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My Summer Screened Porch

By Manuela Williams

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)!

painted deck floor

My porch is divided into an dining room/living room.
fern

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to Amazon and/or Etsy, which means that I may earn a small commission from some of the links in this post. Please see our Disclosure Page for more information.

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.
seatingarea

This is the seating area (the fireplace that’s usually here in the winter is in storage until we need it up here).
chaise1

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!
plumbing pipe curtain rod
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.
shellcoaster
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.
loveseat

The loveseat and coffee table.

driftwood 
The driftwood sculpture is actually a driftwood and shell garland from TJ Maxx that I jumbled up!

marblesidetable
Now for the dining area.
diningtable

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.
diningarea
I made that sign a few years ago from an old fence board.
Sign
“Paradise Found” because we love our screened porch!
buffet
The buffet.
birdhouses

I made the shelled birdhouse! It’s really easy!

wooden birdhouse covered with shells

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.
apothecary jar lid covered in shells

I also made this shell top for my apothecary jar.
jartop
jars

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!!
heart

I didn’t make this shelled heart but it would be easy enough to do!
fountain
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.
flowers
Breathe

vase
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the tour of my screened porch! It’s one of my favorite rooms in my home!
porch3

You might also like Summer 2009 Porch
                                A Winter Porch
                                How To Make A Fence Board Sign

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Filed Under: Fluffing my nest, Seasonal Decorating Tagged With: decorating a screened in porch, DIY projects, screened porch

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Comments

  1. ritad says

    June 21, 2010 at 11:49 am

    Love your screened porch, I'm hoping for one here at some time..The seashells are great!

  2. Sportsgirl says

    June 21, 2010 at 11:54 am

    Looks very relaxing! Zzzzzz 😛

  3. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    June 21, 2010 at 12:07 pm

    Manuela, 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.

  4. Ann On and On... says

    June 21, 2010 at 12:23 pm

    Oh what I wouldn't do to be there sitting….listening to the birds, feeling the light breeze and sipping coffee.

  5. Pat@Back Porch Musings says

    June 21, 2010 at 12:36 pm

    So beautiful and peaceful, Manuela.

  6. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    June 21, 2010 at 12:38 pm

    Manuela, 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

  7. 1 Funky Woman says

    June 21, 2010 at 12:42 pm

    This 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!

  8. arkie says

    June 21, 2010 at 12:48 pm

    Your porch is a lovely retreat! I love what you did with the shells!

  9. Cindy (Applestone Cottage) says

    June 21, 2010 at 12:59 pm

    Just 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

  10. The Working Home Keeper says

    June 21, 2010 at 1:00 pm

    So lovely Manuela! What a beautiful and relaxing space. I love what you did with the shells.

    Mary Ellen

  11. Vera @ Cozy Little Cabin says

    June 21, 2010 at 1:03 pm

    Thank 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.

  12. Becky K. says

    June 21, 2010 at 1:04 pm

    I 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.

  13. Stacey says

    June 21, 2010 at 1:17 pm

    Gorgeous! I love the touches of blue that you have out there now.

  14. Kelley says

    June 21, 2010 at 1:19 pm

    Ah, 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!

  15. Marina Capano says

    June 21, 2010 at 1:41 pm

    What 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

  16. Vickie says

    June 21, 2010 at 1:45 pm

    Manuela, 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!

  17. Katy~The Country Blossom says

    June 21, 2010 at 1:59 pm

    Your porch is just beautiful!!! I love it! What a wonderful place to relax! 🙂

  18. Roses and Lilacs says

    June 21, 2010 at 2:19 pm

    Your porch looks very inviting. What a great place to eat or to read.
    Marnie

  19. Darlene says

    June 21, 2010 at 2:28 pm

    Can 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!!

  20. Vee says

    June 21, 2010 at 2:41 pm

    Very special spot. Who gets to sleep out there? That sounds delightful.

  21. Bonita says

    June 21, 2010 at 2:43 pm

    What 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.

  22. Glenda/MidSouth says

    June 21, 2010 at 2:46 pm

    What a pretty place to relax. Really like all your shell creations.

  23. southerninspiration says

    June 21, 2010 at 2:48 pm

    I love it! I hope to have a screened in porch like that some day..perhaps in our retirement home! 😀

    Suzanne

  24. Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita says

    June 21, 2010 at 2:54 pm

    you'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!

  25. Diana says

    June 21, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    Your 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".

  26. Ally's Corner says

    June 21, 2010 at 3:36 pm

    Always love your screened porch! One day I will have me another one, miss it!!

  27. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    June 21, 2010 at 3:40 pm

    What 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

  28. Vintage French Hen says

    June 21, 2010 at 3:45 pm

    Love 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

  29. Debbie says

    June 21, 2010 at 4:50 pm

    Once 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.

  30. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    June 21, 2010 at 4:55 pm

    Your 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.

