Porch Archives | ConfettiStyle

Every design client I work with is looking for ways to make their décor unique and different. Along with paint, fabric and personal touches, one of the ways I share with them to achieve a unique decorative statement is by using pieces in unexpected ways.

Tables are a staple in most homes but when placed in unexpected places they can help create a space that stands out and meets the goal of unique and different. If you can’t think of where to use a table beyond the living room or dining room, here are SEVEN unexpected places where tables can fit into your decor.

1) Tables next to the tub add a fun accent to a bathroom. I like the idea of using the table surface to hold bathroom luxuries like fragrant soaps, bath decanters and flowers.

via

2) Everyone can use a little extra surface space in their closet. How about placing a small accent table at one end and using it to hold folded sweaters or accessories.

via

3) I know it hard to think about giving up storage space in a kitchen but a table as the center accent can be so much prettier than an island. And a table becomes a great serving area for casual meals or buffet settings.

via

4) Ok, most laundry rooms are not this grand but if yours is, why not place a table in the center. Boy would this make sorting and folding easy and what a great spot for gift wrapping too.

via

5) I love an accent at the foot of the bed and a small-scale table can be just as practical as an ottoman or bench. Make sure the table height fits the height of the bed so that it doesn’t become a visual block within the room.

via

6) Have you ever considered a table on the porch? If you have a covered porch, the addition of a table is a great way to add personality and create a seasonal display area.

via

7) If your kitchen island wasn’t made to fit stools, how about adding a table to create island-side seating? I absolutely love this look and think it is a great way to create a unique statement in your home.

via

Sometimes decorating your home is thinking about things in new ways and using pieces in new places.

Looking for more unique decorating ideas, check out my post of unique ways to decorate with mirrors.

How much attention do you give to your front porch? During the summer months, the hubs and I often take evening drives to look at the flowers blooming and to enjoy the sunshine. As we tour through neighborhoods, it amazes me(well, not really) how many homes have lack luster front porches. I know that the front porch is often the last thing on the to-do list but it is the first impression that your home (and you) make to anyone that comes for a visit. Like many people, you probably have a flower pot or two out front and maybe even a door mat but that’s where the decorating of your porch stops.

Summer is the perfect time of year to give your front porch some attention and love and doing that is easier than you think.

ADD FLOWERS

Accessorizing your front porch really doesn’t get any easier than this. You can buy pre-assembled flower pots at the nursery or create your own. Mixed arrangements add a lot of charm while a single variety arrangement like these hydrangea are more classic. Go for something tall and wide to add drama to your porch.

Look for ways to up-style simple flower boxes like adding a decorative iron grill to the outside.

PAINT THE PORCH CEILING

I’m seeing more and more bloggers doing this with their front porch. A little paint on the ceiling can give your porch a cozy feeling and add visual softness.

PAINT THE FRONT DOOR

If you did nothing else to your porch, I’d suggest an accent color on your front door. A bold color won’t work for everyone but I know there’s a color in the paint deck that will work for you. A painted door adds so much impact and curb appeal to your home. It’s also a great way to visually frame your porch area.

ADD A DOORMAT

A decorative doormat is an easy and inexpensive way to add a little style to your front porch. You can buy one with a pattern already on it or DIY one for cheap. I’m hoping to finish up a doormat project over the weekend and will share it with you on Monday.

Here are a few of my favorite DIY doormat projects:

Colorful Doormat via Furnish Burnish

Diamond Doormat via All of the Fish In The Sea

Chevron Doormat via Moonpie Dreams

HANG A WELCOME WREATH (or a plaque)

A boxwood wreath is a simple sign of welcome and hospitality and an inexpensive chalkboard plaque will allow you to convey a welcome message in a fun way.

(if you are having a party for someone special use your plaque as a party element and write Happy Birthday, Cheers to the Graduate or Let the Party Begin)

UPDATE YOUR LIGHTING

I can’t even begin to tell you how many homes I’ve gone to where the lighting is old, dated and practically falling off its hinges. Lighting is a safety necessity on a front porch and stylish lighting should be a design necessity. Add lighting that mimics the style of your home or that fits with the design statement you are making on the porch.

Lighting doesn’t have to be expensive to look good and here are a few of my fave outdoor light fixtures to prove that point.

Carriage House Ceiling Light from LampsPlus–$95.91

Bellagio Outdoor Hanging Light from Lamps Plus–$89.95

Progress Lighting Resort Wall Lantern from Home Depot–$59.97

CREATE A LOUNGE SPACE

No matter the size of your porch, you can create an area that feels welcoming with the addition of seating. On a small porch consider a garden stool or small bench and if you have a larger porch space, a larger bench or chairs will do the trick. Come. Sit. Relax!

Remember that indoor/outdoor fabrics work best but on a covered porch you can get away with an everyday fabric as long as it’s not exposed to the elements.

ADD DESIGN STYLE WITH A RUG

Have you ever considered a rug on your front porch? A bold patterned rug will help contain a sitting area and add some real personality to your porch space. Also consider a runner that can run from the edge of the porch to the front door as another way to decorate with a rug.