Yesterday it was 65 degrees. Today: 27. Still, I keep thinking ahead to spring and all of the things I’d like to do outside.
As cute as our front porch is (and it is pretty cute), I’m wondering if maybe it should be more of a lounge area.
Right now those chairs are on the patio in the backyard, mixed in with some other wooden folding chairs. The white ones are much more comfortable, so I’m thinking about picking up four more so that we can have a matching set. It bugs me that the chairs are all mixed up! I don’t think I could ever go for the artfully mismatched look, even though I think it looks great when other people do it.
But… I can’t decide.
Option 1: Put the four white chairs we already have back on the front porch and keep it as a little dining area (it’s nice to sit there when it’s raining). Store the uncomfortable wooden chairs (we have 6) for extra party seating. Find 8 new matching (and inexpensive) chairs to go around the table in the backyard.
Option 2: Keep the four white chairs on the patio and pick up four more (they’re only $30 each). Store the 6 uncomfortable wooden chairs for extra party seating. Find lounge furniture for the front porch. Maybe two comfy chairs and a little side table? Maybe a porch swing or a gliding bench?
Any ideas?
I like options number 2! A bench/swing sounds lovely!
I vote for lounging. Something where you can put your feet up. :)
I would have something like this:
http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=810&f=4583&viewall=1
(Lower budget idea, but I’d want to change the fabric/colours:) http://www.target.com/Home-Meraseine-Loveseat/dp/B000FIA3NG/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_1?ie=UTF8&pf_rd_r=098H840MZ1H8VC5KTNP5&pf_rd_p=447415501&pf_rd_i=B000RAZ8SC&pf_rd_s=left-5&pf_rd_m=A1VC38T7YXB528&pf_rd_t=201
And then have a fun chair for a pop of colour?
http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=810&f=5007&viewall=1
Perhaps a small side table as well for potted flowers or solar lamps?
http://www.target.com/Home-South-Bali-Accent-Table/dp/B000FHQIX6/qid=1236801050/ref=br_1_10/180-1801547-0634260?ie=UTF8&node=401122011&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1
There’s nothing saying that you can’t eat dinner out on the porch in a lounge-y fashion (and watch the neighbours for entertainment!).
Option 2. Lounge and people watch in the front, party in the back. I like the idea of a swing with pillows in an Amy Butler print to make it comfortable and give it a pop of color. Nice to rock the baby in the summer time!
I like both. I know I’m no help. I like the idea of when it’s raining, or when you want to bring baby outside having the shade. You and Hubby could enjoy dinner on the porch and have the baby there with you.
However a lounge area would be nice to relax in after the baby goes to sleep and you can enjoy a nice glass of lemonade while still being able to hear baby in the house.
I’m sure whichever you choose it will look great!
Take care,
Lisa
option 2!
I would go with option 2. I would get a swing for the front porch…even adults like to rock themselves to summer afternoon naps sometimes. :)
But I also have a question about that huge lounging chair in your backyard…not sure what its called. How do you keep it dry when its raining out? It looks divine in that photo…and since I saw photos of your backyard I have been fantasizing about being able to spend one lazy afternoon rt there reading/lounging on that chair with a plate of oranges to eat/smell or both…I am so jealous of you right now! But great backyard really!
Definitely Option 2. The backyard is a bigger space for entertaining and eating. I think a lounge area in the front would be cute.
A front porch just isn’t a front porch without a swing! (Your soon to arrive bundle of joy would probably enjoy it, too.)
I say go for a “loungier” look on the front porch.
Your home is lovely, and no matter what you choose, I know it will be beautiful.
Ditto on the front porch lounge sentiment. I don’t know how you feel about cushions and wicker, but any comfortable is nice. I always think of front porches like yours as a place to relax with a drink and talk with friends.
I also like Option 2. I have a porch swing and a lounge-type chair on my porch and it works out really well. I sit out on the swing almost all year ’round.
Definitely get a porch swing for the front! A couple chairs and a little table wouldn’t be bad either, but we love our porch swing!
I love option 2 as well… and holy smokes- the wicker, hammock thing is amazing. where is it from?
Where did you get the white chairs from? Option 2 for sure.
