Summer Outdoor Living Tour – Lauren’s Home

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.

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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.