Thanks to Kirklands for partnering with me on this post.
Outdoor decorating can seem overwhelming. You have a small (or large) area, that not only acts as a living space to your family, but also affects your curb appeal. While I try to create spaces that flow seamlessly from inside to out, color and style really aren’t the most important parts of outdoor decorating. It’s about creating space to enjoy every day, while also thinking ahead to entertaining company (girl’s night on the porch, anyone?) So instead of telling you all about how to decorate, with the help of Kirkland’s, I’m sharing #smallspacedesign – because your space is probably drastically different from mine – but it’s more about sharing ideas on how to help make the most of that outdoor space.
1) Add in lots of seating. At the crux of it, porches are all about hanging out and spending time with family or friends. If you actually use it for that purpose, then the more seats you can put on there, the better. My porch can seat 8 without pulling additional chairs from the inside. Usually when we entertain, it’s far less than that. In the event that we do, we usually move it into the house or even out into the back yard. The porch is a perfect place for a small group.
2) Pick one piece to be the show stopper. I chose these awesome chairs from Kirkland’s, because I loved the style and color of them. The color brings a smile to my face. I used more muted tones to help make the entire porch cohesive, but the chairs are definitely the party girls of the porch – all attention is on them.
3) Plants bring the space to life. Since I’m a plant killer, I stick with plants that are labeled “plants of steel” (literally, it’s on the label.) They are the only kind that seem to last more than a month. I’ve successfully kept 6 plants alive for a few months now. There really is no better way to make any space seem “finished” more than plants. The more the better!
4) Use everyday items in unexpected ways. See the citrus display? That’s actually a lantern from Kirkland’s that was meant for a candle. There’s no reason why you can’t repurpose items to be what you need – and you might be surprised at the solutions you can come up with if you let your mind think outside of the norm.
5) Leave space for adding entertaining. Those lemons and bottles aren’t always on my porch, but I leave space to add in a pop up bar when we want to invite friends over. Bring out a few drinks, add in a bowl of nuts or plate of yummy bites and you’ll look like you’re a seasoned pro. Entertaining is easy if you’re prepared – so make sure you leave space for it to naturally happen.
Want a little help to get started with your outdoor entertaining? I’m joining my friends Andrea, Claire and Stacy to give away $200 to Kirklands! (You only need to enter once – but be sure to see their blogs for more small space decorating ideas.) Enter to win below….
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I received compensation for the #SmallSpaceDesign blog post. Kirkland’s partnered with several bloggers like me to raise brand awareness. All purchases and content are on my own accord and reflect my personal opinion and style.
Lori says
July 27, 2015 at 7:01 amYour porch looks great! I’m inspired to work on my own!
Debbie says
July 27, 2015 at 11:43 amYour porch is so inviting and adorable. Love everything about it.
Vicky Hunt says
July 27, 2015 at 12:20 pmYour porch is gorgeous! My hubby and I also live in a mobile home that we have been truning into our dream home. Our next project is the porch. Yours was very inspirational! Love the painted rug and the chairs from Kirkland’s. My daughter used to work in Kirkland’s and I loved to go see here there! That store smells heavenly! And, their decor is fabulous! Have a blessed day!
Megan @ The Brick Bungalow says
July 27, 2015 at 12:31 pmLove your porch!! I need to work on my front and back porches but both need a major deal of painting before the pretty stuff can happen! Thanks for the inspiration!
Brenda Thompson says
July 27, 2015 at 1:23 pmI love Kirklands. I don’t go often but when I do I always walk out with something for my home. I really done love the wicker swing. I will be working on my patio starting in Oct. so I need lots of ideas! Love your blog.
Cindy A. says
July 27, 2015 at 1:48 pmI realize it is way too early to be thinking about Halloween, but I love this cute little doormat.
http://www.kirklands.com/product/Witch-Shoes-Orange-Polka-Dot-Doormat/190720.uts
Susan says
July 27, 2015 at 7:58 pmThanks for the great info and pintrest pages to follow. I love how you use Kirklands merchandise to do your porch. You have given me great ideas and inspiration. Thank you very much for the chance to win. 🙂
Jennifer says
July 28, 2015 at 7:19 amLove your outdoor space, makes a person want to sit for a spell!
Marilyn says
July 28, 2015 at 8:35 amLovely! Really like the turquoise color used throughout.
Dawn says
July 28, 2015 at 9:01 amWhat a pretty space, I love the turquoise chairs, and lights 🙂
Lois J. says
July 29, 2015 at 5:31 pmSo beautiful!! Makes me more enthused about making my porch inviting!!
Stacy Mc says
July 31, 2015 at 12:57 pmLove your porch! I need some lights to jazz up my screened in patio.
Faith Pennington says
July 31, 2015 at 1:09 pmSince I’m moving out soon, and getting my own room, my favorite idea for string lights is hanging them overhead to set the mood for a cozy feel for reading or netflixing. <3 🙂
Lauren @ Mom Home Guide says
July 31, 2015 at 6:32 pmLove your porch! I love the Bronze Heart Metal Outdoor Bench from Kirkland’s.
Suzanna says
August 3, 2015 at 12:01 pmI won, I think! I received an email for a gift card link for Kirklands! I’m so excited, thank you so very much!!
Debbie says
October 17, 2015 at 12:12 amHi Gina, I have been following you for a long time! I love your home! I really, really must know the paint colors on the exterior of your home…love them!!!
Alexandria Martinez says
August 28, 2017 at 5:47 pmI really want to redecorate the backyard garden and porch my fiance and I own since we have moved in. To me, outdoor spaces should be really fun durable pieces that show your personality which is why I really appreciated your advice to pick a standout piece of decor. Those little show stoppers give a signature touch to the whole look and I will keep my eyes peeled for it. Thank you for the tips!
Gina Luker says
August 29, 2017 at 3:31 pmThank you Alexandria!! Good luck finding your treasures, that is half the fun 🙂
Ridley Fitzgerald says
October 23, 2017 at 9:31 pmThanks for the great outdoor decorating tips. I like how you said to use “plants of steel” so that they’ll last longer. We want to spice up our garden area, and using fruit is a great idea! We’ll try this out.