What better way to wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee than on a three season porch? This porch breakfast nook inspiration board to help you put together a quaint and cozy cottage look. The hues of blue, cream, and white make for an easy-on-the-eyes palette that will blend right into the summer sky. Wicker pieces can help create a seamless transition from the inside to the great outdoors. Rattan is a natural material that is eco-friendly and durable. We suggest this look for a covered or three season porch only, because natural rattan is not meant to be in the direct elements.
Adding cushions to your wicker pieces is an essential accessory for comfort and a perfect opportunity to infuse color. From this inspiration board, you can choose either the solid dusty blue fabric for the cushions or the delicate floral depending on the look you want. The rug is made of polypropylene so it's a perfect fit for an area with high traffic and the occasional sprinkles. Don't forget to add plants and flowers to really make the space really feel like part of the outdoors!
Brought to you by Cottage Home – specializing in cottage furniture & farmhouse tables
[post_title] => Inspiration Board: Porch Breakfast Nook
[post_excerpt] =>
What better way to wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee than on a three season porch? Here is an inspiration board to help you put together a quaint and cozy breakfast nook look. The hues of blue, cream, and white make for an easy-on-the-eyes palette that will blend right into the summer sky. Wicker pieces can help create a seamless transition from the inside to the great outdoors. Rattan is a natural material that is eco-friendly and durable. We suggest this look for a covered or three season porch only, because natural rattan is not meant to be in the direct elements.
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We are excited to bring to you our first ever Design Dilemma blog post! Part of the excitement and the challenge of design consulting is helping people find creative solutions to their home "issues". We all spend so much time at home - it should be your sanctuary, the place that provides you comfort and ease, as well as meeting all of your day-to-day needs. When a client comes in, we discuss practicality first and aesthetics second. What is the point of a space that is beautiful, but not comfortable or useful? Our aim is to help create a space that supports the function of the family, while also reflecting personal style and taste!This month's Design Dilemma comes from a young family near NYC who own a beautiful three-story brownstone. They have a lower patio area in the back with a built-in grill & bar, and would like to create a spot for play dates, lounging, and casual entertaining. They also have a second floor deck, right off the kitchen, that is smaller (17' L x 7'W) that they want to use as a quieter seating area for morning coffee and quick bites.
Here are a few before pictures:
Client's Wish List:
Comfort and durability
Fabrics and materials that are easy to clean
Place for kids toys
Eating spot
Lounging spot
Color and texture
Entertaining area that can accommodate up to 10 people at a time
Keep as many plants as possible
Key design challenges for the upper level:
Small space
Large planters take up floor space
Exposed to full sun/lack of shade
Lack of privacy with neighbors
Stairs can be hazardous with a small child
Key design challenges for the lower level:
Lack of night time lighting, especially on staircase
Seating arrangement cannot block the lower doors
Focus on casual seating versus formal dining set
Here is what we came up with:
Upper Level Umbrella Closed
Upper Level Umbrella Open
Upper Level
The main priority for the upper level was to remove the large floor planters and replace them with planters that hang along all three railings. Doing so frees up much needed floor space, while maintaining the natural privacy screen that keeps out prying eyes.
Next, we concentrated on the furniture type. A small space requires smaller-scaled furniture - we found that some teak pieces fit the bill. Our teak furniture comes in stylish frames with simple lines and comfortable outdoor cushions. Comfort doesn't need to be sacrificed for space! A standard coffee table in front of the loveseats, because this is a high traffic area, wasn't going to work here. We opted instead for two small end tables that can be tucked along the railing and pulled out whenever needed.
Another high priority was to create some shade for those sweltering days of summer! We found a great swing arm umbrella that provides plenty of sun protection and stays out of the way when not in use.
Lower Level
Moving to the lower level, you may notice that we didn't fill all the space with furniture. The family wanted enough seating for lounging and entertaining, but the priority was to provide an outdoor space for kids to play. So, we left the center area as the play space while creating comfortable seating around the perimeter for the adults. This works well in two ways: kids have room to run around, and adults have their own area to socialize. Ample seating is provided by the sectional and accent chairs, as well as the teak bar stools around the grill and outdoor kitchen.
We chose total outdoor furniture for the sectional and accent chairs because this area is completely exposed to the elements, with little shade. Total outdoor furniture is made of all-weather high density resin wicker wrapped over an aluminum frame with cushions are self-draining, mildew-resistant, and anti-microbial commercial grade foam. Therefore, a great low maintenance choice.
The colors and fabrics we chose for the lower level create a more vibrant and upbeat palette, in comparison to the cool tones we chose for the upper level. Both spaces complement one another, but have their own "feel". This doesn't mean the spaces aren't interchangeable, but they do have their own distinct ambiance.