I’m feelin the swing on the porch. I promise it will be a perfect location to rock the baby while sitting close to your honey. Perhaps while drinking a mint lemonade? Maybe someone could rub your feet? ha ha ;)
I suppose it depends how often you use the front as an eating area. If it rains a lot and you use it regularly, then definitely keep it.
If you’re finding that you prefer to eat on the patio and you’d like something comfier for the front, do that (with the knowledge that you can always carry some folding chairs out there if you occasionally want it for a covered eating space).
A swing would be nice on the front porch. If you get lounging chairs you may not be able to see over the railing and it’s always fun to people watch and eat outside when it’s raining…under shelter. Either way, I’d buy more comfortable chairs and put away the rest for guest.
Definitely option 2. Some kind of L-shaped bench seating with comfy (weatherproof) cushions, maybe with storage underneath? You could still have a couple little tables so you can put your feet up/dine outside.
PS: I love your blog. It’s the best distraction when I’m of tired of working on research papers.
i like option 2 best, but bear in mind that there is no rain (or too much sun) protection to your backyard dining area so think about whether you will miss not having it under cover in the front at those times.
also – i have been looking for something exactly like your wicker egg lounge thing. where is it from?
i love option #2, being cuddly & cozy on the front porch swing sounds all to dreamy, especially if it’s raining :) but where did you get those white 30 dollar chairs and the red table? LOVE them :) thx & congrats on baby.
A porch swing for sure!
I love the idea of an old fashioned porch swing…I wish that I had a porch to put one on- Your house is lovely by the way.
I vote for option #2. Porch swings are the best. :)
We have a front porch and have 2 children so here are my 2 cents. . . we debated a swing which is lovely but opted for a pop of color with 2 fifties style retro garden chairs and metal table. Stationary chairs are safer for kids. A glider could be a nice way to get the rocking action but without the fear of a broken window, arm or stucco repair bill.
You should check out the Ikea summer catalogue. Think that apartmenttherapy posted it a little while ago. They have some cute things.
I wish my Oak Park bungalow had a front porch. Instead I have to get by with enjoying my neighor’s. I vote for a porch swing or glider. And you’d probably still have room for two chairs with a side table in between them. Great for relaxing, socializing and saying hi to the passersby. You already have a nice dining area in back.
Definitely option 2, I just looked @ porch swings a week or so back when I received the grandinroad catalog, however they only have 3 colors in their savannah porch swing.
http://www.garden.com has a whole slew of color options in their southclassic slatback porch swing and a bit less expensive. Overstock.com has some too. Unsure what style porch swing you’re thinking.
We have two all weather rockers on our cover front porch with a little table and very much enjoyed rocking our little girl out there was she was a baby, especially on the warm nights. Have fun picking!
With a baby, believe me, you will (and so will the baby) love love love a porch swing. It is the best way to relax with or without them on a hot summer afternoon. Where is the egg lounger from in your backyard?
I MUST say PORCH SWING…’cause you and baby will LIVE on it. Add cushions and a quilt and you will LOVE it!
I’d go with more lounge-type furniture on the front porch. I like the idea of sitting on the front porch on summer evenings drinking a glass of wine and just chatting….
I love porch swings, especially on the front porch. I also think rocking chairs would be nice, but you’d want to find some that weren’t too traditional since I doubt you want to evoke a Southern vibe.
…In short, go with something that rocks. Literally. :)
Heck yeah I have an idea. Ikea’s new Summer furniture is coming out soon. That’s what I’m waiting for. Ahhhhh……
With the wee one coming, I would go for a swing/comfy area on the porch. The house I grew up in had the loveliest porch and swing and when I think on my childhood it seems to me like we as a family lived on that porch.
I have a covered balcony in the back of my house. It overlooks a golf course, which is nice, even though we don’t golf. I have to tell you how much we really really enjoy the furniture we bought two years ago. Just last Saturday, when it was 75 here in metro DC, and after we spent all day scrubbing down every square inch, my daughter said, “This is like another room in our house.”
We decided to buy two larger wicker rockers and had the cushions redone in a higher quality cushion and fabric. We also have a small sofa with a wood frame and a matching ottoman. Two side tables, pots of pansies (right now, at least until it gets too hot in May), and an outdoor rug add to the perfection. The strong winds that often come off the nearby Potomac have broken two attempts at table lamps, so this year we are sticking to candles and bringing them in every night.
