Patio & Porch Must-Haves


Can you believe I made this DIY headboard bench in one day? This week my good friend from college and her daughter are coming to visit the cottage for the first time. I wanted to make their short stay as comfortable as possible. The weather forecast is a good one and we’re sure to spend most the time outside on the water or inside the screened in porch. The 8′ by 18′ screened porch gets the most use since it’s view faces the lake and allows the cool breezes in without the bugs. We eat all meals out there and spend family time playing games, reading or playing guitar in the fresh air.  When it came to decorating I had to use this small space effectively.  I needed additional seating for larger dinner parties and a place to lounge, nap and even sleep at night.

Garage Sale finds

Last Fall I had found a very cool headboard at a garage sale that I loved but didn’t really have a use for. (Something I do often…buy things I like but don’t need. EEEK)  I decided to make a daybed from the old kingsized headboard.

Patterns, Paint, Poufs and Porches. Entertaining with small spaces by MemeHill.com  After making a base slightly smaller than a twin sized bed and attaching it to the headboard I sanded the loose paint and painted it a cobalt blue color Modern by Velvet Finish One Step Paints by Kellie Smith. A fabulous paint that has a built-in primer, paint. and top finish. I gave it two coats and let it dry overnight. I could see the headboard bench becoming one of our favorite spots to hang out!

Daybed cushions and pillows

I headed out to HomeGoods to for some fun lake inspired accessories to cozy this space up. Now I’m not shy to mix my patterns and have a self proclaimed pillow obsession. You really can never have too many accent pillows. I found a striped lounge chair cushion for the seat and a red white and blue octopus down filled pillow on clearance. That was the the base of my color palette. In addition to a pair of rope and navy, and grommet pillows I found a pair of red pillows with turquoise tassels. I layers them all and added a pom pom red throw blanket, blue ink drop window panels, and a pair of fun navy and cream poufs. Blue powder coated metal stacking chairs from Marshall’s are the perfect addition to my husbands great Aunts extending table.  A comfortable chic solution for our small entertaining space.

A large galvanized metal serving tray embossed with he words DRINKS AHOY is the perfect way to transport drinks and snacks from the porch to the dock. I just love the bouy handle.

Everyone who comes to the cottage ends up spending the majority of time on our cozy front porch….  We even gave the front yard a makeover with a fire pit and paver outdoor dining. Summer may coming to a close but we make sure the beer is cold and the campfire is hot. Here’s to a wonderful close to Summer.

Happy Labor Day Friends! xoxo Amie

Everyone who comes to the cottage ends up spending the majority of time on our cozy front porch....  Summer may coming to a close but we make sure the beer is cold and the campfire is hot. 

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