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We love a good patio, and there’s no denying the pleasure of a garden in full bloom. The outdoor space that trumps them all, however, is a porch. Instantly conjuring up memories of stately inns or Grandma’s house, porches are tied to nostalgia and comfort—there’s no place we’d rather spend slow mornings and lazy evenings with an ice-cold drink in hand.
Since they offer protection from the elements, they’re also ripe for creative styling. Go all out with throw pillows or turn unsuspecting side tables into mini bar carts—these porches have the right idea.
The Two-Tone Stunner
Spice up the shutters with a fresh coat of paint, then take your imagination to the floor. We love the two-tone palette in this Key West, Florida, space. When the backdrop is this bold, who needs a rug?
The Moroccan Retreat
Bring those vibes home by echoing the laid-back style of this Tangier rooftop. Opt for a cushy low-profile sofa, prime for lounging in the shade with a good book, and calming sunset hues like dusty reds and earthy oranges.
The No-Fuss Conversation Pit
Simple chairs and limited clutter put the outdoors at the forefront. While it helps that this home’s backyard is the crazy-beautiful Joshua Tree, anyone can play up their surroundings with a complementary color scheme. Here, terracotta and cream tones mimic the desert vibes perfectly.
The Living Room Look-alike
On this Emily Henderson–designed porch, a chic matte black light fixture makes the area feel just like a cozy den (except this space probably gets a refreshing breeze, to boot).
The Less-Is-More Nook
Sometimes you have to work with what you have. And if what you have is only a couple of square feet outside your front door, add a bench. This pink house’s simple love seat, across from a pair of woven lanterns, is all the decor that’s needed to make a statement.
The Verdant Hideaway
A 100-year-old hacienda already has an advantage over most residences when it comes to cool architectural features, but there are plenty of style notes we can take from this spot. The most important? Surround yourself with greenery, whether in the form of potted succulents or tall, leafy trees.
The Makeshift Dining Room
If you have enough room to squeeze in a table, take a page from this courtyard and create an alfresco dining room. A pillar candle–laden hanging shelf is an unexpected alternative to standard pendant lighting.
The Patterned Pit Stop
Henderson turned her patio into a blue and white oasis, and the tile floor sets the scene.