To help illuminate the spaces at night, we love the idea of backyard lanterns. String lights are also an easy and effective way to brighten the backyard and create a soft, beautiful glow. Hang them from fence to fence, along the railings down the stairs, and even in the trees to create the feeling of a starry night.
Mission accomplished! The family now has multiple places to eat, drink, nap and play all in the comfort of their own backyard!
Brought to you by Cottage Home – specializing in cottage furniture & farmhouse tables
[post_title] => Deck Design Dilemma
[post_excerpt] =>
This month's Design Dilemma comes from a young family near NYC who own a beautiful three-story brownstone. They have a lower patio area in the back with a built-in grill & bar, and would like to create a spot for play dates, lounging, and casual entertaining. They also have a second floor deck, right off the kitchen, that is smaller (17' L x 7'W) that they want to use as a quieter seating area for morning coffee and quick bites.
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Teak patio furniture is a great choice for a beautifully weathered finish and a versatile style! Teak wood naturally grays over time, giving it an aged appearance, even though the wood maintains its strength. There are ways to polish and treat your teak if you prefer the original golden brown hue to the ashen finish it develops. With a simple teak frame, teak sectionals create a minimalist look to any outdoor space, that is easily personalized with cushion colors and pillow fabrics! This gorgeously green outdoor space is a perfect backdrop for a shady lounge spot, while the rug anchors the sitting area. The green, yellow, and tan palette is a perfect choice to blend in with the natural surroundings.Brought to you by Cottage Home– specializing in cottage furniture & farmhouse tables
[post_title] => Get The Look: Teak Patio
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The best part of a sun porch dining room is that you can outfit it as an extension of your home! However, remember that your furniture and accessory selections should be suitable for an indoor/outdoor setting. There are so many wonderful options available for a room exposed to more sun and moisture than an indoor space, including everything featured on this colorful cottage decorating inspiration board!
If you want to create an eating area for your porch, but don't like the typical wicker or glass table top options, then look for a table made from cypress. Cypress is a wood type that naturally has a high moisture content, making it very resilient to outdoor climates. Cypress can be painted or stained to create a unique look for your space. The rug featured on this board is made of dyed acrylic, making it a perfect selection for any space exposed to light and rain.
This aqua and coral color palette is made more diverse with the addition of reds, greens, mustard yellows, and darker stains. It is a whimsical and cheery palette that creates the perfect surroundings for a fun outdoor family space.
Brought to you by Cottage Home– specializing in cottage furniture & farmhouse tables
[post_title] => Inspiration Board: Whimsical Sun Porch Dining
[post_excerpt] =>
The best part of a sun porch is that you can outfit it as an extension of your home! This aqua and coral color palette is made more diverse with the addition of reds, greens, mustard yellows, and darker stains. It is a whimsical and cheery palette that creates the perfect surroundings for a fun outdoor family space. #farmhousetables #cottageporches #cottagewickerfurniture #inspirationboards https://www.cottagehomefurniture.com
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Here in Maine, the snow is starting to melt and patches of ground are peaking through. The days are longer – and the sun is warmer. After a long winter, we are all dreaming of those lazy days of summer when we can enjoy the great outdoors, so naturally we are thinking of outdoor decorating ideas.
Now is the time to start thinking about decorating your outdoor space! Take a look in your storage area to see what furnishings you have and if it’s in good condition. Can your outdoor furniture be used again this year – perhaps with a little touch-up or repair? Do you need to add some new pieces or are you starting fresh with a new outdoor décor that will maximize your space and enhance your enjoyment?Ordering furniture can take up to three months for delivery, so let’s get started now. First, think about your space and how you plan to use it. Are you decorating for a summer home at the coast or a rustic retreat in the mountains or at a lake? Is it an urban pocket garden or a Victorian porch? Is it spacious and sprawling or compact and contained? Is your outdoor area sunny or shady – or a combination of the two? Think about how you want to use the space – for dining, lounging, entertaining or as an outdoor retreat.
Make a floor plan – or should we say a grounds plan. Taking dimensions might not be as easy in the great outdoors, but a sketch and approximate dimensions will do. You may want to divide your space into areas with a good flow for grilling, dining, sunning, playing, or even working. Then, decide what pieces of furniture you will need in those areas. If you are decorating for an enclosed porch or deck, think of it as a room. Take more careful measurements and plot your furniture placement on a computer program or on graph paper.Think theme!Ideally, your outdoor space should be an extension of your home and fit the environment where it is located. Your outdoor décor may be sleek and sophisticated for a modern home or in an urban setting. Or, it may be rustic or Victorian for a cottage-style home.In recent years, advances in materials and finishes have expanded the choices for outdoor furnishings. Today’s new materials and technology have made it possible for outdoor furnishings to be fashionable, as well as durable and weather-resistant.Let’s look at some of the options available today:Wicker is an all-time favorite for outdoor living.It is reminiscent of a bygone era when families gathered on the front porch. Made of hand-woven rattan, it is durable, strong, and flexible. However, traditional wicker is best used indoors or in a covered or screened-in porch where there is limited exposure to rain and sun. For outdoor use, look for specially made outdoor wicker furniture that will stand up to the elements. High quality products are generally made of all-weather high density resin wicker over an aluminum frame. Cushions should be self-draining, mildew resistant, and made of anti-microbial commercial grade foam. The furniture can be painted in a variety of colors to create a décor that reflects your personal decorating style.
