Create a Reading Nook on Your Country Porch

Relaxing on a country porch is what we all enjoy. But, spending some time reading outdoors is all the better. The fresh air, the warm weather seem to combine to make us like being outdoors.

A reading nook is perfect to just sit and enjoy your latest novel. Creating a reading nook is a simple process. I always start with the biggest piece of furniture, which for me is the reading chair or rocking chair. Swaying back and forth is even more relaxing.

Once I have that outdoor rocking chair chosen, I add to it. For a reading nook, I like to have a pillow set on the seat of the chair. This works great either as a lumbar support for my back, or as a cushion to sit on.

A lap quilt or throw blanket laid over the back of the rocking chair not only adds fabric for the country porch look but is also useful when I'm reading in the cooler weather. Things like early morning or Fall temperatures can add a bit of chill to the air. I can pull my lap blanket over my legs and be more comfortable.

I like to add a small side table to set a drink on, or laid my book down when necessary. A small rug sitting in front of my rocking chair completes the look. I have a complete reading nook all set up and ready for me when I want to enjoy some outdoor time. But, it also works great to add to my country porch decor.

Using Umbrellas for Your Country Porch

Well, I have to admit that I don't have much covering over my porch. And it tends to get lots of sun. That makes using large umbrellas to shade my sitting areas pretty important.

Of course, I have a great umbrella that stands in the center of my patio table. It has the extra feature of being able to tilt. Depending on the time of day that I am outside enjoying my country porch, I can tilt the umbrella to get the best relief from the hot sun.

But I also have several nice seating arrangements. One that sits away from the table and a little reading nook with my favorite relaxing Adirondack chair. These places can really benefit from a little shade, too. I added my first free-standing umbrella next to the group seating area.

It was perfect. All of my guests who joined me for an afternoon tea or morning coffee remarked on it. But I added a second one, as well. That free-standing umbrella sits over my reading nook. And now I can sit out at all times of the day without worry of getting sunburned, being overly bright or just having the sun glare on what I'm reading.

I chose the offset-style of umbrellas, too. That means that I don't have a pole in the middle of my area and I can get the full advantage of the umbrella. Talk about making sense. Off-set and free-standing umbrellas make the most of those sun drenched areas of your country porch.

Summer Replacement Cushions for a Country Porch

Whether it's the beginning, middle or end of summer, it might be time to replace your furniture cushions on your country porch. The sun and weather can fade the colors on your cushions and just plain use can cause wear on them. So give your porch a fresh look.

My favorite part about replacement cushions and pillows is the chance to change up your decorating look at bit. I'm not talking about a whole redecoration unless you are ready for that. I'm talking about just a few little changes to effect a new look.

If you had striped cushions before, consider florals or solids. Even mix them up some. A few solid cushions in a color that matches your decor along with a few florals in that color scheme.

Maybe even change your color scheme a bit. See if you have an different accent color in your other decor accessories and add replacement furniture cushions in the new color.

The addition of a few new items on my country porch always gives me a fresh new feeling to enjoy. This may also be a time to do a little rearranging to go with your new cushions. Again, we aren't talking anything major, just a little bit of moving the small furniture pieces to a new place to create a whole new look.

Then we can re-discover that great outdoor living space that we all enjoy so much.

Creating a Seaside Effect on Your Country Porch

The fun and charm of a country porch allows you to mix up some of your decorating effects with additional touches like a seaside effect. For many, the oceans and beaches are a theme that is very attractive. Isn't that what many think of when they think of outdoor living?

Adding a few new touches to your country porch can bring the seaside or coastal look for you. Wicker furniture works best for both a Country porch and a Coastal Porch, along with Adirondack chairs. You may already have that look for your country porch, so the addition of a few nautical or beach items will carry your country porch into a seaside look.

We talk often about the little touches that make the effect come together. Thats what a seaside or coastal look is all about. The simple little accents that make a big difference. Try an arrangement of several seashells as part of a table centerpiece. Add the color scheme of beige and white for sand and blue and white for water with waves.

Your country porch will take on a coastal or seaside effect with just a few changes. So don't be afraid to try out a new look this year.