It’s summertime, and I’m delighted to say my friends and I are sharing our outdoor spaces with you. I hope you find lots of inspiration in the tours. If you’ve popped in from Le Cultivateur, welcome! I truly appreciate the visit! I’ll get started with a summertime porch tour using vintage accessories.
I decorated it first, then went back and cleaned it. Yes, that’s backwards, but we were expecting rain every day for a week, and I needed to take photos. You’ll see the dirt as you scroll down. For my sake (and embarrassment), please remember, we don’t live there full time. The farmhouse is a once or twice a month long weekend trip. Anyway…
A Summertime Porch Tour Using Vintage Accessories
I realize we are lucky to have 2 porches, which is why I enjoy decorating them so much. Our everyday home has a porchette which isn’t much fun at all. So, when a new season comes around, I jump at the chance to make a statement.
Back Porch Vignettes and Ideas:
The next few photos are of the back porch. Y’all, I have no idea where the full porch photo went. It is nonexistent. So sorry. At least I have the vignettes.
Nevertheless, with a part time home, there are some things we can leave out on a porch, but for the most part, the decor needs to be easy to take back inside when we leave. It also needs to be easy to put back out when we visit again. The simpler the better, and it needs to work all season long.
The last several years I’ve wasted so much money on real plants. So. Much. Money. I’d buy them, use them for a week, then drag them back to our everyday home. They’d die before we’d get back down (brown thumbs) so we’d have to sit on the bland, barely cozy porch. Tough life I know.
But when you put so much effort into decorating only to enjoy it for a week, it’s no fun.
A vintage toddler chair ads the perfect touch of blue for a patriotic greeting.
This year I finally wised up and decided faux was it, at least for summer. Autumn is a different story. Real pumpkins and cornstalks are always on the list. We spend the entire month of October here and I prefer not to spend my time rocking the days away being surrounded by plastic. Some plastic, but not all.
The paint on the porch gives me fits. I wish that were on the to-do list, but we are discussing a porch expansion (yay), which means it will have to wait. But, let’s not chat about all the maintenance of an almost 100 year old house.
Instead, let’s see why it doesn’t feel right using a lot of new accessories. Some new pieces are fine, but I feel the need to have a few well-used treasures thrown in.
Front porch vignettes and ideas:
Like quilts, and columns, and rusty milk jugs. They are mixed with new faux greenery and some pillows I made several years ago. It’s beginning to be cozy!
The vintage stool was made by the Mister’s grandmother. It has a shelf underneath. For a long time, his family used it as a toolbox. I cleaned it up and store quilts underneath. This summer, it will be on the porch and turn into a convenient tote. I’ll move the items sitting on top to the shelf and carry it inside when we leave. Easy peasy.
Create something different.
Have you seen the wreaths with a monogrammed scarf/sash? I think they are so cute but can’t decide which style to get. Years ago, I bought two short table runners from Hobby Lobby. This year I tied one on an empty frame to get a similar look. What do you think? It’s not quite the same, but still so cute!
Right side of front porch.
You can begin to see the dirt pretty well in this photo. And I kid you not, we power washed everything in April (insert rolling eyes). But instead of focusing on the bad and ugly, I fixate on the good. I prefer to see the surrounding beauty from the large oak trees with branches that dip down and touch the ground.
An old ice cream maker works perfectly for summer decor. Plop some faux greens inside with a flag and boom, instant patriotism!
The skirt on the table is about 50 years old. The quilted “pouch” isn’t old but it was made from old fabric pieces. I had a friend ask me what I was going to do with the pouch. I didn’t know at the time but it certainly looks adorable holding faux flowers and mini flags.
What would you do with a “pouch”?
If I could sew, I’d make one for each of you! Just think of the fun ideas and colors you’d have using a vintage quilt to make some?! I say that, but I’ve purchased old tattered quilts intending to make Christmas stockings and can’t bring myself to cut them apart. It’s painful!
One thing about being at the farmhouse in the summer, you need lots of bug spray. I am a literal smorgasbord for mosquitoes. Not ideal when you want to watch the sun go down. I’m not up early enough to watch the sun rise but the Mister loves it out there with his coffee. He says it’s the serenity and birds chirping. I think it’s the coziness of the porch and adorable decorations.
Hopefully you found some inspiration from – a summertime porch tour using vintage accessories? I’ve already decided to add more faux plants and a drink station when I get back next week. The kids are coming for a visit. Woohoo!
Next up is Lora Bloomquist – Create and Ponder. You are going to drool when you see her farmhouse summer home and garden tour! Happy summer decorating friends.
