front porch wish list

We have been in our house for over 6 months and we are entering the dog days of Gulf Coast summers--hot, humid, sweat rolling down your face just sitting outside. Even so, I love being outside (not to be confused with being outdoorsy--I'm not so much athletic; I just like the scenery...unless someone wants to loan me a paddle board indefinitely). We have a swing on our back porch, which I love love love in the mornings. But in the afternoon, the western sun beats down on our back porch and it is not enjoyable (at least not until the sun goes down). The front porch, on the other hand, is nice and shady in the afternoons. It's quite a pleasant place to be. 

BUT. We have no porch furniture. None. So we've been on the hunt for a couple of chairs or a bench to put out there. Unfortunately it's too narrow for a swing. And, come on--who builds a home in the south with a front porch too narrow for a swing?? It should be against the law.

Anyway, here's the space:

If you look closely you can catch my wiener dog and wiener-russell staring through the storm door.

I caught my hydrangea about 2 weeks too late for this photo. Her first round of blooms are dying off and the second round blooms are starting to peep through. I come from a long line of green thumbs that know the perfect places for growing hydrangeas. A little secret: keep them shady and keep them watered. I see hydrangeas out in the direct sunlight all the time, just roasting away. Poor things.

So, you can see there's just enough room for a bench and table, or two chairs and a table. 

Here are my top picks on my outdoor furniture wish list:

Dexter Bench from West Elm (just used on a project--we love it!); Apple Green Storage Stool from World Market; Green and White Dotted Ikat Pillow from World Market

White rocking chairs from pretty much anywhere; Summer Goddess Outdoor Lumbar Pillow from World Market; Wood Storage Stool from World Market

Sundero Arm Chairs from Ikea; PS Sandskar Table from Ikea; Tossed Floral Green/Yellow Lumbar Pillow Set from Target

St. Martin Occasional Bench from World Market; Aqua Aberdeen Throw Pillow from World Market; Pompeian Red Storage Stool from World Market

That about does it! Of course I'll also add some potted plants and hanging baskets to the porch to make it feel cozier...maybe some lanterns as well to provide softer lighting at dusk than the two overhead cans.

Can you tell I like that little storage stool from World Market? It comes in great colors and I love that it can be extra seating, storage, and a side table (the top flips over and becomes a tray). I have to say the first combo is my favorite, but it's also the most expensive, so I try not to get my hopes up. In all reality, we will probably end up refinishing a yard sale find. Because that's our real life budget :) 

It never hurts to have a little inspiration, though! 

Dream on, dreamers. You're in good company.

Until next time!