Progress on the Porch

Over the past couple weeks, I’ve been working on getting my porch all dolled up for summer. I know some of you are saying, “It’s about time, Michael. We’re already halfway through June!” Yes, I’ve been taking things slowly and enjoying the process. If you follow me on Snapchat (@inspiredbycharm), you’ve gotten a sneak peek and seen me lounging several times.

At this point, I thought it’d be fun to share more of my progress. Before we get to the after photos, here’s a reminder of where things started this spring.

Yikes, right? If you’ve been following along, you also know that I had a new roof put on this porch (and my front porch). You really can’t see the roof from the porch, but there were issues with rust from the old roof. The rust had run down on the molding around the roof, and it just didn’t help with Operation Porch Beautification.

For the past seven years, an old metal table (that came with my purchase of this house) occupied the space. It totally served its purpose, but wasn’t ideal for this porch. Plus, I wanted something a bit more lounge-worthy and comfortable. You can only sit on a metal chair for so long; yet for the past seven years I just dealt with it. Why buy something new when you have something that works?

That all changed when the summer Birch Lane catalog came and I saw their Summerton Teak Wood collection. Immediately, I thought: “Omg. This is beautiful and perfect, and it’s totally what this porch (and I) need!”

So, with a click on my computer, it was in my shopping cart and soon delivered to my door. When it arrived all I had to do was assemble it (It was super easy.), and I was ready to go!

While there are many outdoor furniture collections to choose from, I opted for the Summerton Collection for a couple reasons. First, I wanted something light and neutral in color. For some reason, this porch is a bit hard to work with, and I always struggle styling and photographing it. (Hence, the reason for the word “progress in the title of this post.) Secondly, I wanted something super cozy and comfortable. Whenever my schedule allows, I like to sit for hours or have a spot to chill with friends.

Goals achieved, right? I decided on the loveseat, chair, and ottoman.

Once I had the main pieces in place. I was ready to add accessories. I opted for corals, pinks, and oranges. After many attempts at finding colors that work with this house, I feel these are best.

I’ve tried every color under the sun – blues, purples, greens, etc. and nothing is quite right. I seem to find that a lot with this house, both on the outside and inside. For an inanimate object, it’s very opinionated about which colors it will wear. So I’ve learned to work with it, rather than against it. (Even though Emily Henderson has me dreaming of a blue and white color palette.)

Okay, I’m totally getting off topic.

I did purchase a few new throw pillows and a side table. Other than that, I used things I already owned.

A few colorful and quirky details were added, including these DIY clay herb markers that I showed you how to make yesterday.

As you can see from the picture below, there is one corner of the porch that’s still bare. I’m actually waiting for the Summerton Rocking Chair to arrive. (It’s currently on backorder.) I’m also hoping to DIY some art for the wall.

Beyond that, I want to make a few tweaks here and there. I’m thinking about painting both the bench / coffee table and the wall shelf. Maybe white. Maybe black. I’m still undecided. I think the addition of some black in the space will help tie in the light fixture. Or maybe I’ll just get a new light? Or paint the light?

I know. I know. Too many options. Too many decisions. Not enough lounging time.

Well, that’s the progress report on the porch. I’m happy it’s moving along. Now, grab a bottle of wine and meet me over here ASAP. I have snacks.

This post was created as part of my collaboration with Birch Lane. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Inspired by Charm. As always, all of the opinions, thoughts, and ideas in this post are my own.