We have officially hit the early summer sweet spot in the Midwest – the approximately two weeks of the year that the weather is perfect – sunny, breezy and beautiful.
And since it’s a pretty short time frame for perfection, we’d best enjoy it. And that means we are spending almost all of our waking hours outdoors.
Luckily for us, when we planned and built our home, we spent a good deal of time planning the most useful outdoor spaces. And we truly live outside most of the summer (even when it gets a little sticky and miserable).
If you are stopping over from my friend Julia at Cuckoo for Design, welcome to our back porch in rural Illinois! We built this house (and porch) and moved in about a year ago. We have already made ourselves at home – I hope you will, too.
I’m excited to be sharing as part of the Summer In Style Outdoor Edition with some of my very favorite bloggers – including my friend Katrina from Chic Little House.
So grab a mojito or a cold iced tea and stay awhile. (I promise you a little bit of Midwestern hospitality.)
Adding a screened-in porch to the back of the house is one of the best decisions we made when building our home. It keeps out the bugs and critters – and there’s almost always a nice breeze coming through. Add a fan and sun screen and it’s comfortable almost all spring, summer and fall.
You can often find our entire family chilling out here.
The views may also be part of the appeal. We live on 17 acres of land, and often get to spot the deer munching right outside the porch.
We have plants throughout the porch, but I think my favorite is this hanging pot. It was a Mother’s Day gift from my 5-year-old, and he’s always asking me if it’s my favorite. The answer – absolutely.
The hanger is also a special addition – it was actually from the mailbox of Ryan’s grandparents. Ryan remembers it from his childhood – and it was probably there for years before. Now it lives on at our home.
We also added this little nook for my son and his friends – the picnic table gets plenty of use during picnics and playtime and art projects. It’s one of his favorite places to play.
The space isn’t fancy, but it’s a great spot to gather and enjoy time as a family. Which is really the point anyway, right?
Here are a few other peeks at the space …
Thank you so much for stopping by! I wish I could have each of you over for a cold drink. But until then …
Next up on the blog hop, stop by Don’t Disturb this Groove. You’ll love her outdoor space!
And don’t miss all the amazing outdoor spaces this week – check them out below. They are full of amazing outdoor inspiration.
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daisy says
Love the history of your mailbox sign. What a wonderful tribute to family.
Looks like you’re ready for the 4th!
Enjoy.
Brandi says
Kim, your home feels like a hug. So warm and inviting. So peaceful and cozy. Such a beautiful home you and your husband have created for your family. And I can’t get over your lush greenery. Such a lovely porch to view those awesome rolling hills.
Kim Woodward says
Wish you were closer – would love to hang out on each other porches. And give a hug, too. (A real one.)
Katrina says
Kim! I love your outdoor space, your screened in porch is inviting and the view is amazing, I would totally be out there all day enjoying the view with wine in hand and I LOVE the mailbox holders its so sweet 🙂
Kim Woodward says
Thank you, Katrina! It’s a great space for our family.
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
Wow Kim that view is the perfect backdrop for your beautiful porch. Love the patriotic colors and feel of it. I would sit out there every morning with some coffee and every evening with some wine.
Kim Woodward says
The view definitely steals the show. We use it a LOT. (Using it right now. Great to hang here at the end of the day. Who needs TV with this view?)
Susan says
Cozy and comfortable . . . the hallmarks of a great porch – and you nailed it !
Kim Woodward says
Thanks so much, Susan! It’s nothing fancy, but it works well for us!
Cassie Bustamante says
your porch is such a great cheery place! i love that “relax” part the most!
Kim Woodward says
Thanks, Cassie! The relax is one of my favorite parts, too. Good reminder for summer!
Jaime Costiglio says
Kim I have always loved your porch space, the pig fencing gets me every time. And I spy the cutest wheelbarrow project 😉 So lovely.
Kim Woodward says
The wheelbarrow is great all year! Perfect for pillows in the summer!