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Outdoor summer decorating ideas


12 ways to add life to your home exterior |

(Image credit: Proven Winners)

Now is the time to start thinking about you summer porch decor. The spring frosts are gone, which makes it the perfect time for planting annuals, and the stretching daylight begs for more time spent outdoors.

Depending on the size of your porch, the front porch ideas that make the most sense for your home might be purely decorative--think a front door wreath and a pretty hanging basket. Or, they could be more functional, like a set of rocking chairs for enjoying the evening sunset, or a dining area so you can take family dinners outside.

Whatever type of decor you're looking for, we've got an idea for it, below. 

Summer porch decor - Ideas for a fun and functional space

It's officially outdoor living season and there's no need to relegate your summer decor ideas to the indoors! Looking for small front porch ideas that add curb appeal? Or a way to maximize space on your back porch? Keep reading.  

1. Hang a porch swing

(Image credit: The Fox Group / Scott Zimmerman)

There's something so charming and nostalgic about a porch swing. It's the ultimate way to waste away summer afternoon (just add a good book and a glass of lemonade). And, if you take design cues from the version above, by The Fox Group , your swing can also be a major decorative feature on your front porch. 

Get the look by choosing cushions in a bright print that evokes a summer lifestyle, like these awning stripes that feel both nautical and Mediterranean. 

2. Plant a flower basket

(Image credit: Proven Winners)

Flower baskets are the quintessential summer porch decor, and they work for porches of all sizes. If you have a small front porch, flank your front door with one hanging basket on each side. Or, if you have a larger porch that spans the front or back of your home, hang a basket every few feet for a lush and fragrant summer display. 

'The best summer hanging baskets mix trailing flowers with mounding and upright varietals to give that coveted full, layered look,' says Melanie Griffiths, editor of Period Living and one of Homes & Gardens go-to gardening experts. 'Flowers like petunias, geraniums and trailing verbena are some of the best flowers for hanging baskets. Of course, you'll also want to pay attention to how much sunlight your porch gets throughout the day, to ensure you're choosing the right plants.'

3. Turn your porch into an outdoor living area

(Image credit: Jessica Risko Smith / Caitlin Atkinson)

If you're lucky enough to own a large, wraparound or rocking chair-style porch, take advantage of the outdoor space by adding an al fresco outdoor living room and dining area. To help zone off each area, ground the living furniture with a large outdoor rug, seen above at a home by designer Jessica Risko Smith . 

4. Break out the red, white, and blue

(Image credit: Grandin Road)

If you have a front porch, it's almost a requisite to decorate it in full Americana during the summer, especially as part of your Memorial Day decorating ideas and over the Fourth of July.

For a classic, all-American look, hang flag bunting from the front railings or ceiling of you porch, or wrap columns and beams in flag banners.  

5. Plant topiaries in colorful planters

(Image credit: The Fox Group / Scott Zimmerman)

Planting a bunch of annuals isn't the only way to bring color to your front porch. If you prefer a simpler color palette for the front of your home, or you're looking for a more low-maintenance planter idea, plant boxwood topiary in colorful planters, like The Fox Group did, above. It'll add a bright spot to your front porch all summer (and all year round, too). 

6. Use multi-purpose furniture

(Image credit: Jenny Reimold)

Get the most life from your porch by including flexible furniture options that can serve different purposes depending on your needs, like outdoor poufs, cocktail tables, and storage benches. 

'Outdoor poufs are a multipurpose must-have for any outdoor space,' says Jenny Reimold, interior stylist and HomeGoods style expert. 'They are sturdy and comfortable as an extra seat, footrest for an outdoor sofa or chair and can be instantly transformed into a side table when topped with a tray for food or drinks at a Fourth of July party. '

7. Plant a low-maintenance garden

(Image credit: Proven Winners)

Frame your porch with a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that will add color to the front of your home throughout the summer season.

If your home's exterior gets lots of sunlight and you have the space for it, choose a mounding flower, like Proven Winners' Diamond Mountain Euphorbia Hybrid. This hardy flower is both heat- and deer-resistant, it's continuous blooming, and it doesn't need deadheading. 

