It always gets worse before it gets better, right? Right?????

I really hope so.  'Cause this is what it looks like out there today.  Apparently one full-sized bed frame propped up on my porch wasn't enough.  That thing on the left may be my best rescue yet---or my biggest disaster.  Time'll tell.  Hopefully I'm right, because my beloved husband can be a very hard man to live with when I'm wrong/make him move something heavy. 

So, since my porch is currently trashed, was pretty ugly before I added all this c.r.a.p. and it was nigh on HOT outside today, I'm thinking about porches.  I want a crisp, cool, lovely little spot to rest this summer, and my porch is none of those.  Take a look at these lovely porches-- ideas to steal, for sure!

Jessica Thurston, of Cottage and Southern Livings, porch (I think)

I love this swing.  I have been thinking about how to do something similar-- I think that using a platform (possibly made from recycled pallets)  some porch railing, and either rope (scares me) or chain wrapped in rope (lotsa work, less scary) and a twin matress you could do something similar.  We'll see how on board the Husband is about building me this.  I love the idea of encassing a mattress in some sort of neutral outdoor fabric (supposedly available for $3/yard at one of the High Point outlets-- must check that out this week!) and then adding a vintage sheet to the top.  Fresh and breezy.

Southern Living

I love this one, too.  That rope is just great, isn't it?  This swing is very similar to the one we have right now, although it looks to be extra long?  I want something deeper, so you can lie down with a book (because I do not have two kids who need watching and I can totally do this whenever I want) I love an indoor-looking rug outside.  There are such great options available for so little money on clearance websites like Overstock.com.

Elle Decor

So chic-- love all the weathered wood and the grain sacks.  This is just my kind of palette-- neutrals, dark accents and a pop of color.  A seagrass rug would also be a good option for our porch.

Southern Living

Our porch is long and fairly narrow-- perfect for dividing into two seating areas.  Our swing hangs at one end-- I think some small tables to move around down there, some pillows and upholstery, and it would be great.  On the other end, we have a small (and uncomfortable) wicker sofa and three beautiful zebra wood chairs that are really much worse for the wear from their time outside.  I think a dining area would be perfect-- I love this table, but I'm also wondering how a Docksta would hold up outside.  Anybody tried it?  Love the slipcovers. 

Everyone in our neighborhood has amazing porches-- I'm getting pretty embarassed about mine.  Time for some planning and saving-- summer will be here before we know it!