As for outdoor dining, we just eat with our plates in our laps. It makes for a party atmosphere. Drinking a glass of wine on a balmy night outside on my balcony is truly as much heaven as I will ever need.
Like the most people said: I go for the option #2. And I think that (like u called) a “little dining area” should be more private, on the backyard… i don’t know, i just like my privacy haha! =D
And obviesly, everybody enjoy and LOVE a porch swing.=D
I only have one word to say … DAYBED! Imagine afternoon naps with the rain. Deep enough so that all 3 of you and Murray can fit. Deep enough to sit and chat, lay down and chat, relax and read, relax and sleep and deep enough to sit up casually and play games with the wee little one as she gets older. Beautiful comfy cushions that can be changed and updated as and when you want to – maybe made out of Amy Butler fabrics. Oh la la! DAYBED! DAYBED! DAYBED! All the way! It would look fab! Love your work. Bye :)
Hmm I say option 2! There’s nothing better than a comfy outdoor lounge.
i was going to say make it baby & mummy friendly – but lots of other people beat me to it. you have such a gorgeous style – i can’t wait to see what you come up with. porches are a lovely place to be with and without baby – they seem to love the fresh air (and it can be a great place to help you get some fresh air too!)
enjoy!!! :)
Option Two. I think porches should be comfy.
I would go for a day bed on your front porch, but what ever you choose will be delightful, you have amazing style!
I too love your wicker egg chair, they are popular (and relatively cheap) in Indonesia.
I have a very similar one, tear drop shaped with a light inside. We call it Pondok Indah, which means beautiful hut in Bahasa Indonesian.
I would try to have a small cocktail table with two chairs to eat at and maybe comfortable but totally stylish rocker at the other end.(i see it in my head but might not be making sense on writing)! The reason I say this is that even when it raining out you could eat breakfast or snack at table. When it was done you could rock and enjoy the neighborhood. I love eating outside and would do it everyday if I could.
I say- sell the uncomfortable chairs on Craigslist (just do say that in the ad) because you want to be kind to your company by not making them sit in crappy chairs so they will come back to your next party. Then use the money to buy more for the back yard. Then get a glider or swing for the porch because you will use the heck out of it now that you have a baby on the way and even as she gets older she will enjoy the swinging motion.
I am going with the crowd #2. And I would also like to know where the egg chair came from???
Cyber hugs, RR
option 2!
go for a swing in the front… your baby will love it, and you dont need 2 outdoor dining spots. add some cute pillows and maybe a little side table….
but you have great taste so whatever you choose will be fabulous!
Girl, you better get to it. Once that baby comes, you won’t even remember what your chairs look like, let alone have time to re-work the porch. But I love your ideas. Blessings!
I vote for option two…something comfortable to lounge with baby!!!
Option 2! (speaking from the experience of someone who has a covered front porch and a covered back patio). We use our front porch for watching the world go by. There are two wooden rockers (found at a flea market – they don’t match :-)) and a small tile table (found at TJ Maxx). It’s just enough for a cup of coffee or a cocktail. The back patio is where we have our table & chairs for dining. Gliders and swings are nice, but you’ll get more use out of two chairs – and they’re more comfy.
Hi! Just put the 4 white chairs with the other 4 so you’ll have a nice set. I think it would be nice if you would paint the red ones white and store them.
And on your patio a porch swing and some lounge chairs would be very nice!
Good luck!
I love the dining area you have in the back. I would suggest putting away the uncomfortable chairs to use for extra seating and purchasing four more white chairs (I too love the look of mismatched chairs when someone else does it but can’t tolerate it for myself) to finish off the dining area.
I think for the front porch I think a more lounge like set up would be perfect. Once the baby comes it will be really nice to put up your feet and get a little fresh air on the porch either with the baby or at night with the hubby. It’s amazing how your house can feel like it’s caving in on you when your inside all day with a new baby! If you have enough room I love the idea of a swing/glider and then a couple of comfy chairs with a side table.
Option 1!
……just kidding, option 2. Porch swing or BUST. My mom has a glider in her back yard and the babies LOVE it.
There is nothing better than a porch with a swing. Add some comfy cushions and you can sit there for hours. I love the wicker pod chair in your backyard. Too cute!!
Go for the porch swing! What a perfect spot to spend a spring afternoon with your new baby. She (and you!) will love it.