Summer Tour: Front Yard, Porch & Entry
Summer time and the living’s easy. Unless you have three kids. And a job. But who needs easy, right? We just need fun, especially after the past year. Our front yard isn’t especially beautiful, but it’s used for our every day summer living and it’s where we create memories. Today I am going to take you on a little tour of our front yard, porch and entry all set for summer! I do not go all out when it comes to summer decorating, but try to add happy little touches, like Bob Ross. I am joining several other bloggers on this summer home tour and you can find their links at the bottom of this post. I’ve also created a shoppable gallery at the bottom of the post in case there’s anything you’re looking for from today’s tour.
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Front Yard
Let’s start in our small but mighty front yard. As you can see, it sort of looks like a fall photo because that magnolia tree is big-time losing its old leaves to make room for new ones at the moment. No one tells you how messy these trees can be, but they sure are lovely to look at with their waxy leaves and giant white blooms. We have a disc swing that we hung from this tree for lounging. Emmy loves to lay a blanket on it and read a book out here.
Wilder is just old enough now to enjoy swinging on it without panicking. Because of how we hung it, it doesn’t swing too high, which is perfect for this little man.
The front yard is usually filled with toy construction trucks, bubble wants and water shooters. These Adirondack chairs give Chris and me a place to sit while Wilder plays in the dirt – or attempts to soak us!
We also sit out here to grab a quiet and peaceful spot to read or sip cold beer together while catching up on life. Last summer, during the height of the pandemic, we sat out here so often just so we could chat with passing neighbors because we all craved connection. Now, we still use them regularly but more to connect with each other.
Front Porch
Let’s take a walk to our small but cheerful front porch.
As you can see, we rehung the rainbow peace sign banner Emmy painted last year when we wanted to spread cheer to those passing by. This year, the message is the same, but I love that it doubles as a pride flag this month and shows that we are allies. It also just makes me so happy to walk up and see that each day because it’s cheerful and because my girl created it. And with that orange door, it’s just FUN.
As you can see, we potted a fern and some bright pink petunias and I brought some of my houseplants outside for the summer.
That waxy guy in the front – don’t ask me what it’s called, ok? – wasn’t doing so hot in my care inside. I don’t know what I was doing wrong! So I brought him (yes, the energy is definitely masculine) outside and wouldn’t you know he has new growth? Sorry for what will happen to you in the fall, little guy.
This pink petunia is an overachiever and reaches all over the place. I love it!
When we first moved in, we added modern numbers and updated our lighting. Last fall, I also added this adorable “Ahhh Home” sign.
Which I suppose could be read as in a sigh of happy relief to be home or a scream to be home with all the kids. It really depends on the day.
Here’s a closer look at that sign. I simply hung it here with a couple of nails you can make out if you look closely.
The last thing here I want to show you before we head inside to the entry is the fun door mat situation. I love layering this big black and white mat with a fun coir piece. I found this one at Target and it seemed perfect.
Are you ready to head inside to our little entry, which happens to be one of m favorite spaces in our home?
Little Entryway
Our entry may be small, but it serves its purpose and is filled with personality. I actually love working in small spaces more than larger because you can really have some fun with the walls, as I did with stencils here. I think this may be my favorite spot in our home, to be honest.
Because it’s so small, there isn’t much opportunity to switch it up much. This little shoe bench stays and is usually laden with piles of sneakers and shoes. I dumped all of those in a pile and placed only summer shoes here for this photo. Nope, I am not kidding. And I believe in honesty.
This bag from Apolis is getting so much use these days now that farmers markets are up and running for the season. Every Saturday, I take it with me to an organic market about 30 minutes away. A neighborhood friend drives me and another neighbor and we have a lovely drive and chat. And of course, in the summer, I love to toss a cap on my head rather than, ya know, washing and styling. When it’s hot and humid, a hat is the answer.
Well, friend, that takes us to the end of our tour today! Time to head outside and enjoy some sunshine and a good book.
I will be back tomorrow with a tour of our kitchen and dining nook as decked out as they’re gonna be for the season. Basically, don’t expect it to scream summer but do expect it to be real and attainable. See you back here tomorrow! Here’s everything you might be looking for from this post, as well as a couple of other items of interest below.
For now, check out all of the other homes on this summer tour:
This week I’m joining some of my talented blogging friends for the Summer Seasonal Simplicity Home Tour Series! Each day from Monday through Thursday six bloggers are sharing part of their homes all ready for summer. Be sure to enjoy all of the beautiful inspiration for adding a little summer to your home by visiting the links under the images below.
> This week I’m joining some of my talented blogging friends for the Summer Seasonal Simplicity Home Tour Series! Each day from Monday through Thursday six bloggers are sharing part of their homes all ready for summer. Be sure to enjoy all of the beautiful inspiration for adding a little summer to your home by visiting the links under the images below.
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Sharing with me today…
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Tuesday
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Cassie Bustamante // Finding Silver Pennies // Deeply Southern Home
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Nina Hendrick // Maison de Cinq // Clean & Scentsible
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And sharing the rest of this week…
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Monday
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The Happy Housie // Inspiration for Moms // She Gave it a Go
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Home Made Lovely // A Pop of Pretty // Life is a Party
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Wednesday
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A Pretty Life // My Sweet Savannah // Fynes Designs
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House by Hoff // Lemon Thistle // Dans le Lakehouse
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Thursday
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Life is Better at Home // Rambling Renovators // Hallstrom Home
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Craftberry Bush // JoAnna Anastasia // Willow Street Interiors
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