Personalize Your Porch and Patio
Shabby Chic Style

Your front porch and back patio, no matter how small or large, are outdoor "rooms" and serve as an extension of your home. Don't stop at the inside walls of your home, your guests DO see the outdoor areas! The sky is the limit with your decor out here, of course!

Decorating your porch and patio

First, look to create around the existing blooms and greenery right outside your door! It's a great place to start and even better, they are free! Or take cuttings of your friend's or neighbor's plants that you like. Put them in a vase with water, near sunlight. When you see roots begin to form, dip the cuttings in root hormone and plant it! Double free!

Outdoor accessories to decorate your porch and patio are pretty easy to find and are very reasonably priced. White wicker chairs and side accent tables are so cute in these areas!

"Loveseat" swings mounted to the ceiling are also great if you have the space for one. Use candles or old lanterns for lighting when the day is winding down. They create a calm and relaxing atmosphere at the end of a day and are an essential element of outdoor entertaining.

PLANTS AND GARDEN

I quickly became very interested in my garden when I bought my first house. Your garden can be as simple or elaborate as you have the room to make it. Do you like to cook? Start with an herb garden. Do you like fresh flowers in your home? Start with a wildflower garden. Add to it every spring. This way, you will not feel overwhelmed starting it and you can enjoy watching it mature year after year.

. As an extension of your outdoor space, consider adding trelisses and/or pergolas. I have grown to love trailing vines such as wisteria and clematis (perennials, of course!). They grow very fast up the fixed structures and provide fantastic shade from the summer heat. I prefer to plant perennials as opposed to annuals. Perennials die back in the fall but come back to life in the spring. There are hundreds of shade loving and sun loving perennials to choose from. You are sure to find a starter set that works perfectly for your climate.

My recommended plant nursery websites will guarantee it!

WATER FEATURES

What is more relaxing than the sound of the gentle trickles of moving water? For me, it is enjoying the sound of moving water sipping on a glass of my favorite wine! But anyway... There are so many options when choosing a water feature. What you choose depends on the amount of time and money you plan to invest. A pond requires alot of prep work but is the most rewarding. You can add a fountain to it, water plants like lily pads and huge goldfish to swim around. A stand alone fountain is also a great choice and easy to install. Simply place it where you can bury the electrical cord underground all the way to the closest electrical outlet.

Whatever water feature you choose, it is sure to add the perfect relaxing atmosphere that your quests will adore!

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