter's bench. By the way, the potter's bench was purchased years ago at a unfinished furniture store in my husband's hometown. We hauled it home in the back of the Suburban, thank goodness for all that room.
Both pieces on the top shelf, came from Joann's and were purchased the same time I bought the fresh flower tin. Found the wooden crates last year in a cute little store.
View from the north stairs.
Front of the porch, sitting on the glider
Front steps.
I am so pleased with the changes and all of Layla's suggestions. They were just the inspiration I needed to get started on my porch. I have had so much fun looking in flea markets, making the pillows and moving things around. I am planning on adding some mums and pumpkins in a few weeks . More fun.