8. Switch out your door mat

(Image credit: Frontgate)

There's a good chance that, after a winter spent getting pummeled with muddy boots, snow drifts, and freezing temperatures, your door mat is looking a little worse for the wear. Give your front porch an inexpensive but effective upgrade by simply swapping your dingy mat for a new one.

For an extra-cheerful summer pop, choose a colorful door mat that plays up your planter box ideas.

9. Create a planter vignette

(Image credit: Proven Winners)

Instead of a single planter by the door, up the visual impact with a layered planter vignette. To create a look like this one, choose planters in varying heights and shapes, and fill each one with just one or two types of flowers to create a graphic design. Keep the look cohesive with planters in a similar color or material.  

10. Pile on the textiles

(Image credit: Homegoods / Jenny Reimold / Evin Photography)

Summer is the season where your porch will get the most use, and adding in pattern and texture enhances the sense that your outdoor space is an extension of the indoors. Outdoor poufs, pillows, and rugs are both functional and decorative, so use these items as a chance to add some style to your home exterior.

11. Create a modern scheme

(Image credit: Rejuvenation)

Traditional porch rocking chairs and overflowing, colorful hanging baskets can clash with home architecture that is more modern or minimalist, so if your home is more contemporary, look for front porch decor that suits its unique aesthetic. 

Streamlined planters in varying heights, filled with seasonal greenery are a beautiful and symbiotic accent for modern front porches, as are contemporary outdoor furnishings.

12. Don't forget the rocking chairs

(Image credit: Trex)

If you're stuck in analysis paralysis over the type of furniture to add to your summer front porch, know that rocking chairs are always a good idea. There's a reason it's called a rocking chair porch, after all. Choose classic wood rockers, or upgrade for a Polywood version that's virtually weatherproof. 

How do I make my porch more colorful for summer?

The summer season is synonymous with color, so it's natural to want to create a bright front porch for the season. Luckily, there are lots of ways to incorporate color into your front porch decor.

What are the best summer flowers for a porch? 

The flowers you choose to decorate your summer porch should first and foremost be suited to your plant hardiness zone and the level of sun your porch gets each day.

Some good partial sun options that pack a lot of color and work in a range of climates include:

Popular full-sun choices include:

Kaitlin Madden Armon is a writer and editor covering all things home. Her work has appeared in Real Homes, Architectural Digest, Martha Stewart Living, Refinery29, Modern Luxury Interiors, Wayfair, The Design Network, and lots more. She graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in journalism and currently lives in Connecticut with her husband, three kids, and black lab.

Outdoor Living - Summer Patio Decorating Ideas

Get your patio looking its best with these simple summer patio decorating ideas.  Outdoor living tips and tricks to make the most out of your space and create the backyard paradise you’re looking for!

Seasonal Simplicity Summer Series

I’m back again for another week of Krista’s Seasonal Simplicity Summer series! This time we’re all about simple summer decor in our outdoor spaces. Patios, decks, backyards… bring them on! You can find everyone’s gorgeous outdoor inspiration at the end of the post, so be sure to visit around.  It will definitely make you want to get outside and start decorating!

Summer Patio Decorating Ideas

Today, I wanted to take you on a little tour of our backyard patio. In case you missed it, last summer we did a BIG patio makeover.  We completely tore down our old wooden patio and put in a much larger, partially covered deck. With the new design, we’ve been able to use it so much more and I could pretty much live out here all summer long. {If only I could get rid of those pesky mosquitoes!}

Outdoor Living

We have a lot of rainy months around here, so when the warm weather hits, I want to spend as much time outdoors as possible.  The whole outdoor living thing is definitely my jam.  During the summer months, we eat most of our meals outside and we’ll often watch movies or shows outside during the evening.  We don’t have air conditioning in our house, so the patio is so much cooler!

Define Your Zones

The first thing you want to do when designing your patio space, is to decide what functions you want it to serve.  Do you want a space to eat?  A space to relax?  A spot to entertain?  If you’re short on space, prioritize your needs.  You want to think about how often your would use a space and pick those areas that would have the biggest impact on your outdoor enjoyment.

