Hi everyone! It’s the first day of summer and the porch is ready for us to enjoy (although it’s so hot already we only go out in the early morning and after 7pm)!
My porch is divided into an dining room/living room.
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I always have a fern on my screened porch in the summer. I placed some rocks in the bottom of the planter so it won’t blow over when we get storms and then added some starfish.
This is the seating area (the fireplace that’s usually here in the winter is in storage until we need it up here).
This is where I have my coffee every morning! That’s an old Shabby Chic curtain on the chaise – I just love the soft blue roses!
We used plumbing pipes for curtain rods. The curtains are old ones that I used to hang in my living room in the summer. They were out here last year too. They have an apple green stripe on one side so I just turned them around and folded the stripe to the back since I wanted them to look all white this year.
Some details. Found the shell shadowbox at Goodwill last year, made the shell coasters, the blue glass votives are from Winn Dixie from about 9 years ago, and the large shell is from Goodwill.
The loveseat and coffee table.
The driftwood sculpture is actually a driftwood and shell garland from TJ Maxx that I jumbled up!
Now for the dining area.
Yes, I had to get rid of my cute cottagey painted chairs! One day my husband sat down and…CRACK…one of the seats split in two. Everyone liked this set because the chairs rock and swivel (and the price was right)! The fourth chair is in the seating area.
I made that sign a few years ago from an old fence board.
“Paradise Found” because we love our screened porch!
The buffet.
I made the shelled birdhouse! It’s really easy!
I just took a wooden birdhouse that I got at the Dollar Tree a few years ago and just starting hot gluing the shells to it.
I also made this shell top for my apothecary jar.
I just hot glued some shells to the top. I also made that shell ball last year. They’re selling these for $6.99 at TJ Maxx!!
I didn’t make this shelled heart but it would be easy enough to do!
The fountain. It’s lovely to turn it on in the morning when I’m having my coffee. The sound of the running water and the tweeting of the birds is really a nice way to start the day!
Some random shots.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the tour of my screened porch! It’s one of my favorite rooms in my home!
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ritad says
June 21, 2010 at 11:49 amLove your screened porch, I'm hoping for one here at some time..The seashells are great!
Sportsgirl says
June 21, 2010 at 11:54 amLooks very relaxing! Zzzzzz 😛
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says
June 21, 2010 at 12:07 pmManuela, I can see why it is one of your favorite rooms. I love you separate dining and seating areas. That chaise looks very comfy and what a way to start the day. Love all the shell accents and love that yellow buffet. Have a great day.
Ann On and On... says
June 21, 2010 at 12:23 pmOh what I wouldn't do to be there sitting….listening to the birds, feeling the light breeze and sipping coffee.
[email protected] Porch Musings says
June 21, 2010 at 12:36 pmSo beautiful and peaceful, Manuela.
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
June 21, 2010 at 12:38 pmManuela, Paradise Found is right. Your outdoor living space is like a little house unto itself!
I love the cool blues and whites… especially on those hot sultry summer days!
Beautiful and welcoming!
Yvonne
1 Funky Woman says
June 21, 2010 at 12:42 pmThis is like a little piece of Heaven on earth! I would love to join you out there for a cup of coffee! I love all the summery details and the yellow buffet is a fun piece!
arkie says
June 21, 2010 at 12:48 pmYour porch is a lovely retreat! I love what you did with the shells!
Cindy (Applestone Cottage) says
June 21, 2010 at 12:59 pmJust gorgeous Manuela!
I love the colors, the table, the shell artwork you've created and that sideboard in yellow, just gorgeous! Love it all!
Cindy
The Working Home Keeper says
June 21, 2010 at 1:00 pmSo lovely Manuela! What a beautiful and relaxing space. I love what you did with the shells.
Mary Ellen
Vera @ Cozy Little Cabin says
June 21, 2010 at 1:03 pmThank you SO very much for sharing. All we've done to our porch is pant it! 🙂 Your porch is getting my creative wheels a'turnin'!
I never thought to divide it between eating & dining areas. I wish you lived nearby so you could give advice! LOL
Your porch is very lovely – – – thanks for the tour.
Becky K. says
June 21, 2010 at 1:04 pmI remember the excitement when you had this porch put on. It is great that you are enjoying it so much.
You have done such a lovely job of making it beautiful and functional at the same time.
Having a screened in porch would be a treat indeed.
Becky K.
Stacey says
June 21, 2010 at 1:17 pmGorgeous! I love the touches of blue that you have out there now.
