Hi, I’m Lauren and I’m so pleased to be on Diamonds or Pearls Outdoor Living Tour! It’s finally summertime, and the patio living is easy. When the days get longer, there is an undeniable need to spend more time outdoors entertaining family and friends. Having a designated outdoor space is like having an extra room. When the weather cooperates, this space is as much a part of our home as the rooms tucked inside.
Summer Outdoor Living Tour
My style is traditional with a little eclecticism mixed in. I wanted my outdoor space to have a laid-back, bohemian vibe.
Your front porch is an opportunity to make a great first impression. I use sun-loving plants that flower all summer and even into early fall. Using contrasting colored flowers and plants make the containers stand out even more. You simply can’t go wrong with wave petunias and climbing, tropical mandevillas. They have the ability to give you bright blossoms all summer long.
A window box overflowing with bee-loving blooms adds charm to any home.
(Back Porch)
The back porch is the perfect place to while away the hours, sipping on sweet tea and taking in the view. It has become a place for me to find my Zen.
A wind chime and water fountain add to the outdoor ambiance.
Since my back porch is covered and mostly shady, I can easily bring the indoors out to up the cozy factor. An outdoor rug in a sitting area is comfortable on bare feet and artwork perks up a wall space.
Spray paint can instantly revive a tired metal piece.
I used shade-loving plants like coleus to add color.
You can make any art canvas withstand the elements by spraying it with Scotchguard Water and Sun Shield.
A covered porch is also perfect for a tiny herb garden, preventing leaves from wilting in the hot, summer sun.
A two-person French bistro set is perfect for coffee and pastries on weekend mornings.
This area of the porch serves as a beverage station for get-togethers. Guests can grab a drink on their way to the patio dining area.
On sunny, exposed patios a large umbrella that shades the whole dining area is a must to stay cool.
Using succulents in pots of assorted colors and sizes makes an easy, fun table centerpiece that is low maintenance by only needing water once a week. Using sandy potting mix is the key to them surviving all summer in Missouri.
Dining alfresco not only sounds good, but I think food just tastes better when eaten outside. An inexpensive set of melamine dishes makes cleanup more simple. So I can get back to my company after dinner, I just gather dishes in a big plastic tub to take inside and throw in the dishwasher at a later time.
We just installed a fire pit last spring and my husband wanted orange Adirondack chairs for seating. I centered my outdoor decor around the orange chairs-peppy orange lends a good, vibrant energy to a space. The fire pit further adds warmth and light letting us enjoy our outdoor space long after the sun sets.
And you can’t have a fire pit without a tray laden with goodies for s’mores. Displaying marshmallow roasters in a tall, slender container not only looks good, but makes them easy to contain.
My best tip for outdoor entertaining is good music playing in the background. It’s fun to listen to reggae and beachy music at a summer soirée. We have a Sonos Play:5 Speaker on our covered porch you can hear from anywhere in the backyard. The speaker works off your WiFi and a Sonos app downloaded onto your smartphone lets you play music from all popular streaming services. We can be anywhere in the house or yard and change the music as our mood sees fit.
Thanks for following along on the tour of my outdoor space. I hope you have gotten some inspiration on how to perk up your porch or patio. Sometimes the only getaway you need is right outside your back door.
Tomorrow on the Tour is Jean Weber’s lakeside home. Jean blends modern beachy touches with her traditional style. Her outdoor living space has vibrant colors and cozy seating areas for all to enjoy! The breathtaking lake view, beautiful perennial garden, and serene atmosphere make for a tranquil setting to enjoy with friends and family.
If you are just starting to follow along on the tour, you can get caught up by clicking below.
(Summer Outdoor Living Tour)
Michelle’s Home – Summer Outdoor Living Tour
Lisa’s Home – Summer Outdoor Living Tour
If you are looking for more inspiration for your home, you may like to read 20 Beautiful Planter Ideas.
Lauren, your flowers are gorgeous and your attention to detail just adds that special “something”!!!
Love your backyard fire pit area!!
Aww, thanks Gail!
Lauren, you did a great job creating a bohemian vibe to your patio that you wanted. I loved that you took the green of your umbrella, the orange of the adirondack chairs, and built your patio around those colors. It all came together beautifully!
Thanks Mom! ?
Lauren, your porch is adorable! I love all the vibrant colors.
Thanks so much Kristen!
Lauren,
Your outside space is beautiful!! I love all your vibrant colors as well as the amazing flowers. You must have a green thumb. Such a great way to celebrate summer???
You have inspired me!!
Thank you Linda! I probably should have given my husband credit for the flowers! His family used to have greenhouses and be in the plant business. He uses plant food and fertilizer and watering systems…stuff I know nothing about haha
Lauren, your outside space is so bright and beautiful!! I love all the colors you used in the pillows, place setting and flowers…….and those flowers are gorgeous!! Such a spectacular summer retreat!!!
Thank you, Cindy! I admire your house and your decor on the way to my parent’s house every time!
Your outdoor spaces are breathtaking! I love your fire pit area and all your vibrant colors! Your flowers are gorgeous!
Thank you so much, Jean! I can’t wait to see your lakeside home tomorrow! I get so many ideas from these tours.
Wow what a beautiful happy outdoor space! I think you definitely achieved the look you were going after. The planters look beautiful. I know Jamie had a hand in their outcome 🙂 I think my favorite spot is where you designed your firepit. I think I might just have to have one of those! I especially like the fact that you are sitting in rock and not grass. You have enlightened my creative juices for sure! Happy summer to you all!
Haha he sure did, Paula! Thank you! I’ve enjoyed seeing your flowers too! After I saw one of your pics, I wish I had planted some lantana. I forgot how many colors it comes in. Happy Summer! ?
Love that your space is so welcoming and cozy… I have an incredible urge to eat a smore!
Thank you, Judi! I went ahead and ate a couple after I was done taking pictures. ?
I love your outdoor spaces! I love your tips to include the plastic tub for dishes and the s’mores stick holder! Genius! I’m now on the hunt one. Off to Home Goods I go! ?
Thanks, Amy! Home Goods is where I get a lot of my decor! Happy shopping to you!
So beautiful! Lauren certainly has “the touch”!
Thanks, Tonya! I love the way you decorate too! You are way more creative than I am! I can’t wait to see what you do when you build your house.
Lauren, I’m in love with your home and all of your vibrant colors! Plus, you have me dreaming of an adorable fire pit and adirondack space!
Thanks, Keli! I love your style too and want to see your outdoor space when you get done!