Our Farmhouse Fall Porch (and something I've daydreamed of for years...)

I thought it would be fun to use a variety of farm-style containers on our porch this fall. Galvanized buckets, wood bushel baskets, and a vintage Lucerne dairy crate hold mums, cabbages, and rosemary. (Why rosemary? I love both the scent and the organic look.) 

Pumpkins in sun-faded shades of green, orange and white seem at home on our well-used steps.

How to Bring Farmhouse Style Outdoors {10 Ways}

Comfortable. Casual. Welcoming. Rustic. 

These are some feelings that come to mind when I think of farmhouse style outdoors... Where a hurried life seems to slow down and the quiet beauty of nature is all around.

A place for family and friends to gather.

Whether you have an actual farmhouse with acreage, a suburban home in a neighborhood, or an apartment with a small entryway and balcony, there are ways to incorporate farmhouse style right where you live.

1. {Wood crates} A vintage bulb crate next to our front door serves as a rustic shelf for a pitcher of flowers. Fresh cut flowers are a quick & easy way to freshen up a porch.

Wood crates are also good catch-alls for toys and balls.

2. {Ticking fabric, grain sack and burlap} for cushions and pillows add that classic farmhouse feel. 

3. {Old tin buckets} as planters for a simple "just grabbed these out of the barn" ambience. ;)

A repurposed chicken waterer is right at home on the front porch. I found this one at a yard sale for just a few dollars  (I loved the rust for decorating, though it wouldn't work well for chickens ;). You can also find them at antique stores. New, you can expect to pay $20 - $25 for this size (2 gallon). 

4. {Chippy, weathered furniture} brings a comfortable feel to a covered porch. Use an old dresser for a plant stand, gardening tool storage, or simply a focal point.

5. {Vines} I'm so grateful to our home's previous owners for planting beautiful vines around the property. Here they are, growing up the side of our laundry/mud room.

And along a fence, vines, grapes and hops add old fashioned texture and greenery.



6. {Gates} are functional, but can also add farmhouse appeal. 

For an easy way to incorporate a gate or two, prop them up on a porch or entryway. The picture below is from our fall porch last year. I used an old gate and section of fencing on the porch to add more of that "pumpkin patch" feel. ;) I found the gate and fence at a yard sale, but similar pieces can be purchased at Lowe's or Home Depot. 

7. {Arbors} add architectural interest year-round. They can support beautiful vines and wisteria during the growing months. In winter, string lights up on arbors for a "happy" dose of light, when darkness comes early. 

This arbor, set off of our gravel driveway, marks the entrance to our front yard.

8. {Outdoor seating} invites you to slow down and take in the scenery. I recently moved this bench out near the chicken yard so that we could sit and watch the chickens (may sound weird, but it's peaceful :). Is there a special place on your property - maybe in the garden - where a bench might encourage you to enjoy the view awhile longer?

9. {Outbuildings} like a chicken coop or garden shed open up lots of possibilities, as well as provide you with another charming backdrop. 

10. {Farm fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers} evoke simple country living perhaps more than anything. If you don't have space to plant fruit trees or build raised garden beds, consider a container garden where strawberries, tomatoes and herbs can be tended and enjoyed.

Find ideas on decorating with farmhouse style inside here!

And now I'm wondering, where is your favorite spot at home to enjoy some time outdoors? Or, is there a view you most love, looking out your window? I'd love to hear!

So glad you stopped by...

Xo

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~ Vintage Ticking and Farmhouse Containers ~

Are you daydreaming of spring and planting a garden? 
Of sunlight that carries a warmth with its rays? Longer days? Me too!! 
(Though I am holding out hope for one more snow - - the kids love it so much!)

Since most of the yard is dead dormant, 
I've been craving plants, flowers, freshness and life.

So, my son and I headed to Flower World yesterday. This time of year in the Pacific Northwest, there aren't a lot of colorful options for plants...even at Flower WORLD! (The African violets weren't speaking to me.) 

We did find some nice varieties of green plants to add life to our bare porch.

But first, I wanted to show you this vintage ticking duvet cover that we added to the bench on the porch. I found the duvet while antiquing with my sister... it was love at first sight. :)

We planted these pretty succulents in an old tin feed pail...

And this rusty chicken waterer, purchased at a garage sale

 for $3, makes a sweet farmhouse-style planter. 

Baby's Tears (below, in French container) in January is like clockwork for me. Granted, there are not a lot of options right now... but still, I adore this bright green little leafy plant! (Why the sad name? I'd prefer "Baby's Tears of Joy!")

 And last, a rosemary plant. 

You'll notice the common thread in our plant selection was... 
They're alive... and it's January. Plus, I think they're pretty!

In case you missed it and are interested, the winter wreath DIY tutorial is here.

Wishing you a full-of-life winter kind of day!

Stay warm and plant on...

xo

From My Front Porch To Yours
Savvy Southern Style
Jann Olson
Green Willow Pond
French Country Cottage
Dwellings - The Heart of Your Home