Eating Area

Our patio is east facing, and I love having breakfast out here in the morning sun before it gets too hot.  By the time dinner rolls around, the table is in the shade and a cool spot to eat. I wanted the table right off the patio doors for easy access from the kitchen, and the round table helps to open up the space a bit more to allow for better traffic flow.

 

Sitting Area

You’ll want some kind of sitting area on your patio to sit and relax, chat with friends, or read a book.  Since we have the sofa in the covered area, we went with two oversized chairs {and a table that doubles as a foot rest!} for our little sitting spot.  This is usually where I sit for breakfast or an afternoon rest with a good book or magazine.

We also have one lounger in case an afternoon nap is needed. I prefer the sofa in the shade, but my husband likes to lay out in the sun.  You can find all of my tips and tricks for cleaning patio cushions HERE.

Add Some Privacy

Since our patio is fairly low to the ground, we decided not to add a railing to it.  Instead we added a simple wooden privacy on each end of the deck to help separate the space from our neighbours’ yard.  The creeping virginia vine adds some extra priavcy and a pop of green {and it grows like crazy!!}

Beverage Bar

I showed you our drink station a few weeks ago.  It gets pretty well used when we’re entertaining and I’ll often use it even when I’m out on the deck on my own.  I like to fill the drink dispenser up with some infused water and drink it during the morning while I’m outside working.  In addition to being used as a drink station, we also store napkins, coasters, and extra BBQ supplies here.  You can read HERE for tips on setting up your own outdoor beverage cart.

Flowers

I love container gardening and have quite a few planters and a couple of hanging baskets spread around the deck. Be sure to add only what you know you’ll be able to take of.  If you’re not a big fan of gardening, you might just want a couple of planters to add a little color and life to your space.  Just a few flowers looks a lot better than a bunch of dead ones! You can find all of my tips and tricks on how to care for hanging baskets and planters HERE.

I also like to add some solar lights to our larger planters for some extra glow at night. There’s just something magical about twinkling lights under the summer skies.

Shady Spot

Even if you really like the sun, you probably still want to have some area that you can escape from the heat and cool off.  If you don’t have a covered area, look for a large tilting umbrella or other sun shelter to use in your space.

We covered half of the deck with our patio renovation and it’s really allowed us to use the space so much more.  We have somewhere to go when it’s too hot, and can also still spend time out here if it’s raining. The covered area is also awesome for storing the patio cushions when the weather is bad instead of having to lug them all into the house.

The coffee table is actually a fire table that’s run on propane gas.  We’ll just take off the table runner if we’re needing some heat or are craving some roasted marshmallows.

BBQ Zone

One of the best parts about having the covered patio is being able to have the BBQ out year round.  This is Dave’s little spot and he’s quite the BBQ master {despite being vegetarian!}. Since the sofa is right there, his friends can hang around and have a drink while he’s BBQing – even if it’s raining.  If your BBQ is in need of a good cleaning, check this tutorial on How to Clean a BBQ.

I hope you enjoyed the tour and can use some of these simple patio decorating ideas!

 

More Outdoor Summer Decor Ideas

For more outdoor decorating inspiration, check out these posts from some of my talented blogging friends. There are so many beautiful outdoor ideas that I know you’ll LOVE!

The Happy Housie / Inspiration for Moms / Rooms for Rent / Bless’er House

Shabbyfufu / Summer Adams / Making it in the Moutains / TIDBITS

Confessions of a Serial DIYer / Clean and Scentsible / Just a Girl and Her Blog / Stacy Risenmay

Zevy Joy / Finding Silver Pennies / Deeply Southern Home / A Pretty Life

Southern State of Mind / Amber Tysl / Newly Woodwards

You may also find these posts helpful…

DIY Wooden Holder with Lantern

How to Clean Outdoor Patio Cushions

Summer Kitchen Decorating Ideas

 

 

 

 

 

15 Cool Ideas for Summer Home and Garden Decor - INMYROOM

Tips

Outdoor Hanging Bed, Half Wall Scratch Card and Bright Accents That Work Wonders - Here's What's Missing In Your Interior And Exterior This Summer

If you don't shine this summer a trip to the sea is not a problem. You can enjoy your holiday in your own apartment or country house: simple little things will help with this. We share with you the most relevant ideas for arrangement summer interior and exterior. nine0003

1. Splashes of color

With the help of accessories you can quickly and easily - but dramatically! - improve the look of the room. Replace vases, decorative pillows and paintings with brighter, more colorful ones; do emphasis on a large colorful bouquet of fresh flowers. Remember: contrast is everything!

