Outdoor Room: A Retreat
I’ve been slow to share this porch update — a simple makeover that took longer to document than expected thanks to bad weather and a few personal setbacks. Finally, I decided to photograph it even on a gray day. Living in the Pacific Northwest means a mix of beautiful and overcast days, but I’m grateful we don’t endure extreme heat.
Every summer since moving into this house I’ve set up a small spot on the porch to step away from the bustle of life. At first it was just a little table and a couple of chairs. Last summer I used the porch for coffee and work sessions, but I wanted this year’s version to be noticeably more comfortable — a real escape.
BEFORE
Here’s how the porch looked the first year I lived here: functional, but not very comfortable or finished. This summer I wanted to take that covered front porch to the next level.
With help from Lowe’s, what began as a quick weekend refresh turned into a purposeful outdoor room. I kept the project simple and practical so it would be achievable in a short time. The remaining tasks are to sew a few throw pillow covers and paint the front door — those touches will be revealed soon. For now, here’s what I’ve accomplished and the approach I used.
Here are 7 tips I used in creating my outdoor room.
Tip One: Dream of Ambience.
Before I started, I envisioned the mood I wanted: a lodge-style tropical retreat that complements the craftsman architecture of our home. Imagining a specific ambience helped guide my choices and kept the design cohesive.
Tip Two: Make it Comfortable & Functional.
On a trip to Lowe’s I found outdoor chairs that were exactly the comfy, resort-like pieces I imagined. They’re so inviting I’m drawn to them every day, and the porch gets used far more as a result. I also picked up nesting tables that are easy to move around — perfect for drinks, a laptop, or decorative items. Function paired with style keeps the space useful and enjoyable.
Tip Three: Lay the right foundation.
To create a true outdoor room, a rug was essential. Living in a rainy, tree-filled area means debris is a constant issue, so I chose a durable, debris-concealing outdoor rug that’s easy to clean. The rug grounds the seating area and makes the porch feel cozy and pulled together.
Tip Four: Lighting makes the room beautiful, even at night.
Although the porch is used a lot during the day, I wanted it to feel welcoming after dusk too. I kept an existing ceiling lantern and added candle lanterns and string lights for a soft, inviting glow. I use battery-operated candles for safety where needed, and the layered lighting makes evenings on the porch feel special.
Tip Five: Plants bring life and serenity to the room.
Plants deepen the retreat feeling. A couple of potted palms give a tropical touch and sway beautifully in the breeze. I also included ferns, hydrangeas, succulents, and small trailing plants to create texture and variety. The greenery helps the porch feel like a peaceful, natural extension of the home.
Tip Six: Texture gives the space character.
Texture adds depth and warmth. I fell in love with a river-rock style planter that instantly added a spa-like quality to the space. A hanging reed basket filled with ferns functions like a window box and contributes organic texture. Woven baskets for hydrangeas and other textured containers help the porch feel layered and intentional.
Tip Seven: Accessories make the room.
Accessories bring personality and spark conversation. A weather vane, bird cage, shabby mirror, old fireplace log holder, wooden crate with small plants and decorative items, succulents, rocks, shells, and throw pillows all add charm and make the porch uniquely mine. These finishing touches transform the area into a warm, lived-in retreat.
Next on the list: sewing colorful fabric into more throw pillows for this porch and a few pieces for the back deck. I’ve also created another outdoor nook I’m excited to share soon.
Items provided by Lowe’s for this room:
Chairs and nesting tables
Plants
Outdoor rug
Several lanterns
Outdoor pillow
Reed window basket
River rock planter
Catch up on other posts in my Outdoor Project series this summer:
Weekend Project: Family Fire Pit
Weekend Project: Pallet Garden
UPDATE: See my 2014 updated front porch for more ideas and a later reveal.
