So most of you know we live in Southern California where it is quite warm most of the year. But I always wait until this time of year to transition our front porch to a more springtime look. We spend a ton of time out here. The children play and often times we hang out with our neighbors and relax. My husband and I also unwind out on the porch after the children have gone to bed. We don’t have a sprawling big back yard, but we do have a cozy porch that has seen it’s fair share of really special moments. Last season I used an orange and yellow color scheme. This year I wanted to use the navy rug I had picked up months ago and switched things up for a fresh green and blue look.
I am all about shopping my own home when I transition spaces for the seasons. So here is how it all broke down: New Finds:
- two floral pillows {$40} HomeGoods
- new outdoor ottoman {$30} HomeGoods
- throw blanket on clearance {$10} HomeGoods
- fresh flowers {$5} Trader Joes
Shopped from the house or back patio:
- navy rug {$10} Target
- green garden stool – borrowed from back patio
- wood tray – borrowed from living room
- blue glasses – gift for our wedding over 13 years ago
My advice to keep costs low is to choose a color scheme that supports some items you already have. From there, maximize bang for your buck by mixing prints. All I bought were the pillows, ottoman and throw but they are all different prints so they create more of an interesting mix. And if you have trouble mixing prints try to stick to one graphic, one floral and one stripe. If they are all in coordinating colors you’ll be in good shape.
We received these glasses and a matching water pitcher for our wedding. We have used them almost every summer since. Just love the color and fun shape.
Here you can see my rule of trying to always mix three prints. I have the floral, small stripe of the ottoman and larger stripe of the throw.
The throw won’t live on the porch but we always grab one when we go out in the evening. I am the one that gets chilly. And this one was a steal for only $10 from HomeGoods. Always check that clearance section!
We are lucky enough to have a really pretty view from porch. The greenery makes me a happy camper.
One last shot peeking through the landscape. I am thankful for this front porch of ours. It’s where my husband and I reflect on our days and talk about all things big and small. We are firm believers in communication and in checking in every single day. We are fortunate that our lives allow us to do that. It was cute. I redid the porch and when he got home from work I told him to go out and take a peek. His response, “Oh, I am so ready for summer!” Yes. Me, too.
Cheers to cold drinks and warm days. The orange and yellow front porch can be seen here. And our other patio can be seen here. Enjoy your day, all.
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
I love it, so pretty and the colors really do say summer.
Courtney {a thoughtful place} says
Thank you so much, Marty. We just love spending time on this little porch. Have a wonderful day.
xo
C
Barbara M says
Looks so fresh and pretty! This is the color scheme I'm going for on my patio. My cushions are green and white and I've been thinking of adding blue to change things up so these ideas are great.
Courtney {a thoughtful place} says
Oh, really?! So fun. I do love the color combo. Always fun to switch it up a bit. Makes it seem like a whole new space. Have fun with the patio.
thebusybrunette says
Your front porch is absolutely beautiful. It looks like such a relaxing spot to sit and have a glass of wine at night and a cup of coffee in the morning. It sounds like you really enjoy that special space with your family.
I love the color scheme you've gone with this year. It looks so fresh and beachy. I'm working on redoing a few things in my house and I just love those colors together.
Have a great day!
The Busy Brunette
http://thebusybrunette.blogspot.com/
Courtney {a thoughtful place} says
You are the kindest. We really do spend a ton of time out there . . and like you said. . both evening and morning. Good luck with your home projects. I love refreshing even just a little bit. Seems to change the whole feel. Enjoy your day.
Carmel - Our Fifth House says
I'd love to sit on that front porch with you! So warm and inviting!
Courtney {a thoughtful place} says
Well get over here! Please! Wouldn't that be fun. The next time you all visit you need to just come over. Miss you.
Lauren Kauffman says
So light and happy Courtney! Love this, I love your taste. It's inspiring me to get our back deck summer-ready! We're a little behind the curve here in Denver:).
Courtney {a thoughtful place} says
Thank you, Lauren! Such a nice compliment. Yes. . . Denver gives you a little more time to get inspired. That's a great thing. xoxo
Andrea Stoltz says
Hi COurtney! Love your blog. I notice you have adirondack style chairs on your porch. We are looking for some for our yard this year. I've found prices can be very variable. Can you comment at all on price vs. quality? Thanks:)
Courtney {a thoughtful place} says
Hi Andrea. . . yes, we love these. These were a gift from my parents when we moved in 8 years ago. They are from Khols and have been wonderful. They are just now starting to chip in a few place but overall look fantastic. Good luck.
Allison says
I just love that you and Ryan sit out on your porch every evening and catch up with one another. So important in a marriage and what a beautiful spot to do so. A fond memory I have growing up is watching my parents sit outside every night and talk and some nights they would be catching up with one another over a game of Scrabble. You have done a beautiful job with your porch Courtney. Love the blues and greens. We have having summer like temps up here right now. I love it!
Courtney {a thoughtful place} says
Oh, I love that so much. I hope my children remember that, too. It really has become such a part of our lives. And Scrabble is one of our favorites, too. Hope you get to see the porch soon!
Erin Fairchild says
Such a beautiful space! I love your porch!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
Courtney {a thoughtful place} says
Thank you, Erin!! Hope you've had a great day.
Michele @ The Joyful Home says
What a pretty space! Love how you refreshed with some items you already had–such a great tip and easier on the wallet 🙂
Courtney {a thoughtful place} says
Thank you, Michele. I figure why do we want to store more things, right?! Shop the house first! Enjoy your evening.
Simply LKJ says
Love the new color scheme. I am a big fan of the blue and green combo. Perfect for summer-blue skies and green grass.
Courtney {a thoughtful place} says
Thank you! Totally agree with you. . .somehow those blues and greens are so calming because of nature. Your trip looked gorgeous!
Tiffany Bagalini says
I'm jealous you have a front porch 🙂 I love that you mix it up and re-fresh each year. It's beautiful!
Courtney {a thoughtful place} says
Thank you, Tiffany. We really do feel thankful for this little space. Hope you're having a great week.
{Hi Sugarplum!} says
Such a cheerful spot…love the switch-up! Save me a spot, I'll be by later!
anna whiston-donaldson says
Love the greens and blues!