You know how I’ve been talking about whipping my outdoor spaces into shape? Actually, I think I’ve been talking about it… if not, I’ve been talking to myself about it quite often haha. This past Saturday was marked by a long awaited porch makeover and a relaxing date night on the deck. Made up of a covered porch and open deck area, we finally tackled the main outdoor living space (and saw Beauty and the Beast 😉 ). I’ll be sharing the latter next week (the open deck part – not the Beauty and the Beast part haha), but to give you an idea of the project, here’s what had to happen. Last summer, we had a dining table under the covered porch and lounge chairs on the open deck. I have wanted to traded in the loungers for a sectional-style seating area for a while and it seemed with the (possibly) harsh elements of the Georgia summers, a sectional would need to go under the covered porch to extend its lifespan. We purchased one a couple months ago, ditched the loungers, and moved the table. It was super bare- a few basic pieces with no defined space between the two sections. I don’t have a true “before” to show how desperate this space was but I did manage to pull an image from last year’s Bloggers’ Progressive Dinner to give you an idea of the covered porch layout. This is when it was dressed its absolute best ;).
While I won’t deny, this space was used a ton, it was cramped, and wasted the other half of the deck. For the last couple of months, I have been anticipating when I would be able to finish the spaces. I routinely start spring with World Market as the first place I seek inspiration and source outdoor decor – a practice I learned from my mom years ago. Her outdoor spaces are more vibrant but World Market has always been able to accommodate both of our styles, and super affordably. This year, I partnered with them and within an hour of browsing, searching, and loading my virtual cart, I had assembled my porch. We had an interesting pollen experience, a misbehaving blower, a wet-dry vac that saved the day, and an entire afternoon of planting and assembling the space. The result – I could (and literally, may) sleep out here.
Note: All sources are linked and listed at the bottom of this post. Post contains some affiliate links.
I wanted to stay true to myself, which doesn’t involve a ton of bright colors, so similarly to my spring home tour (HERE), I decided on blue and white to compliment my neutral pieces. When I was placing my order, I can’t even remember which came first – the wall medallions? The chair? The rug? The pillows? Speaking of pillows, I had no idea that World Market carried Sunbrella pillows. Like my furniture cushions, I always look for Sunbrella when I can for fade resistance and quality.
After standing on the porch railing to hang curtains for too long (my job), planting, hanging art, and cleaning, we took advantage of our little nook right then. When I say we “live” out here during warm weather season, we really live out here. We don’t have a mounted TV but Dave did get one specifically for this space, that lives in a closet when its not in use. Outdoor dinner and movie date nights at home are our absolute favorite.
There weren’t any movies Saturday night but, there was sangria, appetizers, and a guitar ;). (If you were wondering, Dave is the super talented one. I just sit and smile, haha)
My deck entertaining essentials are 1. a good selection of trays (pictured); and 2. acrylic drinkware. I love these bordeaux glasses because they don’t look plastic. My fridge and pantry essentials – jalepeño Palmetto Cheese, fruit, and bread/crackers. With these, you will always be ready to feed guests who stop by and have a light, summer meal.
For our dates on the porch, I love using a tray as a tabletop and keeping it simple without the fuss. Cleanup at the end of the night is so much easier, having a “tabletop” that can be carried inside.
Here’s a peek of the other side of the deck 😉
I’ll be hoping to fit in another date night just like this, this coming weekend. What are your outdoor living essentials? Next week, I’ll be sharing the other side of this space and the following week, I’ll be sharing the never-before-seen screened porch off of our bedroom.
Rug | Gray Woven Chair | Striped Sunbrella Pillows | Striped Sunbrella Lumbar Pillow | White Sunbrella Pillows | Navy Sunbrella Pillow | Navy Sunbrella Lumbar Pillow | White Metal Drum Stool | White Side Table | Wall Medallions | Glass Hurricane | Acrylic Wine Glasses | Small Bowl | White Tray | Thai Teracotta Floor Vase | Floral Napkins | Gray Spinwash Salad Plates | Carafe | Ivory Throw | White Caleb Lantern | Sectional: Costco | Planter (size: trough) | Outdoor Curtains (108″ in white) | Curtain Tension Rods
Kris {Driven by Decor} says
April 5, 2017 at 8:26 amLOVE how your space looks Kelley! I’m especially smitten by that sectional and chair – such great pieces. I think I’d be living in this space 24/7 this spring!
