We are headed into summer with our May Patio and Porch Pinterest Challenge. Cindy at County Road 407 chose a beautiful summer front porch for our inspiration. This porch was designed by Bria Hammel Interiors and is filled with inspiration.
If you are stopping by from Katie’s blog welcome!

I am so excited to see what the other ladies do with this challenge because I have to admit I struggled with my summer patio. But, what I love about our monthly challenges is they provide inspiration for all of us.

Our flagstone patio is right outside our kitchen. It is a smaller section of our larger patio.
As soon as we had our Dutch door installed last week I wanted to repaint my house and start over with this side of the patio. Thankfully, the Pinterest Challenge kept me focused on simple changes.

The back patio gets all the traffic because it is the key entry and exit point to our backyard. This square-shaped patio borders a step and walkway that takes the dogs and us to and from the front yard.

On the other side of the patio are two steps that lead to a firepit and farmhouse table I refinished a few years ago.

What I loved about the inspirational photo was the mix of color and textures.

Favorite Back Patio Elements Included:
- metal planters (love them)
- greenery
- rug (on order)
- wicker
- lighting
Let me start with those gorgeous metal planters! I would love those under the window on my patio.
I loved the use of ferns. But, the Colorado weather makes it nearly impossible to grow ferns on a west-facing patio.
I dragged this planter urn next to the back door to add a little color. It also acts as a backstop to the grill that is just around the corner. I need to add height to this planter using this idea.

I love boxwood and it does surprisingly well in Colorado.

Next, I rearranged the wicker chairs to create a little seating area.

I made a run to Home Depot on Sunday and purchased a few shrubs to add to this cement planter I bought at Homegoods last summer. The planter defines the space because of the walkway and oversized step behind it.


I purchased a fun plaid mat at Target for under $15.00, but when I placed it under the coir mat I thought the dogs would trash it in a day. So I moved that mat to the front porch with a goal to add a larger mat for the back patio. I ordered this mat for the back patio. It is washable. #wink
My absolute favorite addition to the summer porch is this cute little Magnolia birdhouse from Target.

I brought the bench around from my front porch. Either the bench is too low or the accessories are too short. I moved another bench around from the firepit and placed it under the kitchen window. What do you think?
Too many benches?

This was a fun challenge because seeing my photos on my blog pointed out what I want in this small space. Stay tuned.
I am not done with this Summer Patio Pinterest Challenge. #wink
Please head over to Cindy’s blog Cloches and Lavender for more inspiration!
Here is another favorite challenge.
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You have a beautiful patio! I love the bench and the little sitting area. Looks so cozy!
What a sweet place to sit a spell. That Magnolia birdhouse is absolutely charming!
The design touches are wonderful. I’d like to see a full shot…waiting over here! 🙂
Heather! Everytime I don’t have a wide shot I think of you! The wide shots include an electrical cord and scattered soil on the flagstone! xo xo laura
Your flagstone pathway is so pretty and I love the farmhouse table that you have for dining.
That bird house is darling. I love your sweet seating area.
Laura I just love the walkway and flooring of your porch. Your little bench is perfect size for a small area. I pinned this to see if I can make a little bench to sit on our front stoop. Love your area. So cute and cozy.
Thank you Terrie! I loved your post and wreath! laura
I need to look into boxwood for my area – it would be very pretty.
I look forward to see what else you do on the porch.
Such a pretty area, your landscaping is always amazing. Love that little birdhouse too.
Thank you Marty! The squirrels love that birdhouse too! laura
That table is awesome! And love it with the metal chairs. Now you whetted our appetite…I want to see the complete space!
Hi Lora! I am working on it! Thank you! laura
Sometimes small changes is all we need. Love your pathway and farm table btw. Hope you have a great week.
HI Cindy! Thank you for all you do behind the scenes! Happy Day! laura
Your porch IS about as small as mine! 😉 It’s all about what you can do with it!
I know right, Julie! I am just happy to have a little space! I am already switching it up! ha! laura
Hi Laura! I love the new bench area you’ve created based off of this month’s Pinterest Challenge!!! I like these challenges because then we see things we can bring to our own homes. Your birdhouse sure is cute and I can’t wait to see what all you do with your barn door!!! <3
Enjoy this new area,
Barb 🙂
What pretty detail you shared!!! The boxwood will look so pretty in your planters!
Thank you Yvonne! I love boxwood! Happy Friday,Laura