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Spring on the Porch


I love decorating.  Really love putting furniture and accessories together to create a beautiful space.
But so often, I don’t take the time to do it because there are so many other things I SHOULD be doing…like cleaning the house.  Or getting the flower beds ready for spring.  Or picking up sticks because we have about 5 acres to mow on our farm. Or, I don’t know, paying bills or something like that.

But one gorgeous day last week, I spent an hour taking down the Christmas garland and decorating the front porch for spring.

And the joy that hour in the sunshine brought me? Priceless.

front porch


The plants on the porch are fake.  Although we’ve had some beautiful weather for March, it’s still too early for real plants here in Iowa.  The countryside is still brown, and I wanted some color.  I stopped at one of my favorite “junk” shops (The Sister Act in Ellsworth, IA) and picked up the forsythia branches for $1.25.

  spring forsythia decor
The topiary is one that I’ve had for awhile. I think I paid $5.99 for it at the Goodwill.  I tore it out of it’s ugly basket and put it in an old enamel-ware pot, instead.

front porch rocker

I’d like another pop of yellow – maybe a pillow – but that requires that I work with my arch nemesis, the sewing machine, so I’m holding off on that.  Sometimes beauty isn’t worth the pain.
And I need to hang the “Porch Rules” sign (from Bells Mill Creations) but I’m afraid to hang anything on our relatively new HardieBoard siding.  (Has anyone tried the outdoor Command hooks?)

grainsack wicker loveseat

The side table is actually a piano bench.  I bought it at a junk shop for $5 and painted the grainsack stripe on it.  It’s not really weather resistant, but for $5, who cares?

forsythia blooms

Did anyone else notice the chipping paint on the door? It needs repainted – red?  Yellow?


queen anne front porch

Just a few days after I took these pictures, the porch is now covered in toy tractors.  And the boys and I have enjoyed a couple of picnic lunches out there. It is truly one of our favorite places on the farm, even with it’s imperfections.

farmhouse porch
porch decor
spring porch decor

Shared at Funky Junk Interiors, Thrifty Decor Chick

Would you like to comment?

  1. What a lovely porch you have Katie. I love all the re-purposed items that you used. I vote red for the front door - it matches your decor that you have out there now, and a red door stands for 'welcome'.
    Lori from LL Farm

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  2. Your porch is so inviting! Just beautiful.

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  3. I vote yellow for a front door. Look at this! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/52213676906461617/ Also I've had good luck with command hooks inside, just read all the instructions. So, I would have confidence in using them outside. I plan to use these for our vinyl siding. http://www.improvementscatalog.com/vinyl-siding-hangers---set-of-4/10246?fromCart=true&redirect=y Do they have something similar for hardie boards?

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  5. There were ugly typos so I'm reposting.

    I used outdoor Command hooks for the first time for Halloween. They held up pretty nicely, with the exception of one giant spider that came tumbling down in high wind. I think if you use two, and follow the directions to let the hook sit for an hour before using (I was too impatient and didn't) you'll be okay.

    Your porch is beautiful!

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  6. I love the piano bench, had no idea the grain sack stripe was painted on until reading your article!

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  7. wow nice job. Love the rocking chair!

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  8. Such a cozy and welcoming porch! Just beautiful!

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