Welcome to the Summer Outdoor Living Tour! I love when spring finally arrives so I can start making plans for my patios. My space started as a covered porch and through the years slowly progressed to two additional elevations. Annual tasks involve leaf blowing, power washing, planting, mulching, watering, and opening the pool area for the season. I spend a big part of my day on the patios from early spring until late fall.
I’m Charlotte, please help yourself to a glass of lemonade. There are plenty of drinks, snacks, magazines, sunscreens, and towels in the pool house. Kick off your flip-flops, stick your toes in the pool, and enjoy the day swimming, sunning, and relaxing!
Summer Outdoor Living Tour
(upper porch)
The upper porch area is most likely where you will find me with my morning cup of coffee along with anything sweet I can find in my pantry.
I chose black patio furniture (since I have black shutters on the windows) with deep cushions of lime green. I wanted something that was really comfortable and would blend in with any color of plants or flowers.
My favorite serving pieces are from Nora Fleming. I just change out the ornament for the occasion.
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My porch stays shady most of the day, so I use ferns in pots and place them in an urn or on a plant stand. So easy!
(Middle Patio)
The next elevation is the middle patio. The evening is the perfect time to catch a cool breeze with family and friends.
Comfy chairs, a round cocktail table with an umbrella, and a sofa make being outdoors more pleasurable.
I planted shrubs with petunias in big urns. Hardy boxwood or cypress shrubs are not much trouble besides watering. If the shrubs get too big for the pots, I can usually find a place for them in the landscaping.
In the fall, I just pull out the petunias and add in pumpkins.
Beside the sofa, I placed a white mandevilla given to me by one of my daughters for Mother’s Day.
Since this area is enjoyed mostly in the evening, lighting can be used to set the perfect ambience. Lighting your table lanterns, using uplighting under a tree, and turning on the pool’s lights can be simply magical.
Future plans for an outdoor stone and brick fireplace is on my wish list.
(Lower Patio)
The lowest elevation is the area that says, “Let’s Party!” Here you will find the pool with a pool house always stocked and ready for the grandkids. This is a wonderful area to play, swim, and make happy memories on hot summer days.
The fridge houses water, juice, and popsicles. (GG, that’s me, found popsicles with vegetables inside…don’t tell).
There are plenty of rolled towels in a large basket.
I usually have a little something on the counter for the big kids too!
If you would like to take a catnap, grab a chair or lounger under an umbrella.
My tip for outdoor entertaining is BE PREPARED AND PLAN AHEAD. Cleaning, shopping, and cooking ahead of time will allow you to relax and entertain your guests.
A special thank you to Diamonds or Pearls for asking me to join the Summer Outdoor Living Tour. It was such a pleasure to share my patios with you.
Tomorrow on the tour is the home of Francis Fick. Her Virginia home has a very transitional style. She loves combining traditional pieces along with modern elements. Francis has the cutest deck that she has made into a cozy outdoor living area to enjoy with friends and family.
Summer Outdoor Living Tour
Michelle’s Home – Summer Outdoor Living Tour
Lisa’s Home – Summer Outdoor Living Tour
Lauren’s Home – Summer Outdoor Living Tour
Jean’s Home – Summer Outdoor Living Tour
You may also like to read about 20 Beautiful Porch Planter Ideas.
Charlotte, your home is so beautiful and inviting! I love how you made your patio bright, comfortable, and welcoming! Your home could be in a magazine, I’m in love with every detail. Thanks for sharing your home and allowing everyone to enjoy your space?
Thank You Keli! I loved your house on the Christmas Tour last year. I’m sure your outdoor entertaining area is just as adorable as your indoor area.
Beautiful! Landscaping is amazing! Xo
Hello Judi! It is so nice to hear from you. Thank you so much!
Hello Judi! Thank you for your gracious comment. Let me know if you are ever in town. We will sit and visit on the patio and catch up.
Charlotte, your outdoor area is beautiful! You must feel like your on vacation every day. I know I would. Thank you so much for sharing. I’m going to go dream now???
Thank you Linda! If I only had a lake view home like you, I would be dreaming too!
Beautuful patio and pool, Mom! Sitting in court looking at the blog and wishing I was at your pool! Now everyone knows where I sneak away to on the weekends…GG’s house! Free wine and snacks while you relax in the sun! ??????☀️
Ashlee, I will have my sweet tea ready and waiting!
Charlotte, your home is absolutely gorgeous!! I love the green and I’m obsessed with the Nora Fleming serving tray! I was so excited when you agreed to the tour. Love your home and you look beautiful as always.
Kristen, thank you! I’m obsessed with Nora Fleming serving pieces too! She has so many pieces from casserole dishes, trays, and cheese boards etc. She has a little collectible ornament for every occasion that you can think of.
Your choice of color is so wonderful — the visual version of a bright smile and a warm invitation to visit for a while! Lovely!
Thank you Mary Kay. I don’t know if the color green was a wise choice. My yard birds think my patio umbrellas are their private trees! Lol
Looks great, Mom! I remember when it was just the small back patio when we were kids. It’s neat to see how you transformed the back yard over the years. I love the love you’ve put into that house. Your sweet tea will forever be my favorite!
Aww! Thank you Lauren. It takes years to fall in love with your house, then when you do, it becomes your home.
Beautiful, more beautiful, most beautiful!!!
Love all of your outdoor spaces, Char!!!
Thanks so much Gail! Some wine on the patio soon!
I knew your outdoor spaces would look classic, traditional & inviting. I love your style Charlotte! The chartreuse green is a perfect compliment to your timeless black furniture. Your home could sit anywhere in the south. In fact, in is Southern Living magazine worthy! Love it all and sure would like to be sitting around that pool, with a sweet tea, chatting with you about our love for all things design. Have a great summer!
Paula, thank you so much for your kind words. I will have that sweet tea ready anytime for you. We need to get Claudia over here and do some sippin’! Lol
I loved ALL of your spaces! I really liked the continuous green throughout! Beautiful pool! I could relax there all day! And your tip for being prepared was spot on!
Thank you Donna! I thought I would get tired of the green, but I have found that it goes with so many colors. I just buy some new throw pillows and I can get a whole different look! I loved the vibrant colors you used on your decks, and the view from your home was amazing!!!
Charlotte, your outdoor space is amazing. It looks like a resort! What lucky grandchildren you have to enjoy this amazing space. I love how it flows. I agree with your advice…being prepared so you too can enjoy the time with company. Happy Summer! ☀️??
Amy, thank you so much! Most weekends, weather permitting, the family is out enjoying the patios and pool. Loving this time with them. Happy summer to you too! ?