This past weekend I spent a lot of time sprucing up my little side porch for summer. I’ve been trying to get my house in order so that I’m ready for company at a moment’s notice. That way, when someone says she or he will be stopping by or just shows up on a whim, I’m not in a state of panic trying to quickly make my house, or in this case my porch, presentable.
I’ve recently teamed up with Lowe’s as one of their Creative Idea Bloggers and couldn’t be more excited. One of our challenges this month was to create outdoor party decor. This was the just the excuse I needed to get my porch ready for a spur-of the-moment party or get-together. I wanted party decor that would last all season. To achieve this, I added three things to my space: sparkle, color, and candlelight!
First up, I have three plant stands that I kept them on my porch all winter long, and apparently the weather got the best of them. Covered in rust spots, they needed a good coat of paint. In past years, I used black and later white. This time around I wanted something different – something special with a little sparkle. Want to guess what color I chose?
Gold, baby! Okay, I may be taking this gold thing a little too far, but I can’t tell you how much I love this transformation. A few coats of Rust-Oleum metallic gold paint did the trick! The plant stands definitely are showstoppers. Who would have imagined gold could look so great outdoors?
Once my plant stands were ready, I needed some color. One of the easiest ways to add a splash of color outside is with plants! I loaded up some of my favorites and tucked them in wherever I could.
I love the way plants look so different throughout the course of the day. Whether it’s mid-afternoon, or just before sunset, they really make a space come alive!
The glider on my porch, which belonged to my grandparents, is in need of a new paint job. But to be honest, I don’t mind a few chips here and there – it adds character. I did, however, want to jazz up the seat a bit with some colorful and comfortable cushions. These striped cushions were the perfect fit!
Last but not least, I scattered a few citronella candles around the space. I must have sweet blood because I’m a target for mosquitoes. Anyone else? I’m hoping that these candles will keep my bug-bite free!
So that’s my porch, dressed and ready for a party any time of day. It’s amazing what a little sparkle, color, and candlelight can accomplish! What do you think?
Join me tomorrow and Friday as I continue to share ideas for the porch, including three ways to use slate boards and a delicious new cocktail recipe!
For even more ideas, visit Lowes Creative Ideas. You can also sign up to receive their free Creative Ideas Magazine, which is loaded with inspiration! There’s also a magazine app so you can have inspiration on the go! And, don’t forget to follow Lowe’s on Pinterest or on Instagram!
I am a member of the Lowe’s Creative Ideas Network (along with some other really fantastic bloggers). I did receive a Lowe’s gift card to complete my porch projects. As always all the opinions, thoughts, and idea listed above are my own.
Not only is this a lovely porch, your photography is great! I agree with above, it’s magazine ready!
Your porch looks magazine ready! Nice job.
Mosquitoes get out their best flatware when they see me coming, so I feel your pain! I just read that having potted lemongrass plants on your porch/deck can help to keep them at bay. I’mma try it!
Everything looks so lovely! Love seeing what my fellow Lowe’s Creators are up to! 🙂 Looks like an AWESOME summer space!
Awww! How sweet Sara. Thanks so much.
xo Michael
You are ready for summer. As usual – very inspiring!
Hi Michael
I absolutely ADORE your porch decorating! I love the gold tables and the variety of your flowers, especially the fiber optic grass! I just planted that this year as well. Could you tell me where you purchased those cute little birds that you have on top of the napkins? I have been looking for some like them and they would be perfect! LOVE everything you do.
Enjoy your new porch décor
Lisa 🙂
Love. This. So. Much. This countdown can’t end soon enough, can’t wait for us to finally get to enjoy some summer afternoons and evenings here!
Hi Michael! I found your blog only a few months ago and quickly realized it was one I would look foward to every post! I just love your color and design sense and your porch looks grand, as does the rest of the house! When I found you were a cheese lover, well , that was the icing on the cake! Thanks for sharing all your wonderful creativity. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Again with the gold! And it looks amazing – I would have never thought to incorporate it outside like that. Those planters absolutely look like they were meant to be gold and all of the pops of color are great too!
xoxo
I know, right!? Thanks so much! I guess it doesn’t hurt to try.
xo Michael
Love it!
Any chance you can take a picture stepped away so we can see how the porch relates with the structure of your home? and how big it is?
Thanks! Look great!
Yes, absolutely. I always forget to do that. I’m a big fan of the closeups. In the meantime this may give you a little better perspective: https://inspiredbycharm.com/2012/05/another-outdoor-shelf-giveaway-day-three.html
Thanks for the great suggestion!
xo Michael
Your porch looks so fresh & inviting…perfect for a bevvie! Love your style!
Jo-Anna
Yes! Exactly. Thanks so much Jo-Anna!
xo Michael
Gorgeous. The gold transformation is perfect!
Thanks so much! I’m loving the gold too!
xo Michael
It looks fantastic! I love those chubby birds and the gorgeous glass pitcher. I really live your use of gold. It adds a nice warm glow. I highly recommend a Therma-cell for mosquitoes. No smells, no sprays and best of all no bites. Enjoy your summer!
Therma-cell?! I can’t say I ever heard of that. I guess I’ll need to do some research. Thanks so much for your kind comments.
xo
Michael
I love the gold you went with! Looks fab!
Thanks Amber!
xo Michael
Michael, I’d love to know what the second plant is under the “adding a splash of color” section. It’s lovely!
I’m pretty sure you are referring to the grass looking plant? It’s called Fiber Optic Grass. Isn’t it the coolest!?
xo
Michael
The porch looks great Michael! Love all the bright colors. So happy to have you apart of the LCI team. xo Jenna
Thank you so much! So happy to be a part of such awesomeness!!
xo Michael
love your whole “party on the porch”! the gold is beautiful and the decor seems just right for the space. where did you find that lovely blue pitcher?? thanks for sharing your wonderful style and pictures!
Thanks so much Nova. I found the blue pitcher at a little gift shop. No really sure who the manufacture is. Sorry!
xo Michael
Thanks Michael for letting me know…it will give me something i need to look for when i am out and about!
Your gold obsession is like mine for anything with birds on it, so suffice to say that I love the plant stands! Looking forward to seeing more of this space.
Gold and birds! So if I notice my plants stands missing, I know the first place to look. 😉
Thanks Mel!
xo Michael
Michael, I love how you’ve transformed your little porch. The old and new mixes always inspire me to think outside the box when creating my own decorative spaces. I’m just so pleased with the direction you’ve been taking, and I’m thrilled for you to be offered so many opportunities to show off your great ideas. Looking forward to seeing where you’re headed. 🙂
Thanks so much Evelyn, I’m loving my little porch too! (As you can obviously tell.) And thank you for your support. It’s really a thrill, honor, and dream come true to work with companies and brands I genuinely love. Plus I get to meet other amazingly creative people in the process. It’s a win-win!
xo Michael
Those plant stands look like they were meant to be gold!
I know, right!? I love them!
xo Michael
I love a good porch party!!! Your porch is just perfect! I love the gold by the way!!!
(and your photos are divine…very artsy )
xo
Have a great morning on the porch!
Robin
Thanks so much Robin! I’m loving it too! Now, I just need to keep it looking fresh throughout the summer.
xo Michael