Homegoods

As soon as the weather warms up, one of my favorite places to decorate in my house is my side porch. It’s directly off my dining room, so over the years I’ve spent many afternoons out there watching the world go by (and sipping on a glass of wine). For the past two years, I’ve decorated the space the same, except for a few minor tweaks. I noticed, however, that the decor and accents weren’t looking so fresh anymore, so I decided to change things up this year.

Inspired by the outdoor pillows I found at HomeGoods, I breathed new life into my porch with color and functional accessories. Let me show you around my new space and share a few quick tips to add color and style to your outdoor space.

Photo by Inspired by Charm

1. Update textiles
For me, adding a few throw pillows and blankets to an outdoor area is a must. A porch, patio or deck is a place you want to be comfortable. Throw pillows and blankets will add both comfort and a pop of color. I was inspired by the rainbow of colors I found in the particular pillows I bought. HomeGoods has a huge selection of outdoor pillows that are sure to work with your home’s decor.

Photo by Inspired by Charm

Photo by Inspired by Charm

One thing to keep in mind with outdoor textiles is that, when possible, they need to be protected from heavy rain. My porch is covered so this isn’t an issue for me. However, I’ve found that having a large plastic tote nearby where I can toss things when rain is expected is a quick way to avoid soggy pillows.

Photo by Inspired by Charm

2. Incorporate functional accent furniture
When buying outdoor furniture, getting a chair, love seat, or dining room table are no brainers. However, don’t forget accent pieces, such as side tables, coffee tables and plant stands. These pieces can bring style to your space and make it functional, too. Have you ever been to someone’s house and had nowhere to set a drink? Put yourself in your guests’ shoes and create intentional spaces to help make them (and you) happy and comfortable.

Photo by Inspired by Charm

Photo by Inspired by Charm

I found some gorgeous round wood and iron tables that work well with my space. All the furniture I had was a bit square so the round shape breaks up the hard lines. These pieces are also light so I can easily move them around if needed.

3. Style with outdoor accessories
Adding a few decorative accessories to your outdoor space will make it feel inviting and cozy. I prefer pieces that won’t be affected by the weather and will be okay if the wind (or a person) knocks them over. Things made of cement, wood and metal are often good choices. (Like my birdhouse and watering can.)

Photo by Inspired by Charm

Photo by Inspired by Charm

Also, if it’s in your budget, pick up outdoor drinkware and plates. These items have come a long way in recent years. Just by looking at them, it’s often hard to tell the difference between glass and plastic.

Photo by Inspired by Charm

Photo by Inspired by Charm

4. Add some plants
Finally, every outdoor space deserves a touch of greenery. This year, I opted for low-maintenance succulents. I get frustrated with the daily watering of annual flowers, so succulents are a better choice since they only need to be watered every couple weeks.

Photo by Inspired by Charm

Photo by Inspired by Charm

Plus, the variety of succulents on the market these days is vast. You can have fun with textures, colors and sizes. However, do what works best for your space. I can definitely appreciate a flower-filled oasis.

Photo by Inspired by Charm

Photo by Inspired by Charm

I hope you enjoyed a look around my newly styled porch and picked up a few tips to refresh your own outdoor space. Thanks for stopping by.

Michael Wurm Jr. is a paid blogger and founder of the popular lifestyle blog, Inspired by Charm, where he shares his love for a decorated life. Whether it’s ideas for easy decorating, a delicious recipe, entertaining inspiration, or a unique DIY project, his goal is to provide tools and tips for everyone to live a happy, colorful life. You can also find Michael on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.