Summer Blues

For the better part of the last  year my husband has been building a porch on to the back of our house.  It is finally done and we've been able to enjoy evenings out there this Spring. The minute I saw the floor, columns and railings fall slowly  in to place, I began my  scheming for the perfect porch .  We live in a traditional colonial revival home so our new porch with balustrades and tall ceilings suits the vibe of the home.  For the decor I was aiming  for  a Maine cottage look but done up for a heat filled  southern summer. So what is a South meets Maine porch?

The first sofa we picked out, while very  pretty, was so uncomfortable we sent it back,  Being able to sink into the cushions and kick off your shoes is the most essential requirement of a porch.  Choose furniture that  can weather the elements like performance fabrics, aluminum frames and thick white washed wood furnishing.  You don't want to worry if a little rain gets on the furniture.  Sturdy and unfussy furnishings is the stuff of Maine porches. A few feminine touches is what gives it a southern lilt. 

      

Tulip Design on White

Many Maine coastal dwellings and porches are filled with mismatched furnishings, collected over the years. These  summer homes are typically closed up  and not used during the greater portion of the year. A classic Maine  porch evolves over the years as furniture is dragged in to place as needed. Old chairs that have seen finer days are white washed and set out for summer dining. Rustic tables are painted with simple motifs adding to the room's character.

Furnishings don't have to match or be of a suite.  I found this chair for $30 at a local junk shop. I loved the lines so much it inspired me to find other turn of the century or late Victorian pieces  stripped and white washed.  Below a table painted in a simple diamond motif. 

And below a Victorian white washed table is perfect for drinks. 

 

The two estate sale wicker chairs I purchased at Janet Brown Interiors  were the catalyst for this casual Maine style.

   

This new Glenbrook Table in White is a stunning counter point to the antique wicker pieces.

Dana Gibson Glenbrook Table in White

Growing up my siblings and I spent hours out  on the porch. In those days, air conditioning was a rarity.  Our family  porch was done up in multi colored floral patterns accented with ginghams and probably a ruffle or two. The transformation from a dusty uninhabited space to a summery retreat was magical.

When trying to choose an accent print, I was truly overwhelmed. I didn't want this  porch to look too sweet or  feminine. The Tulip in White pattern met the challenge. It is graphic and bold and what better color mix  for a porch than blue and white?

 Pillows add comfort and a pop of color on the solid blue Woodbrdige sofa.       

Dana Gibson Tulip on White Pillow

Accents like our new Window Pane Bowl or Vase add visual  interest.

     

Dana Gibson Tall Vase in Blue Window Pane

 

Dana Gibson Bowl in Blue Window Pane

Now you may have noticed this porch is without screens.  We are trying our luck in hopes the fan and mosquito service will keep pests at bay.  Happy summer to all.  I hope you spend some time outside in your outdoor spaces. It only takes comfortable seating to beckon you that way.