I think it’s time for full disclosure here. I have a serious case of porch envy.
Did you know that when you search for outdoor decorating ideas on Pinterest that there are approximately 2 million pictures of cute porches and only about 50 pictures of decks?
OK, so maybe that is just a slight exaggeration! š
I don’t know why but I’ve just always loved porches. I see them and I covet them.Ā There, how’s that for some honesty?
Porches just have an entirely different feeling than decks. They seem more cozy and comfy and…closer to the ground.
But, I don’t have a porch. I have a deck. In fact, I have a beautiful new deck which we had installed last year.
And even though I will forever profess my love of porches, I do believe that decks can be just as comfy and cozy…even if they are higher up off the ground!
I think that one of the best ways to cozy up a deck is to create multiple living areas if you have the space for them.
We got a larger table last year which can accommodate 6 comfortably and we chose a set that has that wonderful indoor/outdoor feel to it.
A little bit further down we have another more casual sitting area which is where you will often find me reading a book on a warm day or my hubby and I enjoying some time together after the kiddos are in bed.
I picked up this inexpensive table at Marshalls and even though it is technically a side table I think it works perfectly as a coffee table and adds a nice contrast in tone and texture as well as mimics the look of the dining table.
I opted to not put a rug under the dining table and chairs but to instead have one in the sitting area and another one in front of the sliding door.
For my husbands’ 40th birthday we got him a new grill and I secretly wanted him to never actually use it because it is just so pretty in all of it’s pristinely clean glory.
But, sadly, he wasn’t on board with that idea so we commissioned it last night with hamburgers and hot dogs. My son said he was pretty sure everything tasted better after it was cooked on the new grill.
I had to agree.
Someday, I may have a porch. It might be covered and have ceiling fans slowly turning. It might have a couple of rocking chairs and some cottage-y decor. And maybe a hanging fern or two.
But, for now, I’m a deck person.
And even if I’m a little bit further off the ground than I really want to be, I guess I could just think of it as being a little closer to God, right? š
Now, are you ready to see some more fabulous outdoor spaces?
I’m teaming up with all of these lovely ladies today and I hope you will pay them a visit to see their beautiful summer inspiration!
Debbie Doos
Top This Top That
AND we want to see YOUR inspiration too so click the blue box below and leave us a link to your outdoor space!
In addition, we have an awesome giveaway for you! $300 in cash baby!
To celebrate the start of summer we have an AWESOME Sensational Summer Outdoor Spaces Cash Giveaway for you! Enter to win $300 PayPal CASH! Ā a Rafflecopter giveaway
And as always, thanks for meeting me at the Fence (and the deck!) today!
patio š
I like to decorate my porch and this summer I plan on using it a lot now that I’ve put up a new fence.
What a beautiful deck you have! I am going right now to check out the other summer inspirations! Thanks for sharing with me about your outdoor living space! Great ideas!
I love to decorate our back porch. Not as large as I’d like it, but we have 2 seating areas and room for our grill. Just purchased new cushions to refresh everything, have pulled out two lanterns, a decorative birdhouse, and a few more summer ‘items’ to get the season started. š
Sadly I only have a backyard deck. I, too, have porch envy. Your new grill and deck are beautiful and I am sure everything tastes better on the new grill. Keep up the good work and have a wonderful summer.
Loved your article as I, too, have porch envy but have been blessed with a deck!! I agree that by putting in a little sitting area, we have made it cozier than just setting up table and chairs for dining. I like the rug idea in the sitting area and will ‘borrow’ it from you! I like your closing—we are just a little closer to God on a deck! š (Still praying to make it into a screened porch one day!)
so true and maybe god will want one of your waters and cheese sticks! š funny, about the grill. I would be the same way. you should see ours…nasty, but it does the job.
I love getting my deck ready for summer. Unfortunately, it’s taking much longer than usual this year because the deck needs to be restained and every time we carve out some time for it, the weather doesn’t cooperate!
I love to decorate the wrap-around porch, but we often spend more time on the deck out back. Both spaces are fun yo pretty up.
Your deck looks very comfy
Pat
i love to decorate my deck!
You have a beautiful deck Vanessa….and many will be gaining inspiration from you on Pinterest!!!
I too have always loved porches but do not have one, my deck however is quite large and we do love entertaining there!!!
Looks beautiful! If the rain and wind would ever quit I could finish getting my deck decorated! Thanks for sharing!
I love to decorate my backyard!
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
I LOVE what you’ve done with your deck! Decking out our deck is my favorite… ready for some outdoor entertaining!
