Well hello, friends! My apologies for being MIA. It has been a rough few months. With a lot going on in just about every facet of our lives, there has been little to no free time to blog over the past few months. However, that is about to change! You can expect my usual 3-4 posts per week to be back with all new content. One of the things that has taken up a lot of my time is working on the house. More on that later, but as we start to make progress with renovations and decorating, I’m looking forward to sharing it with you! Kicking off the home decor series with one of my new favorite “rooms” in the house: the screened in porch.

The Screened In Porch

While we were searching for homes last summer, we had our list of “wants” and “must-haves.” Hint: a screened in porch wasn’t on the list. But when we first came to look at our now house, it was something that really attracted us to the house. Growing up, I can’t say a screened in porch was even something I expected to have. But, after seeing the house the first time, it was something that really grew on us.

I have found that screened in porches are pretty popular in Virginia. Our realtor was actually in the process of building one at her house. And after hearing the price to build one, I was certainly glad it had already been done for us. Overall, the “bones” of the house are in good shape. There are a few renovations that will happen in the future, but for the most part, the changes we are making are cosmetic. We moved into the house in late September, so we knew any work on the porch could wait until spring. However, I did see patio and outside furniture that was on sale in early November and I bought this sectional. I couldn’t pass up the price! Richard and I was looking forward to the spring weather to fully enjoy this new space.

Springtime Pollen

I am not a huge fan of the outdoors or the heat, so we knew the screened in porch would be most enjoyed in the spring and fall temperatures. However, we did not account for the amount of pollen that would COVER the entire porch and everything in it. Ya’ll. The pollen was INSANE! We live in a pretty wooded area and the pollen was just awful this year. We decided to wait until the pollen was over before cleaning and completing the decorating process. And speaking of cleaning, I feel like I could write an entire post on how we cleaned this space! And while it looks good now, I should have taken a picture of the before. WOW. Still trying to come up with an idea on how to stop the pollen from coming in next year – haha! – Let me know if you have any suggestions 🙂

The Finished Product

After collecting different pieces over the spring, I was so happy to finally put everything together so that we could start enjoying the space. Originally, I had bought black and white stripe cushions from AtHome to use on the sectional. The measurements worked and I had my heart set on a black and white theme. But, when we put the cushions next to the chairs (they are more of an off-white), the black and white AtHome cushions looked cheap and the color was just off. I had envisioned this space with black and white cushions and pink and palm print accessories since last summer when we first saw the house. Needless to say I was disappointed. However, I have to say I like the neutral palette. I was totally against these beige cushions that came with the sectional when it arrived, but I like how it works with the palm print pillow and palm tree. We will see how I feel by the end of summer — I could always find a fabric I like and make covers for the cushions but at this point, I’m happy with the result.

With the addition of the flowers, it really adds some color to the room. And for not being an outdoorsy person, I am a huge fan of the screened in porch. It’s like being outside without really being outside! The previous owners left the lights and I have to say, it adds a fun touch 🙂

Shop the Post

Sweater, sold out (similar here)

Cropped Jeans, old (similar here)

Wedges

Sectional (comes with coffee table)

Chairs, on sale!

Geometric Side Table

Table, sold out (similar here) & Chairs

Candles

Palm Pillow – AtHome (not online)

Flower Pots – AtHome (not online)

Rug

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Thanks for stopping by, friends! See you back here on Wednesday for an all new Wednesday Wishes. Have a great start to the week!