A big thanks to T.J.Maxx for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
I’m calling it. Front porch weather is here! Well, okay, it’s been here in South Carolina for a while already, but since we’re finally winding down the new house renovations, I can actually shout it from the rooftops and enjoy it.
Since Robert, Olivia, and I are still crashing at my parents’ house for a few more days while we wrap up the last few reno projects, I decided to go decorating-crazy on their porch. This summer, my parents are hosting a big family reunion… and I’m always down for a good excuse to style a space anyway.
For as long as I can remember growing up, this was the numero uno spot for all of my family’s shin-digs. My dad would grill up the best burgers on the planet and my mom would play hostess while all of our family sat and talked for hours on their porch.
So I thought it would be fun to play around with one of my favorite ways to make an outdoor space really really versatile.
There’s one secret weapon: Â stools.
Not like step stools. Garden stools. Not the kind you squat on and wheel around along your flower beds (although, those are pretty fun to zoom around on).
These little guys…
They’re the most awesomest awesome that ever awesomed because they rock at several jobs. If you have a small outdoor space, multi-purpose furniture is your best friend.
- Like being centered in a conversation grouping to serve as a coffee table (they’re attention hogs like that).
2. Or a spot to place your drink on as a side table.
3. Or a place to pop a squat on for overflow seating during a gathering since they are called stools in the first place, right?
They’re just the cutest and they probably know it.
I see these little guys in T.J.Maxx all the time, but I didn’t know until about two weeks ago that they have a website, tjmaxx.com, you can order from, which is where I found these white and wood acacia stools.
… and those blue print pillows and those very realistic-looking (black-thumb-evading) plants and a throw blanket perfect for cool spring evenings and a pair of lanterns for creating a cozy ambience.
What?! No, you have a shopping problem. Sheesh! 😉
I usually stop in to T.J.Maxx stores whenever I feel like wrangling a 4 year-old and offering briberies (translation: never as often as I’d like), but now that they have a website, the treasure hunt is on. They have free shipping on orders over $89 and have free in-store returns if I don’t feel like packing up my items in boxes all over again.
I’ve signed up for email alerts when they get in new arrivals each week, and it’s probably going to get me in a whole mess of trouble. They sell out of things pretty quickly though, so I usually have to jump on my favorites pronto.
I always try to link to sources I use since y’all sometimes ask, but since everything on tjmaxx.com usually only lasts for a couple of days, here are some that are similar:
So now this porch is looking spiffy and ready for company. I’m thinking once the family reunion is over, all of this is coming over to our new house since we currently have a big back porch with nothing on it yet.
Lola agrees with me on this.
“Feed me treats and I’ll agree with you on anything, Mom.”
Do you have any secret weapons for making outdoor spaces uber versatile? Or furniture arranging tricks? What’s on your spring to-do list? Are you gearing up for any big outdoor get-togethers at your house soon? Or are you more of a I’m-keeping-this-pitcher-of-mojitos-all-to-myself kind of person? No judgements here.
The porch looks awesome!! love the Garden stools. I might just splurge and get one. Saw the dinning room make over it looks great!!
Love your parents front porch.
So cozy and inviting! This will all look good
on your new back porch.
Love those stools! We don’t really have porches in England. I am jealous of the space & your good weather!
We do have TK Maxx( not TJ) I rarely come out of there without some unique piece. Their prices are so reasonable too.
Hope you will be very happy in your new home.
Cute post. Great design. Good advice, adorbz dog and the mojitas are mine, all mine. lol.
Hi Lauren, love your styling of Mum and Dad’s back porch. Those stools are to die for! I would definitely be taking them with you, when you move into your house. I came across TJ Maxx on our last trip to the USA, and fell in love. I bought a bunch of cool pieces, I still use and still really love. I was so excited that they have a website, a dream come true. Well my dreams were short lived, as only if you are in the US can you even look at the website. We keep getting a sorry you are out of the US message. Sill hopeful, that at some stage I will get to look at and enjoy the new website. Praying your move is easy and as stress free as possible, for you guys.
Um. Holy crap. This is life changing stuff!
Very Cute Lauren! Love the tips 🙂
Beautiful and inspiring!
The porch looks so lovely! Will you please share the store source for the rug? Thank you!
What a beautiful space! I’m on my way to buy a garden stool!!
like your porch! Where did you purchase your cushions for the swing and chairs. I need to replace mine . Thanks
Hi Linda! The chairs came from Bed Bath and Beyond with the cushions already on them. The swing cushion came from At Home. 🙂
Thanks for pointing out that you can use garden stools as side tables in your outdoor space to give people a place to put their drink. I’ve been working on turning my backyard into an entertainment area, and I’m looking for a few finishing touches that also offer a functional benefit. I like the idea of using garden stools as side tables, so thanks for suggesting it!