Kelley Nan says
April 5, 2017 at 8:43 amKris, thank you! We are so happy to be spring-ready!
Julie says
June 21, 2017 at 8:16 amWhere did you get the sectional?
Kelley Nan says
June 23, 2017 at 10:31 amIt was an in-store Costco find 😉
Jennifer Gainer says
April 5, 2017 at 8:34 amOh Kelley this turned out so good, I really like how cozy it is,a great place for cocktails with friends.
Kelley Nan says
April 5, 2017 at 8:44 amJen, thank you! When are y’all coming over? 😉
MARION DUFFIELD says
April 5, 2017 at 8:46 ambeautiful and cozy!! Wonderful job. I cannot wait to get back home and get started on mine!
Kelley Nan says
April 5, 2017 at 10:25 amMarion, thank you!! Aren’t outdoor spaces so fun to decorate??
Ingrid Bohannon says
April 5, 2017 at 9:19 amKelley, this looks so beautiful and inviting. All your hard work paid off big time! Seeing your deck takes me back to my Georgia days, but I sure as heck don’t miss that pollen, lol!!! Fantastic job, and Happy Spring to you!
Kelley Nan says
April 5, 2017 at 10:26 amIngrid, thank you! And I TOTALLY understand. 3 days later and we already have a nice yellow coat again! haha
Susan Carr says
April 5, 2017 at 9:26 amKelly, this looks beautiful! So glad you embraced the blue and white outside and know you guys will be spending all of your time out here (when you can)! I’m sure the fur kids will make themselves at home here as well if they haven’t already! Love you!
Kelley Nan says
April 5, 2017 at 10:26 amSusan, thank you!! EVERYONE should see your outdoor space- it is spectacular. xoxo love you!
Sarah says
April 5, 2017 at 9:33 amThis is SO gorgeous! The sectional is perfect here. And I seriously ordered those exact same pillows. #greatminds
Kelley Nan says
April 5, 2017 at 10:26 amSarah, I giggled when I saw! But what a deal on sunbrella!!
Sharon says
April 5, 2017 at 9:45 amThanks so much for sharing your beautiful and relaxing makeover space, Kelley! You’ve inspired me — again!
Kelley Nan says
April 5, 2017 at 10:27 amSharon, thank YOU for taking the time to stop by! I hope you have so much fun prepping your outdoor space this year!
Tamara says
April 5, 2017 at 9:45 amThis looks fabulous and it’s getting me so excited to get our patio ready!! Now if the snow would just melt already! I especially love all the blues!! Gorgeous!
Kelley Nan says
April 5, 2017 at 10:28 amI can’t believe you still have snow! So excited for you and your outdoor space; it will be magnificent!
Bree says
April 5, 2017 at 10:23 amKelley this is unbelievably gorgeous and I know you and Dave will enjoy the heck out of this space this spring & summer!! I love all of your selections and really love, love that chair!!! 🙂 Xoxo
Kelley Nan says
April 5, 2017 at 10:29 amBree, thank you so much! I didn’t know if the chair would be comfortable but it totally is- woo!
Haneen says
April 5, 2017 at 10:50 amKelley, this space looks AWESOME! So inviting and festive, and I’ve been eyeing that woven chair! Fab!
Kelley Nan says
April 11, 2017 at 1:50 pmHaneen, thank you!! And I love it- sturdy but comfortable 😉
Gretchen Thomas says
April 5, 2017 at 11:47 amGosh…This looks great! I can’t wait to see in person. I absolutely love every detail!
Kelley Nan says
April 11, 2017 at 1:50 pmNan, thank you!! Such a “Nan” place to relax 😉
Tammy says
April 5, 2017 at 2:22 pmKelley, this is just so beautiful! Love it!! I need the sangria recipe please!!! ?
Kelley Nan says
April 11, 2017 at 1:50 pmTammy, I need to post it! So many questions on that!
Rebecca Shepeard says
April 5, 2017 at 2:22 pmGorgeous Kelley! You’ve outdone yourself per usual! Can’t wait to see it in person and enjoy some wine in those comfy seats!!
Kelley Nan says
April 11, 2017 at 1:49 pmBecca, so excited for y’all to come hang with us out here!!
Randi says
April 5, 2017 at 4:27 pmI love the transformation kelley! You did a really beautiful job!!! xo
Kelley Nan says
April 11, 2017 at 1:49 pmRandi, thank you! Wanna talk about transformations? How bout that iconic kitchen!?
