5 Simple Ways To Spruce Up Your Porch For Summer

Summertime is quickly approaching and that means more mornings spent drinking a cup of coffee, watching your kids play, sipping sweet tea, making homemade ice cream and visiting with those who matter most in your life while watching those gorgeous summer sunsets. As you start to plan how you will spend your long summer days, the only thing that may be keeping you from having that picture perfect moment worthy of being on the cover of Better Homes & Garden magazine is your neglected porch.

Our outdoor spaces tend to be forgotten during the cold winter months and maybe you have been so busy with redesigning your flower beds and gardening that you haven’t had time to give your porch areas the TLC they deserve. That’s okay because with these 5 simple tips, you can have your porch area looking stellar in one weekend and with a little creativity it doesn’t have to break the bank either.

1. CLEAN IT
Before you start channeling your inner Martha Stewart to decorate and transform your porch area, a good cleaning is in order so you can work with and be inspired with a clean slate. Clear everything off, sort through what you want to keep from what you want to repurpose in other areas of your home or garden (or get rid of entirely), wipe everything down and give your porch a good power wash or hose down.

2. PAINT IT
Freshen up wood railings and flooring with a fresh coat of paint, stain or paint the floor a pretty coordinating color or if you are feeling extra creative give a whimsical pattern a try or give your front or back door a makeover with an eye-popping color. An inexpensive gallon of paint or stain and a couple of hours of work can give your porch a whole new look.

3. THEME IT
Choose a theme for your porch area decor like a consistent color that helps your accessories pop like lemon yellow or pops of pink. You can also use fun collectibles that you love like vintage bicycles, dragonflies or bees to give your porch area consistency and conversational elements.

4. ACCESSORIZE IT
Vintage finds like wooden ladders, planters, signs, metal milk cans (old chicken feeders make cute planters!), eclectic furniture that provide visual interest and spark conversation or hand made pillows can make great accessories to dress up your porch area. Before you run out to a big box store and buy mass-produced items made in China try looking on Etsy to support a small family owned business or your local antique and thrift stores where you can find unique treasures usually for less while recycling something old and breathing new life into it or shop your own home and use some of your favorite pieces that you already love and enjoy.

5. WREATH IT
Wreaths are a festive and easy way to add personality and style to your porch area and welcome guests into your home. If you are the DIY type you can make your own of course or if that is not your cup of tea you can opt for a handmade botanical wreath made from all natural dried and preserved materials for a long-lasting, beautiful showpiece for your porch and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Wreaths aren’t just for hanging, they also make great accent pieces for places like tables and benches.

With these simple tips you will have your porches spruced up in no time and ready for endless days of enjoyment for you, your family and friends!