A Thoughtful Place

A Thoughtful Place is a Tennessee based lifestyle blog about design, fashion, gatherings and the occasional from the heart post.

A Front Porch Refresh Under $100

by 24 Comments

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.

front_porch_atp

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

front_porch_athoughtfulplace

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.

front_porch_lemonwater

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.

front porch atp

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.

front porch garden stool front porch blanket

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!

front porch view

We are lucky enough to have a really pretty view from porch. The greenery makes me a happy camper.

front porch floral pillow front porch refresh

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.

Comments

  2. 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.

    Reply

  3. 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/

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  6. 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:)

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  7. 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!

    Reply

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