Pat F. says
April 5, 2017 at 11:46 pmI love shopping at World Market…They have it all…Love the blue and white, so cool and inviting…Wonderful lightening,, so romantic… Looks like a great place for entertaining..
Kelley Nan says
April 11, 2017 at 1:47 pmPat, I agree! Definitely a go-to for outdoor 😉
Melinda says
April 6, 2017 at 6:52 amWould you share your sangria recipe? Thanks!
Kelley Nan says
April 11, 2017 at 1:46 pmMelinda, I need to post it soon; I had a bunch of questions on that!
Megan says
April 6, 2017 at 3:22 pmThis space looks amazing and so inviting! I may have missed this, but can you tell me where the sofa is from? I love the colors of it and the color of the cushions!
Kelley Nan says
April 11, 2017 at 1:43 pmHi, Megan! It was a Costco find! 😉
Kally says
May 17, 2017 at 3:49 pmWas this an instore find or online? I’ve been stalking our local Costco and their selection is awful compared to what I’m seeing others find!
Kelley Nan says
May 24, 2017 at 10:59 amHi, Kally! It was an in-store find a few months ago. They are funny about carrying stock of just a few things and then phasing them out. Keep watching!
Jennifer - Decor Gold Designs says
April 11, 2017 at 8:14 pmThis looks fabulous Kel!!! You must want to sit out here 24/7! The woven chair is my dream chair and the new sectional looks so cozy and perfect for entertaining! Phenomenal job!
Ivory says
April 16, 2017 at 9:09 pmWow, I am in love. Very beautiful!
Kelley Nan says
April 18, 2017 at 9:06 amIvory, thank you so much!
Tara says
May 11, 2017 at 8:41 pmThis is such a beautiful makeover. Would you mind posting the brand of the sectional?
Kelley Nan says
May 11, 2017 at 11:05 pmHi, Tara! I am unsure but we got it from Costco 😉
Bev says
June 1, 2017 at 9:00 amI love this space . We’re did you get the single medallion on the first photo ( before the remodel ) ?
Kelley Nan says
June 1, 2017 at 10:07 amBev, thank you! It was a HomeGoods find 😉
Kala says
June 19, 2017 at 6:59 pmWhere did you get your dining table? I actually have the same sectional it is nice
Kelley Nan says
June 23, 2017 at 10:32 amIt was also a Costco find two years ago!
Lauren Alphin says
June 28, 2017 at 3:55 pmKelley, I always turn to your posts for inspiration. You design the most beautiful spaces. I’m currently working on my back porch and was hoping you could share your back porch measurements with me. It looks like your area is like mine, which is a little more narrow but longer. Also, where did you get that outdoor dining table? I love it!
Kelley Nan says
July 4, 2017 at 11:44 amLauren, I don’t have measurements on hand – would have to check- but yes, it is more long than wide. The table was a Costco find a couple of years ago!
hannah says
August 19, 2017 at 9:33 pmwhere can i find these string lights??? i am in market for some and i like how bright yours are.
Kelley Nan says
August 23, 2017 at 12:26 pmHannah, thank you! You can find a lot online BUT, my favorites are these which are COSTCO. They have them every year and a lot of times, they will run them for $10 off. I’m not sure if they still have them but if not, they will be back!
Kat says
April 3, 2018 at 1:50 pmHi! Beautiful porch. Thanks for the inspiration =) Can you tell me the size of the rug you got?
Kelley Nan says
April 5, 2018 at 8:07 amHi! I believe it is around 5×8
Debbie says
April 9, 2018 at 8:01 pmLove your style Kelleynan, we would love to see the deck, where did you get the deck furniture? thanks.
Kelley Nan says
April 10, 2018 at 9:14 pmHi, Debbie; thank you so much! I have a post on the other side where the table is here: https://kelleynan.com/appetizers-and-cheese-boards-a-different-centerpiece-for-outdoor-dining/ I have all sources listed at the bottom of both posts <3
Kelly Gavette says
January 30, 2019 at 8:34 amHi Kelley 🙂
Love your porch design! How did you get your string of lights to hang on the ceiling? Did you use hooks or something else?
Kelly Gavette
Kelley Nan says
February 2, 2019 at 9:50 amKelly, thank you! We used large hooks <3