Kelley says
June 21, 2010 at 1:19 pmAh, thanks Manuela. But would you pour me another glass of that fresh-squeezed lemonade? I'm getting thirsty doin' all this relaxing on your 2010 porch!
Marina Capano says
June 21, 2010 at 1:41 pmWhat a beautiful forch you have I love your porch!!! It is very fresh
Happy summer, here is a first day of winter. I live in Argentina. is south America.
visit me anytime…
xoxo
Vickie says
June 21, 2010 at 1:45 pmManuela, that would definitely be my favorite place to perch! I love the outside deck area, too, where you can grill and then just step inside (where there are no flies!) and enjoy your meal!
Katy~The Country Blossom says
June 21, 2010 at 1:59 pmYour porch is just beautiful!!! I love it! What a wonderful place to relax! 🙂
Roses and Lilacs says
June 21, 2010 at 2:19 pmYour porch looks very inviting. What a great place to eat or to read.
Marnie
Darlene says
June 21, 2010 at 2:28 pmCan your porch just come over to my home and attach itself?!?! Just BEAUTIFUL! It looks so inviting and I just want to relax on that lounger and start reading. I was going to tell you in a prev. post I see you have the Mary Englebreit Home Sweet Home book (waiting to be read). I checked it out from the library and LOVED it so I had to get my own!!!! I was browsing through it again, just the other day.♥
Hope you have a great day!!
Vee says
June 21, 2010 at 2:41 pmVery special spot. Who gets to sleep out there? That sounds delightful.
Bonita says
June 21, 2010 at 2:43 pmWhat a lovely paradise you have there! How do you ever leave it to go anywhere else?
Question: Does it ever rain on your porch and your pretties? I don't have a screened-in porch and I'm trying to wrap my brain around what you do with all that pretty stuff if it rains. I know here we often have vigorous afternoon summer storms with blowing winds and rain.
Glenda/MidSouth says
June 21, 2010 at 2:46 pmWhat a pretty place to relax. Really like all your shell creations.
southerninspiration says
June 21, 2010 at 2:48 pmI love it! I hope to have a screened in porch like that some day..perhaps in our retirement home! 😀
Suzanne
Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita says
June 21, 2010 at 2:54 pmyou're so lucky we don't know where you'd live or we'd all be dropping by for lemonade and a chat! your porch is as warm and inviting as you are!
Diana says
June 21, 2010 at 3:10 pmYour screened porch is so inspiring. I have aspirations to "fix up" our screen porch this summer — unfortunately the temps are already hitting 100 degrees! We have so much we need to do with it — paint, do something about the yukky washed gravel floor — clean out all the junk. Right now it's the "attic annex".
Ally's Corner says
June 21, 2010 at 3:36 pmAlways love your screened porch! One day I will have me another one, miss it!!
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
June 21, 2010 at 3:40 pmWhat a fabulous porch. It looks so inviting and I absolutely LOVE all of your wonderful shell creations. What great inspiration for future projects. Love them. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Marty
Vintage French Hen says
June 21, 2010 at 3:45 pmLove your home and your porch! I really like the look of the pipes as a curtain rod! You have an amazing collection of shells going on there! Fabulous! Marcia
Debbie says
June 21, 2010 at 4:50 pmOnce again, I am scrolling back and forth through a post of yours to drink in every detail. I can't decide what I like the best. Top contenders would be that "Paradise Found" sign or the buffet, but I love so many other parts of it that I hestitate to begin the shout outs. I would definitely want my morning coffee there.
I forgot about that porch party. When I get more time this afternoon, I'm going to really enjoy the look n see.
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
June 21, 2010 at 4:55 pmYour screened porch looks so cool and comfy, Manuela! Love the color of the cushions on your new chairs. We have a set that has the swivel/rocker chairs {just two of them} and the fabric webbing ripped on one. Love all the shells; I think that adds to the cool feeling.
Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria says
June 21, 2010 at 4:57 pmJust beautiful my friend..All the things you have made and done here WOW!! love the colors and the shell art…Hope you have a GREAT day my dear friend…Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
Paula says
June 21, 2010 at 5:26 pmYour porch looks so inviting. I love how you've decorated it with shells for the summer.
Terri says
June 21, 2010 at 5:38 pmOh yes, lovely my dear! I would love to come over and sit for awhile and if you happened to ask me to dinner, too, well, I am sure I would stay!