2. Sea breeze

Blue, of course, is associated with the sea, its freshness and coolness. It's also great for calming the nerves. Use its bright hues in the living room or kitchen, and the bedroom and bathroom will be transformed with calmer, paler tones. nine0015

3. Instead of fire

In summer you don't need to light a fire in the fireplace, so use it as a kind of art gallery: place candles inside for a romantic evening, vases and even plants.

4. Change of seats

Replace uncomfortable garden chairs with ottomans - sitting on them is much more pleasant! In addition, if it suddenly rains, they can be quickly and effortlessly brought into the house.

5. Bohemian look

Want to make house like a bungalow somewhere on a California beach and feel close to the sea? Extravagant colors, combination patterns, an abundance of natural and artificial flowers - to help you! nine0003

6. The head of everything

Change the head of the bed: forget about monotony or inexpressive colors. Use botanical motifs, bright shades - a vigorous upsurge is guaranteed.

7. More sun

Stay out of the sun. If you do not want to change your favorite heavy curtains for lighter ones curtains, secure them with special tiebacks. The best thing place them in the center of the curtain and at a height of one third from the floor - this reception will visually enlarge the window. nine0015

8.

Citizen of the world

Hang a large map of the world on the wall: looking at it, you will remember your travels and, even better, plan new ones. A special scratch card is especially useful, on which you can lay your past and future routes.

9. Whiter than white

Love Scandinavian style? Paint dark wood white color - for example, stairs in a country house or patio furniture. By the way, it also visually makes the room brighter. nine0003

10. Air garden

plant a variety of plants and flowers and hang both on the street and in indoors on walls and ceilings. A garden right over your head - isn't it great?

11. Sleep in comfort

Decorate your bed with an airy canopy - translucent or made of light snow-white fabric - and enjoy peace and comfort.

12. Mirror Tricks

Even the smallest mirror will visually expand a compact terrace or veranda. In addition, it will reflect candles burning during the evening dinner. nine0003

13. Festive atmosphere

Hang garlands with flags or artificial flowers different colors under the ceiling or on the walls. They will look especially impressive in a wooden room. Summer party atmosphere guaranteed!

14. Hanging miracle

What could be better than sleeping in outdoor shadows? Get a hammock or, better yet, a hanging bed. (by the way, it is quite possible to make it yourself), and do not forget about decorative pillows are an invariable attribute of the southern latitudes. nine0003

15. Greenery everywhere

Pay attention to exotic plants without roots - for example, tillandsia. It can be hung by placing it in an ordinary cork from a wine bottle, place in the terrarium along with succulents or even in a sea shell. In any case, this plant need direct sunlight, and it can decorate your interior exactly where you want.

Summer room decor: the best ideas from designers

Home decor seriously affects our mood. If in winter we want comfort and home warmth, then in summer we want bright emotions, positive mood, interesting activities. Thanks to the original summer decor of the room, it will be possible to create a light and pleasant atmosphere, reminiscent of the most wonderful time of the year outside the window. We've put together a selection of the best tips for decorating an apartment! nine0003

Living room

We have already noted that the Provence style loves pastel shades. However, this does not mean that you cannot diversify them with a few bold “strokes”! Summer room decor should start with textiles. Put thick winter curtains aside, hang translucent with a floral pattern. Pick up sofa cushions to match them: green, yellow, raspberry colors are welcome. By the way, it is not necessary to change the pillows themselves: it is enough to buy unusual pillowcases. In our store they are presented in a huge assortment. nine0003

In the summer we try to spend as much time as possible outdoors, for example in parks and gardens. You can create the same relaxing atmosphere at home thanks to the summer decor of the room made of straw or vines. Of course, there is no reason to buy new chairs or tables for the living room: it is enough to limit yourself to accessories like wicker baskets, flower pots or vine-covered vases.