  31. Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria says

    June 21, 2010 at 4:57 pm

    Just 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

  32. Paula says

    June 21, 2010 at 5:26 pm

    Your porch looks so inviting. I love how you've decorated it with shells for the summer.

  33. Terri says

    June 21, 2010 at 5:38 pm

    Oh 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!

  34. Connie says

    June 21, 2010 at 6:01 pm

    Enchanting, sweetpea. Blue is very popular in all the porches I've seen in the southeast. Gorgeous.
    xoxo,
    Connie

  35. Bonnie@Creative Decorating says

    June 21, 2010 at 6:08 pm

    Very nice! Makes me want to sit and drink some sweet tea!!

  36. Julie says

    June 21, 2010 at 6:51 pm

    Oh 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!

  37. Susan says

    June 21, 2010 at 7:04 pm

    When 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!

  38. Julie Harward says

    June 21, 2010 at 7:19 pm

    I 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 😀

  39. Gypsy Heart says

    June 21, 2010 at 7:20 pm

    Just 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

  40. The Quintessential Magpie says

    June 21, 2010 at 7:25 pm

    Manuela, 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 🙂

  41. Julie says

    June 21, 2010 at 8:21 pm

    What a wonderful place to be it just looks so cozy! And I so love the yellow side board with the cool tile top!

  42. Rhondi says

    June 21, 2010 at 9:04 pm

    Hi 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

  43. Kathleen Grace says

    June 21, 2010 at 9:49 pm

    What a lovely place to relax. All the shells are just right for summer. I bet you get some good breezes up there:>)

  44. Sandy says

    June 21, 2010 at 11:10 pm

    Well 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

  45. Bella says

    June 21, 2010 at 11:22 pm

    Love your porch. It's just lovely – so nice and welcoming. I can see why you enjoy it so much.

  46. Brenda@Cozy Little House says

    June 21, 2010 at 11:35 pm

    You 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

  47. Penny @ The Comforts of Home/Lavender Hill Studio says

    June 21, 2010 at 11:52 pm

    I just love your screened porch! And I love all of the shell pieces you have created!

  48. Susan says

    June 22, 2010 at 12:20 am

    I absolutely love it. This is magazine feature worthy. Thank you so much for sharing these photos.

    Susan

  49. Cindy says

    June 22, 2010 at 1:23 am

    Manuela,
    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

  50. mizdarlin says

    June 22, 2010 at 2:16 am

    Your 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..

  51. Jennifer Rizzo says

    June 22, 2010 at 3:06 am

    It looks gorgeous and peaceful Manuela!

  52. Erin @ I Heart New England says

    June 22, 2010 at 3:46 am

    WOW! Your porch is gorgeous!! ♥

  53. Victoria says

    June 22, 2010 at 1:56 pm

    What 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.

  54. Melissa Miller says

    June 22, 2010 at 4:56 pm

    It looks beautiful and very peaceful Manuela. Lovely!

  55. Andrea at Opulent Cottage says

    June 22, 2010 at 6:24 pm

    Hi 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?

  56. Susie Q says

    June 22, 2010 at 8:02 pm

    It 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

  57. nannykim says

    June 22, 2010 at 10:45 pm

    oh 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

  58. nannykim says

    June 22, 2010 at 10:54 pm

    Hey, 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!

  59. Connie says

    June 22, 2010 at 11:24 pm

    What a beautiful porch. Looks very relaxing and inviting. I love the blue.

  60. Cottage Rose says

    June 23, 2010 at 12:20 am

    OH 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

  61. Miss Merry says

    June 23, 2010 at 1:32 am

    What a wonderful porch! I especially love your chaise. So comfortable. What a wonderful place to enjoy your coffee in the morning!

  62. Kim says

    June 23, 2010 at 1:54 am

    How inviting, I love the combination of blue and yellow. The pipe curtain rods are so cool and of course <3 the seashells.

  63. Mimi Sue says

    June 23, 2010 at 4:36 am

    I love how you change it a little every year. Keeps things interesting. I would LOVE to have a screened porch like yours. Mimi

  64. decdiva1 says

    June 23, 2010 at 5:12 am

    manuela, 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!

  65. Megan says

    June 23, 2010 at 11:45 am

    Manuela–

    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!

  66. T's Daily Treasures says

    June 23, 2010 at 1:22 pm

    What a beautiful porch and a great place to start each and every day. Lucky you! Best wishes, Tammy

  67. Christina says

    June 23, 2010 at 11:49 pm

    Again, I just adore your screen porch. Such a calming space.

    Love the pipe curtain rods.

  68. ~Lavender Dreamer~ says

    June 25, 2010 at 1:13 am

    I'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! ♥

  69. Storybook Woods says

    June 25, 2010 at 9:58 am

    Oh 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

  70. Gumbo Lily says

    June 25, 2010 at 4:13 pm

    I'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

  71. Kristi says

    June 28, 2010 at 12:36 pm

    What 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

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