Connie says
June 21, 2010 at 6:01 pmEnchanting, sweetpea. Blue is very popular in all the porches I've seen in the southeast. Gorgeous.
xoxo,
Connie
[email protected] Decorating says
June 21, 2010 at 6:08 pmVery nice! Makes me want to sit and drink some sweet tea!!
Julie says
June 21, 2010 at 6:51 pmOh Manuela, yes yes yes…I loved the tour, even though I had to make myself stop sighing!!!
I continue to dream and dream and dream about a screened porch… I will hold on to it and make it a goal. I will achieve it one day. Maybe not this house, but I will be ready to decorate it when it is built!!!! And I shall come back to here, (HOPE HOPE HOPE you will still be here – meaning who KNOWS when I will get that porch???) but you are sheer inspiration. I love all the same things you do.!
I will just keep collecting until the day comes. Thanks for the wonderful post- loved visiting!
Susan says
June 21, 2010 at 7:04 pmWhen I was a little girl, my Granny had a screened-in porch with a swing and rocking chairs on it. I have lots of memories of that old porch, and someday I want to have one. Yours is beautiful! I especially love your chaise and that fountain!
Julie Harward says
June 21, 2010 at 7:19 pmI love everything about this porch Manuela!!! The shells, the chaise, pipes for curtain rods! LOl The yellow chest…I need to come spend an afternoon there! Enjoy it all.. Come say hi 😀
Gypsy Heart says
June 21, 2010 at 7:20 pmJust gorgeous ~ and so peaceful! I'd love to have coffee out there in the mornings too. I love the colors and all the shells. You're very creative!
Have a blessed week ~
Pat
The Quintessential Magpie says
June 21, 2010 at 7:25 pmManuela, I absolutely LOVE what you did. And please don't tell me you found that driftwood at TJ Maxx??? I bought some at a shop that I'm wondering about now. LOL! I bet they found it at the Maxx, too. I love TJ Maxx.
And I loe your porch and the birdhouses and the painted yellow chest and those neat pieces of piping you used to hang your drapes. This is a great space. Oh, and I love your shell heart, too! It's just all so lighthearted and fun!
Happy Porch Party. I hopped off the train to visit for a minute, but I guess I'd better finish the ride. 😉
XO,
Sheila 🙂
Julie says
June 21, 2010 at 8:21 pmWhat a wonderful place to be it just looks so cozy! And I so love the yellow side board with the cool tile top!
Rhondi says
June 21, 2010 at 9:04 pmHi Manueal
I love all the beachy touches you added to your porch. It's too hot to use ours right now too, but it's fun to pretend! I like all your creative ideas to use shells too. The blue is so cool and soothing and the yellow adds punch. What a perfect place to hang out with a blggoing friend. Thanks for joining the party.
Hugs, Rhondi
Kathleen Grace says
June 21, 2010 at 9:49 pmWhat a lovely place to relax. All the shells are just right for summer. I bet you get some good breezes up there:>)
Sandy says
June 21, 2010 at 11:10 pmWell I'm not surprised, you have created another perfect spot in your home. Your porch is just beautiful. I love all the personal touches! What you did with the shells is just wonderful. Your porch just like your home is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Sandy
Bella says
June 21, 2010 at 11:22 pmLove your porch. It's just lovely – so nice and welcoming. I can see why you enjoy it so much.
[email protected] Little House says
June 21, 2010 at 11:35 pmYou know how much I love your screened in porch, Manuela! I've lusted after one of these my whole life. Wanted one when I had the pavilion built. But the space didn't look right for it. Can I come have coffee with you out there some morning and listen to the fountain and the birds?
Brenda
Penny @ The Comforts of Home/Lavender Hill Studio says
June 21, 2010 at 11:52 pmI just love your screened porch! And I love all of the shell pieces you have created!
Susan says
June 22, 2010 at 12:20 amI absolutely love it. This is magazine feature worthy. Thank you so much for sharing these photos.
Susan
Cindy says
June 22, 2010 at 1:23 amManuela,
Your screened in porch is lovely. Thank you for the tour, I can just imagine sitting there enjoying my early morning coffee. I have a screened porch also, but it's a storage room at the moment, I must get to work on it. The mosquitoes are so bad right now that we can't go outside, so we would enjoy it.
Thanks again,
Cindy S
mizdarlin says
June 22, 2010 at 2:16 amYour porch is what I hope in some small measure t create on my balcony, or whatever replaces it, over the years..thanks so much for the wonderful pictures..very inspiring..
Jennifer Rizzo says
June 22, 2010 at 3:06 amIt looks gorgeous and peaceful Manuela!