If you have a thick carpet in your living room, in the summer it would be appropriate to replace it with a thin woven or patchwork one. To match it, pick up a tablecloth on a coffee table and napkins. And in the recreation area, pillows in pillowcases in a contrasting shade will become a decoration - they can be placed directly on the floor. Such a summer room decor is sure to attract the attention of households and guests and make you want to sit in a cozy atmosphere with a glass of cold lemonade! nine0003

If your living room has a wall clock, replace it with a summer decor clock with a wooden dial painted with flowers. Bright photos will also look great on the walls: you can hang pictures from a past vacation or print out the best photos from last weekend. By the way, you can also pick up summer frames - with shells, flowers, butterflies and birds.

Colored glassware can become a summer decor for a room, and it is not necessary to use it at all. Place a jug with glasses or wine glasses made of green transparent glass on a table or window sill so that sunlight falls on them, and green sunbeams will appear in the room. nine0003

Bedroom

The bedroom is where color matters. The most successful for the summer decor of the room will be green, blue, lilac and all their shades. They go well with white, not only making the room bright and elegant, but also causing the illusion of coolness.

Textiles will play the main role in decorating this room by summer. Bed linen, decorated with bright poppies, beautiful butterflies or delicate lavender blossoms, will seem like a blooming meadow, and translucent curtains, letting in soft moonlight, will create the perfect atmosphere for a good night's sleep. nine0003

An elegant addition to the summer decor of the room - fresh flowers in transparent glass vases or bouquets of artificial lavender sprigs, as well as graceful figurines of the inhabitants of the meadows - birds and animals.

Kitchen

Dishes can become the main summer decor in the kitchen. Remove plain ceramic bowls and plates for a while, and place trays with bright ornaments, leaf-shaped dishes, plates with cockerels and lavender, glasses and decanters made of colored glass on open shelves. nine0003

Cans for storing bulk products with colored ceramic lids, decorative bottles are suitable as summer decor. Dishes with fruits will look great - you just need to choose fruits that do not spoil for a long time in the open air: apples, plums, pears, nectarines.

Even drinks can become summer decor! For example, if you keep homemade lemonade or compote in a beautiful lemonade, putting it in a prominent place.

Green is the main color of summer, and skillfully playing with it in the interior, you can create a joyful and relaxed atmosphere. In the kitchen (as in other rooms in the house) you can arrange flowers. And to make them look more stylish and attractive, buy original pots or planters! Summer decor can be a planter in the form of a watering can, a wooden box with rope handles, a garden bucket. nine0003

Provence-style kitchens were traditionally decorated with bunches of dry herbs, but they can also be replaced with artificial ones. Artificial sunflower flowers and lavender sprigs will look just as beautiful as a summer decor.

And certainly you can't do without textiles in the kitchen! Towels with lemons and olives, bright floral print tablecloths - all this will complement the kitchen and make it bright and positive.

Bathroom

Just imagine how pleasant it will be to cheer up and recharge with positive emotions in the morning, looking at the summer decor of the bathroom! To get started, replace boring gray dispensers with bright ones - orange, green, blue. Ideally, if they are decorated with flowers. In the kit, you can add brightly colored towels to them. Consider replacing your shower curtains and foot mat as well. nine0003

You can also put flowers in the bathroom - it's a good idea to buy artificial ones and hang them in flower pots on the walls or on shelves. You can also use vases and jugs as summer room decor. It is not necessary that they have a practical function - the main thing is that they add elegance to the room.

Balcony and veranda

In summer, balconies, verandas and terraces become one of the favorite places to relax: here you can enjoy the evening coolness or the first gentle rays of the sun, breathe in the aromas of summer. You can transform them for the holiday season by choosing the right textiles. For summer decor, floral print pillows with embroidered bouquets, butterflies and leaves are suitable. They will not only make your stay comfortable, but also give the veranda the look of a house in the forest. You can throw a small cotton tablecloth on the table. nine0003

Of course, verandas and balconies are the best place to grow live plants. Buy beautiful planters and pots for decorating a summer veranda - and the flowers will look even more attractive! Do not be afraid to experiment by choosing a planter in the form of an old bicycle, a basket, a pot with a sculptural image of a rooster, a box.

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