Sitting Pretty

Get ready for summer with a cozy, outdoor space

Spending summers out on the porch is a truly southern experience—sitting out on the swing sipping a cold glass of lemonade or watching fireflies flicker in the evening. And, if you’re fortunate enough to have a porch you best make the most of it. Laurie Ledbetter of Affordable Chic shares some of her design tips for creating a cozy space outdoors.

“We want to create seating that encourages conversation with family and friends in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere,” says Ledbetter. Anchor the space with the swing and a wicker seat; you can always bring in extra chairs if you have more guests.

Ambient lighting creates a beautiful and inviting space. “As the sun sets, the light from the lanterns gives off a soft glow, perfect on a cool, spring evening. And the cute, lighted mason jars dress up the often-forgotten railing,” she says.

Use an outdoor rug to ground the seating area. It ties the space together and makes it an extension of your interior.

According to Ledbetter, shades of coral and blue are especially popular this season. “When incorporating several shades of one color, as we did with the corals,” she says, “it’s best to stay with one accent color, as seen with the blue pillows.”

Don’t forget to keep it natural and soft with lots of beautiful plants.