Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Porches, Patios & Decks

I have a large patio area that runs the length of our house, with a screened-in gazebo at one end. I love decorating my outdoor areas, just as I would decorate the inside of my house. I try to bring a little bit of my (and the family's) personality outside, too, during these warmer months as we wind up spending more time out of doors.

Photo courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens magazine

I like to tuck little accessories within the landscape and on some of the furniture pieces I have outside - a little outdoor ceramic cherub tucked into a bush, one of the birdhouses my Dad made for me sitting on a long bench, and other things I've picked up over the years.



Photo courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens magazine

I found some outdoor eye candy to share, maybe you'll get some ideas to incorporate into your own outdoor rooms! Enjoy!


Photo courtesy of Southern Accents magazine


Photo courtesy of Southern Accents magazine


Photo courtesy of Southern Accents magazine


Photo courtesy of Southern Accents magazine

Photo courtesy of Southern Accents magazine


**Don't forget to comment for entry into our June Giveaway - just scroll down to read all about it! Every comment made on blog posts from this week gives you a chance to win our really cute Flip Flop Rug!

20 comments:

Martha@A Sense of Humor is Essential said...

Thanks for the inspiration, I really need to jazz up our back porch.

DesignTies said...

Oooh, great outdoor spaces!! I especially like the second-to-last one, with the fireplace and the columns.

Our outdoor space is covered with snow for 4 or 5 months of the year, so I take full advantage of it while I can!! Lots of reading and meals on the patio :-)

Kelly

Will @ Bright.Bazaar said...

Lovely to see some American style outdoor areas after posting on some rather more British garden rooms on my blog! Thanks for posting, Kathy - these images are great and your patio sounds amazing - must be nice in the summer? Liking the new blog header too - very nice.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Martha ~ It doesn't have to be a lot or expensive either! Sometimes plants are all you need.

Kelly ~ I know, we basically have May through October. I noticed that most of the pics show shady spots and I guess that because I have full sun on my patio so umbrellas are a must!

Hi Will! Thank you! Because my patio is so long I try to break it up a bit with furniture and potted plants. The gazebo is a welcome place to go when the sun is full on!

Tiaa @ EYInteriors said...

oooooh....I like your new blog design!

Thanks for the inspiration. I especially like the first 2 Southern Accents pics. I really need to do something with my outdoor area. add a plant....just something, ANYTHING! LOL!

Anonymous said...

I love all the ideas. There are all beautiful areas.

Welcome to SITS!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Thanks Tiaa! I just love it!

LOL! Well, at least add a plant! : )

Nancy said...

Oh those are gorgeous!! I am so lucky to live in MI in the summer and Florida in the winter. So decorating outdoors is always a must do for me.....Thanks for the ideas!

Nancy
www.coeurdalenegifts.com
coeurdalenegifts.blogspot.com

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Thanks K! (for the welcome too!)

These areas always look so nice and inviting in the magazines; I'd love to get that same feel at home!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I am so jealous Nancy! You could use that Flip Flop rug all year round! : )

Kathy @HomeWorkshop said...

There is nothing like enjoying your outdoor living space. I especially enjoy having a meal out on our deck. Somehow food tastes better in the fresh air. Inspiring photos!

-- Kathy

Mercedes said...

OOh I like!
Welcome to SITS! We are excited to have you!

Alluring Interiors said...

There is so much outdoor furnishings to choose from...and I mean some real fabulous pieces!! I'm working on the outdoor space...but, just like these one it's gotta be phenomenal!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Hi Mercedes! Thanks for the comment and welcome!

I know what you mean Jackie! I love looking at the outdoor furniture from Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn, and then I come back to earth with an email from World Market for a 4-piece set for $299.00.

Carma Sez said...

gorgeous patios. We don't have an outdoor space, but I can really appreciate these. They look so tranquil and elegant.

Elite Home Decor said...

Your porch sounds lovely! I wish I had that kind of space. Love the pictures! Great inspiration!!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Carma ~ I love a nice shady place to read or have coffee. Doesn't have to be big for me to be happy!

Thanks Kimberly, but with all the rain we've been having here, no one is getting to enjoy their outside areas!

Donna @ Paisley and Perspective said...

I have always believed that our outdoor spaces should be as stylish and comfortable as our indoor spaces. Of course in Canada, our outdoor spaces are only "available" for a little more that half the year, so I take advantage of it as much as I can. Thanks for the inspiration!

Donna

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Donna ~ It's the same here on Long Island. We start with nice weather usually in May and can go through October (maybe squeeze out a bit of November). I agree, I like to make my outside as nice as my inside.

Patios clotures said...

Yes, I agree that gazebos are nice because they provide shade. They create the feeling of a room and they can be purchased at a very reasonable price and are easy to assemble. Your blog is creative, Keep up the great work.
deck design

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