Welcome Changes: The Front Porch
Ask pretty much any Southern girl what’s on her list of things she wants in a house, and chances are, she’ll say “a porch”. Maybe it goes back to our moms and grandmothers and all the great memories that were played out in the comfortable, breezy, rocking-chair-creaking aura of their front porch.
When my husband and I found our current house plan, it had everything we hoped to have in a house. Except a front porch. So, we requested that the architects add one on and it changed the entire look of the house. In fact, shortly after we built our house, they started selling a version of the plan that included a front porch, and I can’t help but think I gave them the idea. (We Southern girls know our stuff.)
So, in the past couple of weeks, I’ve been sprucing up the porch for prime porch season: Summer. And, I thought I’d share it with you all as a little reminder that welcoming design can be achieved without spending a ton of money.
I started with the front doors and brought back my basic green wreaths for the third summer in a row because I love the green as a backdrop for the summer flowers and plants around the house. This time, I hung them with a strip of burlap (stapled to the top of the door). Click here to see this basic wreath tutorial. They’re still my all-time fave. I may just keep them forever.
By the way, if you’re looking for a great plant to put in urns on the porch, look for some wave petunias in hanging baskets. They’re not just good for hanging. They’re great in tall urns and they’re so easy to grow, everyone will think you’re a gardening guru.
Right by my front door, I’ve still got my front door chalkboard, updated with a new message inspired by the eye candy I’ve gathered on my Chalkboard Art Pinterest board. Front door chalkboards are one of my favorite ways to roll out the rug of hospitality to everyone that comes to visit. These are perfect for welcoming specific house guests, writing out your house number, or spelling out a seasonal greeting. Love, love, love them. And guess what? I just added a few to my blog shop so you can get one for yourself (or for a gift for someone you really like). Click here to see what I’ve got.
Also on the porch, I’ve still got the porch furniture my mom almost hauled off to the dump lovingly passed down to me. I’m trying to squeeze one more year or two out of it before buying new. Just another example of how to stretch your decorating budget with a little coat of spray paint. Click here to see the before pics and read the makeover story of my porch furniture. Three summers and counting!
And, yes! I do have a new rug. Thanks for noticing. If you’re wondering about the painted canvas rug from last year, it didn’t stand the test of being exposed to the elements for more than one season. Moral of the story: canvas rugs do better under cover. The one on my screened porch is still looking great. Read more on that here.
But, to say I’m in love with with my new rug is an understatement. And the best part is, I made it myself. (Does anyone else out there shamelessly gush over their own projects? Okay, just me.) Anyway, I cannot wait to tell you all about it. I’ll give you the total low-down in my next post, complete with sources and a free download, so stay tuned.
Other than that, I did buy two new black square tables from Target and they work great together to make a little coffee table to hold a couple more plants and my sweet tea and my feet as I prop them up and relax on my front porch
Hope you like the little updates for the season. Wish you were here to relax and chat for a little while. See ya soon.
June 4, 2012 @ 12:01 pm
looks awesome! i love the welcome sign!
June 4, 2012 @ 12:07 pm
your front porch
is looking lovely and welcoming indeed
adore the black wicker
and stenciled rug for sure
gloat all you want girl!
alison
June 4, 2012 @ 12:08 pm
That is beautiful and so welcoming! Love it all… Did you replant the hanging baskets or just set them in the urns?
June 4, 2012 @ 12:24 pm
That looks wonderful, Julie! Great rug and I love the little black tables. Love the chalkboard; I'm off to check out your shop!
June 4, 2012 @ 1:06 pm
LOVE LOVE LOVE that bee motif. The porch look great but the rug is my fave of all:)
Paul
June 4, 2012 @ 2:00 pm
Your porch is gorgeous. I love your doors, they are fabulous and the wreaths are perfect. So lovely. Hugs, Marty
June 4, 2012 @ 3:22 pm
Oh Julie, you are SO not the only one who gushes about her own projects! I'm totally shameless. When my crafty friends come over, I always drag them around my house to see my newest creations.
I love the wreaths and chalkboard! I have a good-sized slate chalkboard that I've been wondering what to do with and now I know just where it's going 🙂
June 4, 2012 @ 4:06 pm
yourwreathshop.com
Love your entryway, it is so welcoming. I am glad you saved the furniture from the trash pile. I like to reuse whenever it's possible. The rug is awesome and I look forward to seeing your you made it.
June 4, 2012 @ 6:49 pm
I love your front porch! I can't wait to have a place of my own so I can decorate!!
June 4, 2012 @ 7:09 pm
I did notice your rug! It is so pretty and I can't wait to see your tutorial.
Judy
June 6, 2012 @ 5:07 pm
Love the pops of black and that rug is delightful.
p
June 9, 2012 @ 4:59 am
how adorable…gonna borrow some more ideas!!
June 13, 2012 @ 12:32 pm
Love the colors of your porch and the double doors…I have double doors and sometimes can be a bit tedious with having to make two wreaths instead of one…but I love their functionality and appearance…Your porch is beautiful!
June 13, 2012 @ 3:48 pm
The black is so very classy! Glad your mom "handed down" the furniture.
June 13, 2012 @ 9:37 pm
I used chalkboard paint on my front porch too … I painted my ugly brassy mailbox with it and change up the message for the seasons … you know, "boo" for Halloweeen … "ho ho ho" at Christmas.
The seating area looks so relaxing. I'll be by soon for a glass of sweet tea …
🙂
Linda
June 15, 2012 @ 5:47 pm
What an awesome idea! You have inspired me!!! Thanks!
Lura
x
June 20, 2012 @ 10:15 am
So, can you come over and work your magic on my place? Looks great!!