I’m hosting a Garden Party with The Home Depot on May 10, as part of their #SpringMadeSimple events. There’s going to be a chef with garden-to-table ideas, an expert gardener to answer questions, and we’ll get some ideas and help with a few gardening projects.
Since I’ve been in kind of an outdoor mindset, I figured it was time to give a little attention to the front porch. It was so pretty when we first saw this house last summer! The garden was green and lush, and there were roses arching over the entry. It was kind of ridiculous how pretty it was.
Nothing is in bloom out front yet though, and it’s pretty apparent that the porch is lacking when not surrounded by greenery. It curves around the side of the house, but then stops short of actually being a wraparound, so the layout is a little funny. Right now, it’s furnished with two Adirondack chairs that were left by the previous owners, and an empty black planter. That’s it.
It will be much nicer when the trees leaf out, but man, how I wish I had these crazy benches right now. Or an insane peacock chair or two to go out there. Really though, those Adirondack chairs aren’t what I would pick but they’re fine. I think a couple of pillows, plants, and a new doormat could go far, plus we have some stuff from the last house that might work.
I’m going to go pick up some plants tomorrow so the house will look nice for Eleanor’s birthday party this weekend, and I’ll spruce up the front porch a bit. I’ll share the space again next week, after it’s done! And then next weekend, I’ll be at the Chicago store on Lincoln & McCormick from 1-4. You can find out more and RSVP. It’s going to be fun, and I hope to see some of you there!
Kimberly | Turning It Home
May 1, 2014 at 10:34 amThat bench is intense! I recently found a peacock chair at a thrift store for $7 – now all I need is a pretty porch to keep it. ;)
Making it Lovely
May 1, 2014 at 2:01 pmWhat a find! The cheapest I’ve seen is about $200.
Marcee ... ILLINOIS
May 6, 2014 at 12:00 pmWe have a huge peacock chair in my attic. You can have complimentary. Not sure re condition now. Haven’t checked since last year. Trying to downsize …. minimize “things.” Becomes a huge burden when growing older.
Laura
May 1, 2014 at 10:57 amI used to live out by that Home Depot! If I still were in the area, I would totally go…it’s a little too far for us now, I’m afraid (we’re now in the Southwest ‘burbs). I’m looking forward to seeing how you end up styling your front porch, I’m sure it’ll be fabulous. :)
Danielle
May 1, 2014 at 1:50 pmWhat does the little plaque on your front door say? It was alittle hard to make out.
Making it Lovely
May 1, 2014 at 2:00 pm“Deliver All Goods in Rear”
And sure enough, we do sometimes get packages delivered to the back door.
Danielle
May 1, 2014 at 7:49 pmHaha!
Marcee ... ILLINOIS
May 6, 2014 at 12:02 pmYou see how much attention people give to your blog Nicole? We try and absorb everything! Your fans are amazing for sure … haha!
Brook
May 1, 2014 at 2:18 pmI feel like that funny almost wraparound porch would make much more sense with a porch swing tucked into the dead-end leg. Or maybe that would put the swing in an awkward spot, blocking a window?
Jen
May 2, 2014 at 6:44 amI had the same thought. I think a swing would be lovely — I wish I had a spot for one at my house!
Laura
May 1, 2014 at 2:43 pmThose benches are so cool! Have you tried craigslist? People around these parts practically give away all kinds of wicker and rattan furniture, esp peacock chairs.
Traci
May 1, 2014 at 8:11 pmThe scene with the arch and flowering roses is so beautiful!
Bathroom Inspiration and Collard Greens
May 2, 2014 at 12:28 am[…] I’m obsessed with Nicole’s front porch! That beadboard, those arches, that screen door! Perfect for an evening game of cribbage! […]
Cottage David
May 2, 2014 at 12:03 pmI am a lover of wonderful porches, and this one is close to the top!
P.S. I want your screen-door!!
Nicole
May 2, 2014 at 2:25 pmThat peacock chair! Swoon! I have mixed feelings about front porches as we spend most of our yard time in the back (privacy!)… I have a hard time justifying spending much more than the cost of flowers for out front, much as I’d love to put a bistro set or something cute on our front porch!
Suzi (The Pillow Studio)
May 3, 2014 at 5:58 amI can’t wait to see what pillows you pick– a few good pillows can make such a huge impact. Love the porch. :)
Beaner
May 4, 2014 at 12:35 amI love your front porch! But what goes into maintaining all of that wood in a city with weather extremes? I would love to hear more about the challenges of keeping a huge, historic house in good shape if you ever feel like sharing! All I know is that my basic 20-year-old 2-story challenges me in terms of maintenance … I just wonder how an old house owner keeps up with it all.
sandi m
May 5, 2014 at 12:17 pmNicole, Have you ever seen the wrap porch on the Victorian house at Chicago and Oak Park Avenues (NEC)? I could just live on the porch. Love how the family changes it up every season. Take a ride over if you haven’t seen it.
Yours will look lovely. Like the swing suggestion that overs above made.
Too bad your event is this Saturday – I’ll be in Rockford at the Main Street Market.
The Front Porch of the Victorian | Making it Lovely
May 8, 2014 at 2:44 pm[…] and I hope you’ll be able to come! But before I get to the details of the event, as promised last week, I have the updated front porch to share with you today. There are still a few little things to do […]
judy
May 9, 2014 at 10:33 pmthe porch is so pretty even without the foliage. But boy doesn’t moving create expense after expense. After living in an old home my husband talked me into a brand new home-no repairs no expense-right? Ha! turns out changing out the builder things in a new house is just the beginning, comes the fence for the dog cause wandering an unfamiliar neighborhood @ 2 in the morning with an old dog that takes an eternity to find the exactly right place that does not involve the neighbors landscaping is hard! And then the sod- cause the grass didn’t grow and then the irrigation system cause the sods dying and then the shrubs, flowers, and a small tree cause “luxury landscaping” is allowable hyperbole in selling a house. Lived there 4 years and didn’t meet anyone over 9 years old so moved back to where at least a few residents are old and grey- very reassuring. I hope this home is always a joy to you , and as talented as you are you’ll figure it all out and it will be/is lovely.