Summertime and the living is hot!

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press • July 4, 2020

Kravet’s Breezy collection says summer with names like fruit punch, tango mandarin and clover. Your designer or decorator can help you with selections of indoor/outdoor fabric from Kravet’s to-the-trade options. Photo: Kravet.

When I was growing up in Virginia summer meant a new straw purse and a pair of sandals. Staying outside late into the evening. Beach days. Family road trips. Going barefoot. Swimming off the neighborhood pier. Catching blue crabs for dinner. Evenings sitting outside on the porch.

The "porch" was where the family headed after dinner. I can hear my mother saying, "Help me finish the dishes and let's go out on the porch." It was where all important discussions and decisions took place. It was the place where we retreated at the end of the day.

As a Southwest Florida interior decorator, I have had many "porches" since those days. Small apartment balconies barely large enough for two chairs, screened porches with comfortable wicker furniture, large lanais' with summer kitchens surrounding a pool and filled with friends. But to me, they are all "porches." A place to unwind, relax and think. A sanctuary.

We're in those lazy, hot, humid days of summer but if you are at home on this Fourth of July weekend, chances are that you will end up on a porch someplace relaxing or cooking out.

Spending more time at home, our outdoor space has never been more important. I always like to start my mornings with coffee and catching up on some reading and maybe some computer work on my porch before it gets too uncomfortable. And end my day there reading or just taking some time to destress. It helps to be outside even if it’s just for a short time.

So, if in these hot days of July, you find your porch in need of a little makeover, I have some tips to give your space, no matter what the size, a bit of refreshing to make it an extension of the home's living area or as a separate retreat. No matter what the size or budget.

Furniture

This is important because after all, it is going to be outside. For Southwest Florida, that means nonstop sun, rain, wind, dust. Make sure you purchase furniture made for outdoors. And if you love wicker, it just won’t hold up to moisture. Instead, buy resin wicker and it will hold up to all of the elements. Make sure your furniture is heavy enough to withstand wind.

Outdoor fans. Who doesn’t love sitting under a fan on a porch? Add a good book, a cold drink and it’s just about perfect. A restful retreat.

Fabric

This is my favorite because you can recover any outdoor pieces and make them new again. And today’s outdoor fabrics work indoors as well. Lots of choices including chenilles, linens and velvets. Beautiful. Have an outdoor umbrella or outdoor drapery done in the same or a contrasting fabric. My go-to for indoor/outdoor is Kravet to the Trade. Check out the Breezy line in the photo at www.kravet.com/breezy-indoor-outdoor

Add a porch swing

What could be better than dozing in a porch swing at the end of the day? A porch swing just cries out, "Stop what you are doing and come and relax for a while." And if you find a vintage swing that just will not hold up to much weight, hang it any way and fill it with plants.

Don’t crowd your space

Decide what is most important. Dining? Relaxing? TV area? And plan the space accordingly with the appropriate sized furnishings.

Anchor your seating area with an outdoor rug

Even on a tiny balcony this works and adds color to the space.

Lighting for atmosphere

If there is space, add an outdoor lamp, twinkly lights, a few lanterns. And a chandelier over the dining space.

Add a bar cart

Yes, it's great for a party but you can also use it for storage...liquid refreshments, cups, stirrers, coasters, books, magazines, speakers, and anything else necessary for a relaxing retreat.

Go vertical

Hang a piece of artwork or sign on a wall. This makes it feel like part of your living space.

Accessories

Fill your furniture with colorful pillows. Add plants, candles (flameless), lanterns, a bowl of shells and colorful sea glass.

Tiny space?

No problem! Bistro table and chairs may be all that you need. No room for furniture? Fill your tiny balcony with plants and let the outdoors inside.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. Associate and gold member of the Interior Redecorators Network. She helps homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless, affordable ways to create beautiful spaces and solves decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 949-1808 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog