The Before Look
This screened-in porch is light and airy with high wooden ceilings and an open feel. We started off with an acacia wood sofa with cream patio cushions, woven and metal-rounded conversation chairs and a concrete and wood coffee table. But this porch was in dire need of some personality. Take a look at these three different styles and shop your favorites.
Tropical Oasis
Bright pinks, lush greens and lively blues bring this plain porch to life. Mix-and-match throw pillows in florals and palms are a fun contrast to the geometric bolsters that flank the sofa. Coral metal plant stands can do double duty as end tables, and an oversized sage outdoor rug grounds the look. Two large palms behind the sofa bring color and life to the porch.
One of the most overlooked areas of any room — indoors or out — is the ceiling. Depending on the color you use, it can make an area feel more spacious using light colors or dark, moody colors for a cozier feel. In this case, a bright white called Alabaster by HGTV HOME® by Sherwin-Williams (# HGSW-4031) creates an open, island feel.
If you'd like to paint the ceiling in a room or porch, watch this video on How to Paint a Ceiling.
Coastal Charm
Whether you live near the beach or want to pretend like you do, this screened-in porch brings the coastal vibes. In this space, we used shell and coral designs but softened it with khaki stripes and pompom pillows, so that it's a subtle nod to the beach without being too kitschy. Layer throw pillows and matching blankets for an easy and affordable way to bring color to a room.
Other accessories in this space include a white-washed garden stool to hold drinks or your favorite book and these multifunctional ottomans. The three-in-one magic poufs can also unclip to turn into a bean bag or flatten out as oversized floor pillows for extra seating.
For the outdoor rug, we chose one with the appearance of jute or sisal, but the durability and stain resistance of polypropylene. A general rule of thumb when choosing rug size is to pick one that covers the defined area. In this case, we ensured that all of the furniture in our conversation set is sitting on it. To find the perfect rug for your space, read How to Choose an Area Rug.
Once again, don't forget the ceiling. We painted it a cool pastel called Arial View by HGTV HOME® by Sherwin-Williams (# HGSW-1377) for the finishing touch.
A Modern Look
In this third look, we skipped the ceiling and turned up the wow factor with a statement floor. Encaustic cement tile in bold and dramatic patterns are everywhere these days, but they can be expensive and require sealing. However, these floors are porcelain, so they give you the look without the maintenance or price tag. Even better — they're waterproof and frostproof, so they can be used indoors or out. To replicate this look, read Learn How to Install Floor Tile.
To decorate this porch, we used bolsters and Greek key pillows in black and white to complement the floor. A striped blanket and string lights provide a cozy atmosphere for nights on the porch. Topiaries and ferns add some needed color, and charming ceramic garden stools provide a resting spot for snacks and drinks.