I live on a farm and have a porch but also have dogs!!! How do you decorate with dogs? Anyone with any ideas?
Oh Vanessa…if you could see our deck right now-it is a horrid mess. Poor Rick is working on it every chance he gets, and it will be beautiful when it’s done…but for now it’s all torn up. On the bright side…I’m just thankful to have the deck!! I remember envying my friends growing up that had beautiful decks and we lived in an apartment so we only had a balcony. If I had to choose…I think our side porch is my favorite. It gets the most sun! XO
Patio … but building a deck this summer and can’t wait to decorate!
Your deck and deck decor is beautiful! I’ve always wanted a deck ~ maybe in my next house. š It’s so funny, I was going to comment on how amazingly clean your grill was and now I know why. Thanks for sharing the inspiration and it’s always a joy to party with you!
hugs, mb
We are redoing our pool and deck this summer and I hope mine looks as good as yours. š
I like to fix up my patio.
We have a small front porch that we don’t use much; our main outdoor space is actually our yard (no deck or patio for us). So we don’t do much decorating, but we do have a hammock that we love.
This is so timely. I have a tiny front porch but I do have a deck with a gazebo on it. I was just mulling over ways to cozy it up for this summer so I’ll definitely be checking out these links!
I love decorating the back porch definitely. Its small but its just cozy enough to make changes. thanks for the giveaway.
Deck is the most fun!
My deck could use some serious help!
As always, loved your post! I too have no porch, but a big deck. I’m going to look for a large rug to include in the sitting area. Thanks for sharing!
Such a gorgeous deck, love it! Thanks for sharing your beautiful space with us!
“Welcome to my home” can only be accomplished by starting with front porch decor. Splashes of green and beautiful colors all around!
Great giveaway. Thanks for the chance!
Our deck had seen better days, so we replaced the flooring with composite decking and it looks better than new. We’re going to add new railings, too, but that leaves me no budget for decorating. I’d love to win this to get some new cushions, pillows, and other items for the deck. With the deck fixed up – even the gazebo on it is getting a face lift – I’ll definitely be spending much more time outside this summer (my dogs can play in the yard while I take care of emails, etc. on my laptop on the deck, and then we can ALL play.
We just moved into a home in January. I am enjoying decorating our covered patio. We added a ceiling fan and twinkle lights. My head is swirling with so many ideas for our home. I enjoy the privacy and peace in our backyard. Now if only I had a green thumb!
I like to decorate the patio in our backyard.
Your porch is an amazing outdoor living space. Just like a room! Where did you get those amazing chairs for the table. I LOVE them!!! Very classy!!! Perfect for spending summer evenings!
definitely my deck!
I would love for my deck to look just like yours! I love to sit on my deck and enjoy a cup of coffee so that is what I would love to decorate!
We have a screened back porch and I love sitting out there in the mornings listening to the day coming alive!
You’ve created such a beautiful and inviting outdoor space, Vanessa! I love your table and chairs! Thank you for the inspiration … I need it!
We moved last August and I had to leave both a huge deck and a small screened porch. But, I do have a small patio now where I love spending time. There’s only one problem – every time I sit out there, I fall asleep! Thanks for the chance to win this giveaway.
I love your deck decorating ideas Vanessa!! Such gorgeous outdoor furniture and love those pillows! Thanks for partying with me this week! Pinning š
I think your space looks perfect Vanessa! You would not have envy of mine come Fall. In fact, you would say this is what I wished for! OH NO LOL.
I love to decorate my deck and my front porch but I especially love my front porch to look nice because everyone that drives by my house can see it and I like a house that has great curb appeal.
Vanessa I love your deck… I’ve secretly always wanted one… and a porch!
Our deck.
My favorite place to decorate in the summer is my front porch.
With a deck like that, there’s no way you can be coveting a porch! That’s a beautiful space!
My front porch
I would love to decorate my patio since we love to have BBQ’s year round in Florida!
Such a beautiful deck! I love how you created separate zones – makes it seem so much bigger!
I so feel your pain when it comes to porch envy! I am FOREVER on Pintrest looking for ideas. WeI have 3 decks! THREE! Front, facing the lake, side- driveway, road, and one over the lake….UGH! Take about pressure! Everyone can see all three, whether they driveby or “float” by! It’s a rental, but we have free reign on any improvements. But furniture for 3?! Thank you for your ideas!
I have a deck and a tiny stoop for a front porch. I, too, covet a front porch or at least a covered deck. It’s just not the same because we can’t use it in bad weather and since we live in the northeast, we can’t use it a lot.