This post is in partnership with Birch Lane.
The products featured are new from Birch Lane, so scroll to the end for direct source links!
Hey there — I’m so glad you stopped by. I want to share before-and-progress photos of our side porch (just outside our newly remodeled kitchen) and offer a few simple tips for refreshing your own outdoor space.
With spring around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan outdoor projects so you can make the most of the sunny days ahead. I’m excited to spend the season updating this little area.
When we first moved in, the porch looked like this:
The side porch felt uninviting and neglected (even neighborhood cats steered clear). A few cosmetic changes would give the space a modern coastal cottage feel that suits our location.
For newcomers here, our home sits on Seattle’s west side with views of Puget Sound and, on clear days, the Olympic Mountains. Since installing a Dutch door, painting the brick white, adding a charming light fixture and staining the concrete, we’ve made good progress. There’s still more to do, but it’s coming together.
A quick behind-the-scenes note from the photo day: we had fleeting sun breaks, but don’t be fooled — it was freezing and windy most of the time. We reminded ourselves spring does come, and by summer this space will be lovely to use.
While setting things up between gusts, our dogs hopped up on the Dutch door to see what we were doing. That small moment made our day — exactly the cozy scene we imagined when we first dreamed of adding a Dutch door.
I’ve long pictured how we’d use this outdoor area. Beyond a clean path for carrying groceries into the kitchen, I wanted a table we’d actually use — a spot for morning coffee and a convenient surface for outdoor entertaining.
The teak table and durable chairs from Birch Lane are ideal for gatherings or quiet mornings. I’m looking forward to our first meal here.
I keep my hosting style casual, but I like pretty serving pieces. Small touches make spring and summer gatherings feel special without adding stress.
A conveniently placed table also serves as a handy landing spot when bringing things out from the kitchen.
Birch Lane’s melamine plates are perfect for outdoor use — more elegant than paper but still practical. I also love the copper-edged trays for carrying food down the steps to our backyard BBQ.
The serving baskets keep utensils and napkins organized and easy to transport.
A set of melamine glasses lets you serve drinks with style — they’re substantial enough to resist tipping on windy days and feature a design I really like.
When planning outdoor entertaining, think through what you’ll need ahead of time so you’re prepared and less stressed. On the day of an event, though, go with the flow — for example, our paper napkins kept blowing away during the photo shoot, so I used small potted flowers to weigh them down.
I knew I wanted copper accents to warm the porch. These hammered copper planters added the texture and color I envisioned. I can’t wait to shop for plants and fill the porch and side yard with lush greenery — it will be lovely to see plants from the kitchen window.
You don’t need a green thumb to add plant accents. Faux succulents are adorable and maintenance-free — perfect for decorating outdoor tables season after season.
Our yard fills with birds in spring, so small accessories that create outdoor destinations are a must. I love a simple bird feeder tucked among the flowers for a little extra charm.
If you don’t have blooms at home, bring in cut flowers from a farmer’s market or grocer. We pick up seasonal bouquets at our local market on Sundays and display them in casual galvanized containers for effortless arrangements.
This little turtle decoration is a sweet reminder of what summer should be about: slowing down and savoring the simple pleasures, like smelling the flowers.
Birch Lane offers well-priced, durable items that hold up over time. I’ve used several pieces from them and they’ve performed beautifully.
Shopping online with Birch Lane is convenient, and they offer free shipping on qualifying orders, which makes it easy to gather accessories for your outdoor refresh. You can find the items featured in this post via the sources listed below.
Sources: (update 2021 many of these are sold out but check Birch Lane for current products)
Callaway Chair or Side Chair
Table (similar)
White Melamine Dishes
Hammered Copper Planters
Riviera Plastic Water Glasses
Seagrass Cocktail Napkin Caddy
Seagrass Flatware Basket with Handles
Chickadee Bird Feeder
Coral and white pillow
Galvanized Planters (similar)
Faux Mini Plant Pots (set of 8)
Single Stalk Napkins
Come As You Are Mat
Outdoor Light
Other sources from our porch and home can be found in my shop page.
Now that you’ve seen what I’ve been working on, I invite you to visit two other talented bloggers who shared their outdoor space ideas with Birch Lane this week — you’ll find plenty of inspiration.
I’ll share more updates soon, including the new concrete patio, fence, and double gate to our backyard. We also hope to install porch railings, a front gate, more potted plants and string lights to create a cozy courtyard at night. Stay tuned this spring and summer for updates.
What outdoor areas are you planning to work on this season?
PS. I’m sharing tips today on Birch Lane’s Instagram — I’d love for you to stop by and say hello!