Erin @ I Heart New England says
June 22, 2010 at 3:46 amWOW! Your porch is gorgeous!! ♥
Victoria says
June 22, 2010 at 1:56 pmWhat time do you say coffee is served? I'll be right over! 🙂 Your porch is beautiful!
Didn't you say before that the GW you visit is up 575? My friend and I are headed to the mtns this weekend and we are going up 575 and I would love to shop some different GW's on the way up.
I have found 2 china cabinets and one of them I am kicking myself over that I didn't buy. I was in the process of moving though and just wasn't the right timing. I have to find a narrow one to fit my space so it might take awhile to find the right size.
I actually had you in mind when I bought 4 of my 10 cent plates; however, my MIL saw the 2 old rooster plates I bought and loved them so I gave them to her.
Melissa Miller says
June 22, 2010 at 4:56 pmIt looks beautiful and very peaceful Manuela. Lovely!
Andrea at Opulent Cottage says
June 22, 2010 at 6:24 pmHi Manuela,
Your porch is fantastic! I can't even pick a favorite thing beacause it's all so lovely. Looks like a nice spot for your family to relax! Hope you're holding up well with the heat – 101 here today! We could all use a break couldn't we?
Susie Q says
June 22, 2010 at 8:02 pmIt is all so beautiful Manuaela. I so envy you the screened in part..I love our deck but oh how I would love to eventually screen it!
You truly do have a flair and have made your family a perfect spot for the Summer!
Love,
Sue
nannykim says
June 22, 2010 at 10:45 pmoh yes I enjoyed it! I know what you mean about it being to hot during the later part of the day!! It has been hot here in SC too! Love your shabby chic sheet. Love the drift wood thingy on your coffee table–that came out so cool, it really does look like some kind of artsy sculpture thing. Love the fountain!! EVerything looks inviting! nannykim from Spindle cottage etc
nannykim says
June 22, 2010 at 10:54 pmHey, I just became a follower and I noticed you are at 999—one more and it will be 1,000! You should do something special!
Connie says
June 22, 2010 at 11:24 pmWhat a beautiful porch. Looks very relaxing and inviting. I love the blue.
Cottage Rose says
June 23, 2010 at 12:20 amOH your porch is just beautiful,, I can see why you love to sit out there… you have done a wonderful job on decorating it… all those gorgeous shells, and all the pretties you made with them… thank you for sharing it with us.
Hugs;
Alaura
Miss Merry says
June 23, 2010 at 1:32 amWhat a wonderful porch! I especially love your chaise. So comfortable. What a wonderful place to enjoy your coffee in the morning!
Kim says
June 23, 2010 at 1:54 amHow inviting, I love the combination of blue and yellow. The pipe curtain rods are so cool and of course <3 the seashells.
Mimi Sue says
June 23, 2010 at 4:36 amI love how you change it a little every year. Keeps things interesting. I would LOVE to have a screened porch like yours. Mimi
decdiva1 says
June 23, 2010 at 5:12 ammanuela, thanks so much for responding to my q about the stamped spoons. i've already done 7 spoons and need more! love your screened in porch btw!
Megan says
June 23, 2010 at 11:45 amManuela–
Your porch is beautiful. I love all the shells. I simply can not get over how creative you are. Now — I'm off to find my glue gun!
T's Daily Treasures says
June 23, 2010 at 1:22 pmWhat a beautiful porch and a great place to start each and every day. Lucky you! Best wishes, Tammy
Christina says
June 23, 2010 at 11:49 pmAgain, I just adore your screen porch. Such a calming space.
Love the pipe curtain rods.
~Lavender Dreamer~ says
June 25, 2010 at 1:13 amI've had your blog open to this post for a couple of days! I keep coming back to look at the details. You've really made a statement with your style here on your porch! It's gorgeous! ♥
Storybook Woods says
June 25, 2010 at 9:58 amOh Manuela, I just love your porch and it would be perfect here in the NW. You could walk the beach and collect all kinds of goodies. I just found an old silver spoon the other day xoxoxo Clarice
Gumbo Lily says
June 25, 2010 at 4:13 pmI'd love to take my coffee on that chaise lounge. Pretty spot. Is your porch screened due to mosquitoes/flies? That's my problem in summer.
Jody
Kristi says
June 28, 2010 at 12:36 pmWhat a DREAMY screen porch! I am trying to figure out the best place to put one of these in our house! I have wanted one for years! What a wonderful place to relax! You have decorated it so beautifully! 🙂
Kristi