exterior & outdoor living

5 Tips for Styling a Covered Porch

Front Porch with White Drapery My front porch is pretty spacious and it’s crazy that I’ve only recently started viewing it as living space. Why had I not taken advantage of this spot sooner? I feel like we spend so much time and energy on our interior spaces, we sometimes neglect exterior opportunities we could be enjoying. I decided to finally make the most of my outdoor space and wanted to share a few snippets, along with 5 tips for styling a covered porch. 

Bungalow with Blooming Tree This is actually the very first time I’ve shot and shared any part of the exterior of my home on the blog. It’s continually a work in progress and is nothing super special, so I’ve always been a little self conscious about photographing it. Here’s an outside glimpse of my little bungalow.

Front Door with Brass Hardware

Front Door with Brass Hardware The covered porch is on the front side of the home, so curb appeal and the entryway were pretty important to me. Being an old house, built in the early 1900’s, all of the woodworking and porch details are original! Even though I love the way it looks, sanding through multiple layers of paint and giving it a fresh coat was no easy feat- it’s difficult to obtain perfection with an old home.

Making the Most of a Covered Porch Finn loves sticking his head out the window to watch people passing by from the front porch… He’s probably the biggest fan of this newly used outdoor space.

Giant Schnauzer

Bungalow Porch with Drapery Alright, let’s talk about a few easy adjustments for transforming a porch…

5 Tips for Styling and Taking Advantage of a Covered Porch:

  • Seating : make sure there’s adequate seating for relaxing, along with some sort of table to place a drink. Depending on the size, a dining or side table would do the trick. If you’re really short on space- consider a hanging chair!
  • Bring Out the Plants : every spring and summer, I bring my houseplants outside for the season and they seriously thrive. Not only does it promote added growth, but it’s a great inexpensive way to decorate an exterior space.
  • Add an Outdoor Rug : things immediately feel cozier and casual when you kick off your shoes. Nothing promotes being barefoot quite like an outdoor rug. They’re easy to clean, add pattern, and help to make a porch feel more like a “room”.
  • Consider Outdoor Window Treatments : You can easily add outdoor drapery or blinds for privacy, sun protection, or simply for aesthetic purposes. This especially compliments the woodworking details on my porch!
  • Use Outdoor Accessories : Bring the indoor vibes outside- use candles, outdoor pillows, side tables, or accessories to add dimension and style to your space. The little details really do go a long way.

Outdoor Plants

Woven Outdoor Tassel Pillow I think texture plays a big part in an outdoor space… from plants, to woven furniture, to gorgeous outdoor macrame and beaded pillows, it’s all about mixing and creating contrast.

Geometric Flower Planter

Bungalow Front Porch

Spiral Topiary I have to give 100% of the landscaping credit to Kalyn. I had nothing to do with the permanent outdoor plants, other than helping to lay the bricks for the raised flower bed. If you guys are interested in outdoor plants and landscaping design, maybe I’ll ask him to do a guest post? Let me know in the comments if you’d enjoy reading something like that!

Outdoor Porch Dining Area

Beaded Pineapple Pillow As the weather continues to get warmer, it’s safe to assume we’ll be spending many more evenings outside on the porch sipping wine and enjoying this space. With a small house, getting creative outside is an easy way to expand your square footage.

5 Tips for Taking Advantage of a Covered Porch

Cactus in a Brass and Glass Box Do you guys have a porch or area to enjoy outside? If so, are you planning to spend a lot of time there this spring and summer?

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  • Reply
    Michelle Davis
    May 12, 2016 at 3:08 pm

    WOW! Just WOW!

    Your styling and creative eye continue to amaze me Sarah. You’re front porch is gorgeous and I love how you get a peak of the wonderful backyard view in some of the images. Wonderful job on the landscaping Kalyn, a guest post would be awesome. I find myself always wanting more image of your gorgeous home, thank you for sharing it with the world and giving us a glimpse at your awesome front porch ;) As always a great read and beautiful photography.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      May 14, 2016 at 2:45 pm

      Thanks so much Michelle!! You made my weekend. I’ll convince Kalyn to do a landscaping post. I really love his eye when it comes to the outdoor design. Congrats on your new home! Have a great weekend!! xoxoxo

  • Reply
    Jessica
    May 12, 2016 at 3:27 pm

    Ah beautiful, just now looking to style our covered porch as well. May I ask where you file and white planters and the dining table? Thank you!

    • Reply
      Jessica
      May 12, 2016 at 3:28 pm

      Found the white planters* 😆

    • Reply
      Sarah
      May 12, 2016 at 5:24 pm

      Thanks, Jessica! The dining set was actually a piece I inherited from my father. I believe it was from Pier1… but here is an amazing vintage set, or a similar set.

  • Reply
    Lisa
    May 12, 2016 at 4:03 pm

    Where’s your outdoor rug from? Love it!! The original x railing and column details are beautiful!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      May 14, 2016 at 2:43 pm

      Thanks, Lisa! The outdoor rug can be found here. xo

  • Reply
    Leah Prevost
    May 13, 2016 at 1:58 am

    The outside of your house is beautiful! I’ve been working on the outside of ours because it seriously embarrasses me ha! A guest post would be awesome on some outdoor plants!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      May 14, 2016 at 2:39 pm

      Thanks, Leah! I sort of felt the same way about mine ;) I’ll try to twist Kalyn’s arm into doing a guest post on landscaping- he’s really amazing at it. If you follow on snapchat, you probably grasp his level on enthusiasm! ha! xo

  • Reply
    Caitlin
    May 13, 2016 at 11:50 am

    I LOVE your porch! So pretty and cozy and the drapes totally complete it.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      May 13, 2016 at 12:04 pm

      Thank you, thank you Caitlin!! xo

  • Reply
    Marina Di Costanzo
    May 13, 2016 at 11:11 pm

    Amazing pictures Sarah, your porch is such an inspiration, fresh and vintage, love it! Thank you so much for featuring the cushions, everything looks fantastic all together Xx

    • Reply
      Sarah
      May 14, 2016 at 2:38 pm

      Thank you, Marina!! I love the outdoor pillows. xo

  • Reply
    Danielle
    March 21, 2019 at 7:32 am

    I have a porch very similar to this, but the full length of the house, and I struggle with the rugs! For both the porch and living room, I’m nervous that having a rug on each end will make it feel odd and closed off with just a walkway in between, but want something there. Should I only have a hug on one side?

    • Reply
      Sarah
      March 21, 2019 at 8:55 am

      I just love porches- yours sounds amazing Danielle! You could easily do a rug on each side or one big rug… it all depends on how you style it and plan your outdoor furniture, plants, etc.

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