To quote the Bangles…..who at one time I thought were the experts on all things heart-related:
“Close your eyes, give me your hand.
Do you feel my heart beating?
Do you feel the same?
Or am I only dreaming?
Is this burning…..an eternal flame?”
*sigh*
Is it socially acceptable to have a crush on your back porch?
Seriously.
I can’t help it.
There’s just something about a screened in porch that makes a girl’s heart beat faster.
Don’t tell the cute carpenter…..but if I wasn’t already married, I would be on the first plane to Vegas with my porch.
But even though I really have a thing for my porch….lately I’ve become a little disenchanted.
I mean….really….the porch is so….ummm…..well….so neutral.
Are you laughing at me right now?
I know what you are thinking….“you?…..problems with neutral?….really?…..your whole house is neutral”
Exactly.
That’s why for the summer….I’m thinking of making some changes….and adding color.
And texture.
And vintage.
But first….I really need some inspiration…..
……so here’s my summer list for my porch and I.
4 Ways to Refresh Your Porch for Summer
(1) Add texture to the existing furniture.
Sheri from Turnstyle Vogue made this outdoor table from an old cabinet. I was thinking about something similar from….(I know you are going to be surprised) barn wood.
(2) Introduce a bold color combination with accessories.
Linda at It All Started With Paint’s screened-in back porch has a great turquoise and red color combination.
Maybe pink and orange?
(3) Add a little bit of vintage
Lorrie from Adding Secret Treasure has this amazing vintage rocker on her porch.
I really need some sweet tea to go with this.
(4) Add artwork outside.
Aimee from It’s Overflowing added artwork and bright colors to dress her porch up for summer.
I love the bright colors against the white.
Now it’s your turn.
Do you have an amazing porch or outdoor space that inspires?
A fire pit?
An arbor?
An amazing garden?
Well…..Hometalk wants to see it!
Right now Hometalk is looking for outdoor spaces that inspire to feature on their Facebook page (and they have over 400,000 fans….seriously) on Monday, July 16.
So if you are already a member….run….don’t walk….over to Hometalk to link up your spaces for a chance to be featured.
If you have never linked up on Hometalk before….here’s how.
My porch and I can’t wait to meet you over there.
We’ll be the ones with a one-way ticket to Vegas 
PS If you want to read about my own house conversations click here.
PPS I am part of the Hometalk Ambassador team, but the opinions I have expressed here are 100% my own. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
I LOVE your porch. If you need a splash of color, how bout some gerbera daisies in hot pink and orange? or pillows in pink and orange? i have some amazing vintage fabric that i wish i could use on my deck, but i am afraid the mold would ruin the fabric. you could even use some chartreuse…love those colors!
I just love your sense of humor! You always have me laughing. And I love that porch!
Brenda
I so hope it’s socially acceptable to have a crush on your porch. I’m totally infatuated with my front porch…long time affair of almost 5 years.
If I remember, I’ll see you at HomeTalk on Monday.
Sharon @ mrs. hines class
I could tell you all about my porch and how inspiring it is but it would be a lie……………..I don’t have a porch let alone an inspiring one……..lol
Love your porch… and the cute carpenter sounds fun!
Goodness girl. If my porch were like yours I just might want to run away with it too. That being said, all good relationships need a little spice once in a while. I pick pillows for your spice. A bright peachy orange, a bright limey green, and then finish it all off with a bright medium turquoise. And whatever you do, don’t go and turn ‘him’ in for a new model. Heehe!
I’m working on my back porch…not screened in…which came with gray outdoor carpeting glued on to stay forever. I’ve purchased a drop cloth and have plans to make a painted floor cloth. My fingers are crossed. Hope it turns out!!!
Hope your weekend is Extraordinary!
Okay I have a crush on your porch now too! It’s SO beautiful! I am pinning it in case I ever get to have a screened in porch.
Anna
NOOO NOOO NOOO…I wouldn’t touch that beautiful porch of yours with a ten foot pole. it is perfect .;…….PERFECT, I SAY….just the way it is. It is beyond perfect…it is full of grace, charm, personality….I love every square inch of it and if YOU don’t run away with it, I. WILL. !!
I did some refreshing on my porch today. Or was that had some refreshments?
~Bliss~
Is it socially acceptable that I have a crush on YOUR porch??! I, too, love it just the way it is, but I also like the first comment about brightly colored daisies for color.
I mourn my lost screened porch everyday so yes, it is definitely acceptable to have a crush on it. I love your porch just like it is, but can
t wait to see what you do
I love my new screened porch! Your porch is lovely! I have porch crush too!
Thanks for the screen porch shout-out. Unfortunately I’ve had to admire mine from a distance this summer. Too hot! And speaking of hot, I think hot pink would be a perfect accent … and then you and the girls could claim that screen porch as your own!
You could probably do all of those things..My porch, garden, etc are nice but not “amazing”..I have a small pond that I may send in..Color!!! What’s goin on???
i love your porch, –but, pink and anything wins my vote:) thanks for the tips, karianne!!
I have a crush on your porch too!
I think anything pop of color you decide on is going to be a winner. You’ve got talent, my friend. Love each of these featured. So much fun inspiration!
I love all of the porches you featured, including yours!
Just back from a week away on a dreamy vacation. Can’t wait to get back to fluffing my back deck
Was so happy I got home before the lilies bloomed 
Great tips! Now to catch up on your other posts…..
Kariann,
Do you have any idea where you purchased the rug in the first picture? My friend has furniture very similar to yours and we’re getting ready to make her some black and white pillows, so I shared your beautiful porch with her. She’s in love with that rug.
Thanks, Pam
I’ve always wanted a screened-in porch. Darn, missed out on the Hometalk outdoor space. Still traveling this summer! I can’t hardly keep up!
Thanks for giving my porch a shout out. I have to clarify though…I didn’t make my table. Friends of ours did and I’m just lucky enough to be the proud owner
I wouldn’t touch your porch, except with my own personal backside!! But…if you want to add color, how about a big bowl of limes, a planter with cilantro, …some natural, and beautiful, touches of green.