Summer Front Porch and Cottage Style Garden

Hi, Friends!  I’m here to show you around my newly styled summer front porch!  This space has been neglected for the past few years and I thought it was high time that it got a little update.  There are a lot of DIY projects and thrifty decor elements on this porch that made it an affordable update for the summer season and beyond!  I also am giving a peak at my summer cottage-style perennial garden in full bloom (other than my rose bushes).  So, let me show you around and I’ll show you some of the new items and DIY projects in this space.  The DIY projects will be shown in more detail in future posts.

*This post contains affiliate shopping links for your convenience.  Please see my full disclosure HERE.

One of the most frequently asked questions I get on my blog is “what is the paint color on your front door?”.  The answer is – Benjamin Moore Mill Springs Blue.  I actually contemplated changing it this year, but decided that it still works so well with the colors of the perennial flowers growing out front.  On the door I made a super simple pink geranium wreath that I’ll share with you soon.  You seriously won’t believe how easy it is and budget friendly too! 

More DIY projects in this space include the address sign and wooden plant stands that Mark built for me.  He used THESE PLANS and they are perfect to hold the square galvanized tubs that I repurposed as planters to hold these pretty bright pink geraniums (the galvanized tubs are still available at my local store, so check for them in store if you are interested in them).  The geraniums were hanging baskets and I just removed the hangers and sat the entire basket with a drain tray into the galvanized tub.   I found the adorable rabbit front door rug at Target.  And, we did get a new Ring doorbell (I’ll be sharing more about it soon)!

Here you can see most of the long and narrow summer front porch with the two farmhouse faux wicker chairs and pair of striped pillows that I shared in my affordable outdoor summer decor post.

 

The colors I’ve focused on primarily in my perennial flower garden are pinks, some yellow, and purple.  I have planted bright pink yarrow, yellow loosestrife, pink primrose, snapdragons, purple larkspur and bluish purple bachelor buttons.

I found this large iron compass rose at Home Goods and it is the perfect focal accent above the Ikea Applaro storage bench, wall panel, and shelf at the end of the porch.

Here’s another look at the farmhouse faux wicker chairs with the matching striped cushions and I found that little table at a barn sale this spring!  It was so dirty and full of cobwebs that I almost hated to put it into my car!  But, it was a steal at just $10 and a good cleaning and some fresh paint was all it needed!  It’s the perfect size for this small space.

Here you can see the iron compass a little better and those plastic planters were given some style with a black Sharpee!  Get creative with a plain pot!  Just some squiggly lines, a hand written script word, and random polka dots!  The black Sharpee design is waterproof too!   And, it’s super easy to do!  This little lumbar pillow is so charming and coordinates with the bunny rug at the front door.

I’ve tried to share links to all of the products in the post for your convenience and soon I’ll add them to  the Shop My Home page.

If you liked seeing my summer front porch, you may also like this post!

2017 Fall Front Porch

Later this week, I’ll be back to share some new printables for the upcoming 4th of July holiday!  If you don’t already follow me, you can get access to all the free printables that I share in my FREE Printable Library just by signing up to get my newest blog posts in your email!  It’s easy and FREE!  Follow the link below to sign up today!