We’ve been making the most of the spring weather and spending lots of time on our back porch this month – have you guys been embracing the outdoors more too? While the wicker rockers the previous homeowners left behind have served us well, we decided it was time to buy some things of our own and make our outdoor space a more beautiful, relaxing place to be. Let’s head outside so I can share some back porch ideas from our recent makeover… ( post includes affiliate links; full disclosure statement available {here})
The little conversation/hang-out area on our back porch consisted only of these two wicker rockers that had seen better days:
Along with some new furniture, I wanted an indoor/outdoor rug for this space because there’s a whole lot of brick going on and I wanted to break it up a bit. I ordered everything from Wayfair last Monday and within a week I had received my entire order, assembled it, and had our first Happy Hour in our new space last night:
1. Add an Outdoor Rug to Define The Space
The new rug was the base for everything and I love, love, love it! It’s {this indoor/outdoor rug} that comes in four sizes – I got the 6’7″ x 9′ size which was absolutely perfect for my space (and right now it’s on sale for less than I bought it for!):
It’s one of my back porch ideas that is a great bang for the buck!
2. Add Versatile Furniture Pieces
I chose {this 5-piece acacia wood seating group} because I love the simple, clean-lined look of it and details like the “X” design on the sides:
I also chose it because of how versatile it is! We can push the ottomans up to the chairs to use them as loungers,
move them further away to use them as traditional chairs with ottomans:
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or move to the other side of the rug to use as extra seating:
You could push the two ottomans together to use as a coffee table too! It’s one of my favorite furniture-related back porch ideas.
Love the look of light outdoor cushions but worried about keeping them clean? See my post on how to clean outdoor cushions for tips on how to clean them and KEEP them clean too!
3. Add Color With Plants
For accessories I kept things pretty simple and put one of my large plants in the smallest of {this set of two baskets}:
The other basket is only a little bit larger and I’ll soon be filling with another plant.
4. Patterned Throws Are Pretty + Practical Additions
I also have two of {these pretty patterned cotton throws} for evenings that get chilly:
Since it looks like sitting out on our back porch in NC is as close as we’re going to get to a vacation anytime soon, I’m loving our new little outdoor getaway 🙂
I’m off to go remove some more wallpaper – fun times! I’ll see you back on the blog next week!
Delinda says
Can you tell me how well this patio set held up over time? I’m considering buying it. Thanks in advance !
Kris Jarrett says
It has held up well but since it’s teak, it does need to be maintained with teak oil occasionally. I just did it last month and it looks like new! The cushion covers zip off and I just throw them in the wash on delicate.
Oven Fresh Cake says
Great Job Buddy!!
Anonymous says
Where are the pillows from in the guest room.
Thanks, J
Kris Jarrett says
Everything from that space is linked in this post: https://www.drivenbydecor.com/guest-room-north-carolina/
Beverly says
Quick question about your linen diamond-quilted bedding — Pottery Barn? I have this on my bed (purchased 5 years ago), and need another one but the new color is quite a bit grayer than my original.
Kris Jarrett says
Yes! I have that quilt in three different rooms in three different colors!
Sheila says
Can you please tell me about the rug pictured underneath the round rattan mirror? Is it blue and white in color?
Where you purchased it from? Love it as well as everything you do! Great style and taste!
Kris Jarrett says
Hi Sheila – yes it’s blue and white! It’s linked on my Shop My House page here: https://www.drivenbydecor.com/shop-my-house/
Gail says
The color scheme is lovely…and it does lessen the “all brick” look. BUT… the height of the table is way too high once you’ve sat in the chairs. If it were on our porch, we’d be spilling drinks all over trying to get them up and on the table.
Cute set….not at all practical
Kris Jarrett says
The height of the middle table is deceiving when you just look at the pic – it’s actually under 27″ which is a very normal end table height. It looks much higher than it is because it’s between low back chairs. I can comfortably rest my arm on it and it’s very easy and natural to have a drink resting on it. 🙂
Karen B. says
Kris,
I don’t envy you the wallpaper removal job but I look at those chores as happening at the best time since we have to be home (mostly) anyway. Nurseries are open here in Southern California. I read that it is because they are categorized as “agricultural sales”. Working in my garden has saved my sanity during this time at home. 🙂
xo,
Karen
Kris Jarrett says
This is the perfect summer to have a nice garden and what a wonderful way to spend part of your day!
Debbie says
Your outdoor space looks awesome!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you Debbie!
Tina Jackson says
Does the lamp you have on your master bedside table have an extra outlet or USB port on the base? If so, could you post a pic of the lamp and where you got it?
Kris Jarrett says
It has a USB port in the base which is so nice – I actually have it in two rooms of our home and my mom now has it too. You can see a more close up pic and get a link to it in this post: https://www.drivenbydecor.com/guest-room-north-carolina/
cindy says
I love that Kris! I am going to check it out. We need something for in front of our fountain and I love the classic clean lined look of it! Thanks for the share!
Kris Jarrett says
Thanks Cindy! Your outdoor area is a dream!
Mary says
Looks very pretty! I agree with painting the brick, love painted brick!! And I did love the old wicker chairs, hopefully someone can fix them up, instead of just throwing out. What a great free by the side of the road those would be!!
Kris Jarrett says
Thanks Mary – the wicker chairs aren’t in the best of shape (the wicker is broken and sticking up in several areas) but I’m going to try to donate them once donation centers are open again!
Calypso in the Country says
Gorgeous! And that rug is just perfect! Stay well!
Shelley
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you Shelley! XO
Kimberly Wright says
I love the versatility of your selection of seating for your porch! It turned out super pretty!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you so much!
LisaD. says
Good day, I am a big fan of your style and the porch redo is very nice. I think the side table is just too tall for comfort, but perhaps the picture doesn’t tell the full story. Love the ottoman so they can slide away from the door which appears close by, and added seating.
Have you considered doing a white-wash on the bricks directly behind the chairs. That night lighten up the small a little and appear like an accent wall of color rather than red brick throughout. Just a thought.
Thank you for sharing! Wonderful ideas.
Kris Jarrett says
Hi Lisa,
We’re on the same wavelength with the whitewash – we’ve actually considered doing it to our entire house (even though I know that makes some people shudder :)). If we don’t do that, I’ll probably whitewash the porch floors at some point!