Your vintage porch is adorable Cindy!! It looks like the perfect cozy space to sit and relax.
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I wish I could fill it with plants and trees but that will never happen. Thank you though. One day I’d love it to look like yours!
Cindy,
Your country porch is so charming and fun. You know that I love all the vintage touches, and that quilt planter is so adorable. Thank you for hosting this fun tour.
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Thank you Rachel. I need more fake plants but for now, it will do. I don’t know how you keep up with all of your outdoor spaces! It’s a lot of work!
Cindy, I adore every little thing about your charming porch! I would gladly sit in one of your rockers and admire your vintage decor that you have styled so beautifully–pinned! Blessings, Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction
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You are so sweet Cecilia, thank you. And you are welcome anytime. But choose the fall! Every other month here is stupid humid.
Your patriotic porch is so cute and cozy! I adore that quilted pouch idea and I’m about to add some patriotic ribbons to a white basket! Loved every minute and pinned multiple images 😍
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Awww, thanks so much Cindy. You made my day. Happy summer!
ABsolutely gorgeous, Cindy!
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Thanks so much Niky. I need more plants!
Cindy you have created the most welcoming patriotic country porches I can imagine. I could sit outdoors rocking all day sipping a glass of lemonade and listening to the birds! What a magical home to escape to for long weekends! Love the country charm of your vintage items too!
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I appreciate that Michelle, thank you. I find myself complaining and having porch envy. I must stop that and be more grateful!!!
Simply stunning Cindy! I hear you about the upkeep of the 100 year old home., but I have to say, I adore the beautiful old wood deck. We took ours out years ago and I am regretting it now. I love all of your vintage accessories, they fit in just perfectly with your esthetics.
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That is very sweet of you to say Wendy, thank you. I do like to keep the farmhouse looking more “farmhouse”. One day I’ll see it all shiny and fresh looking and hope I feel excited and not regretful. Maybe it will feel more nostalgic. We’ll see. Happy Summer friend.
Cindy, your Farmhouse is the quintessential country living look, and I love it! That is also a very familiar look here in WV, not far from city limits. I love all your vintage and rustic touches, even the dirt (which I cant see). After all, that’s a true part of what country is all about. The pouch is adorable, love the quilt, and the tie on the frame (and wire basket) are cute. I’d be like your Mister, up to see the sun rise and enjoy what little cool temps there might be. Here this morning, it was 76° at 6 am. It’s now 100° at 1 pm EDT.
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Aww, thank you Rita, your comment made my day! Thank you for saying you didn’t see the dirt but I’m questioning if you need glasses. I suppose it’s just your kindness that’s speaking out. 🙂 Your temps sound like ours. I’d like to visit WV sometime (in the fall) because I here its beautiful! Happy summer.
I loved your porch and the views you have are so peaceful. Yes I got some inspiration I can use on my screened-in porch but, my views aren’t as nice as yours.
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I would LOVE a screened in porch! No mosquitos to ruin your day! Thank you. Happy summer Marlene.
Cindy,
I adore your farm….the paint adds to the charm. I know you are excited about extending it. That would be nice in October. All of the quilt touches are pretty, especially the little pouch! Lovely outdoor tour!
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Thank you Christy. It’s a work in progress but we enjoy it when we can get down there.
You have such wonderful ideas!! Love it all!
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Aww, thank you Carlie. That makes me smile. Have a great week and stay cool!
Your porch is beautiful, and I love all of the charming vintage touches. I especially love the quilt basket and the frame decorated with a simple sash. This is the perfect place for a lazy day with a glass of iced tea! Beautiful, Cindy! Pinned!
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Much appreciated Missy. I got back down here this afternoon and the cleaning starts all over. Ugh. But the few days after will be nice.
What an absolutely perfect farmhouse porch! Love all the quilts and vintage touches you’ve incorporated. Think fake greens is totally the way to go; you’re supposed to relax when you’re there! I’d love to sit there and rock in one of your chairs, sipping southern sweet tea with you;) And fanning myself the whole time;) 🙂 Love the tour; so fun!
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I wish you would come sit and rock with me! We’d have so much to chat about. Maybe there will be another conference sometime soon in Houston. Or Dallas for the everyday house. And hopefully in the fall! Thanks Lora.
Cindy,
Love your porch!! So whimsical and so charming!!! Love it!! Thanks for sharing!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
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Aww, thank you for the sweet comment. It made me smile.
Wow!!!! So many beautiful touches for the summer months! I love all the flags and that quilt basket is absolutely adorable!!!!!
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Thank you Emily. I am already thinking of what else I can do with that cute little quilt basket/pouch. 😉