What about wood?We all remember those old benches, chairs and picnic tables that would peel, crack and splinter. That’s a problem of the past thanks to new pressure treated kiln-dried wood materials. Often made from treated Southern pine – an American renewable resource – this outdoor furniture keeps its good looks for years to come.
For a totally maintenance-free choice, consider outdoor furnishings made of 100 percent recycled plastic.This eco-friendly furniture is economical and long lasting. Available in bright colors and upscale design, many of these collections herald a whole new era of plastic chic. Perfect for reading and relaxing, the Adirondack chair is light weight, colorful and easy to store. No more peeling, cracking or splintering. Just hose it down and it’s clean. Recycled plastic tables, chairs and occasional pieces make outdoor living a breeze, even in challenging weather environments like here on the Maine coast. An important added benefit – eco-friendly furniture means that it is good for the environment.As in any décor, it’s the accessories and accent pieces that make the space unique and attractive. For outdoor living, it’s important tolight up the night. Solar lighting can be used to illuminate the garden and pathways. Twinkling string lights can be draped through trees and posts to create a romantic effect. Overhead lighting helps ensure that the space can be used at night for dining or reading. Oil lanterns and candle hurricane lanterns create a rustic effect, while safe for use in an open windy area.Area rugs made of polypropylene/olefin fabrics help delineate the space in an outdoor room.Available in an array or colors and patterns, these indoor-outdoor rugs are easy to clean, stain-resistant, and fade-resistant.Let your imagination roam free. Use pillows and throws to soften the space. Mix and match colors and patterns. Potted and hanging plants create a natural flow to the surrounding garden. Look for artwork, sculptures, rocks, shells or driftwood to create nature-inspired accents that reflect your environment.Most of all – have fun! That’s what summer and outdoor living is all about!Brought to you by Cottage Home - specializing in cottage furniture & farmhouse tables
[post_title] => Get Ready for Summer – A Guide to Outdoor Decorating
[post_excerpt] =>
Here in Maine, the snow is starting to melt and patches of ground are peaking through. The days are longer – and the sun is warmer. After a long winter, we are all dreaming of those lazy days of summer when we can enjoy the great outdoors, so naturally we are thinking of outdoor decorating ideas.
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The porch is typically an under-utilized space, but this quiet cottage porch has a clear purpose and a practical style. The relaxed linens and pillows piled high make the iron daybed a special spot, whether it's a rainy afternoon with a book or a sunny morning with coffee and tea.
The windows are draped in sheers, allowing the warmth of the sun to shine through while providing privacy and softening the light. The scalloped quilt on the bed and the vintage woven rug sets the tone for this soft color palette of washed blues, lilacs, and crisp white. The potted fern and fresh flowers are a wonderful touch to bring the outdoors in.
Brought to you byCottage Home– specializing in cottage furniture & farmhouse tables
[post_title] => Rooms to Love: Quiet Cottage Porch
[post_excerpt] =>
The porch is typically an under-utilized space, but this quiet cottage porch has a clear purpose and a practical style. The relaxed linens and pillows piled high make the iron daybed a special spot, whether it's a rainy afternoon with a book or a sunny morning with coffee and tea.
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What better way to wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee than on a three season porch? This porch breakfast nook inspiration board to help you put together a quaint and cozy cottage look. The hues of blue, cream, and white make for an easy-on-the-eyes palette that will blend right into the summer sky. Wicker pieces can help create a seamless transition from the inside to the great outdoors. Rattan is a natural material that is eco-friendly and durable. We suggest this look for a covered or three season porch only, because natural rattan is not meant to be in the direct elements.
Adding cushions to your wicker pieces is an essential accessory for comfort and a perfect opportunity to infuse color. From this inspiration board, you can choose either the solid dusty blue fabric for the cushions or the delicate floral depending on the look you want. The rug is made of polypropylene so it's a perfect fit for an area with high traffic and the occasional sprinkles. Don't forget to add plants and flowers to really make the space really feel like part of the outdoors!
Brought to you by Cottage Home – specializing in cottage furniture & farmhouse tables
[post_title] => Inspiration Board: Porch Breakfast Nook
[post_excerpt] =>
What better way to wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee than on a three season porch? Here is an inspiration board to help you put together a quaint and cozy breakfast nook look. The hues of blue, cream, and white make for an easy-on-the-eyes palette that will blend right into the summer sky. Wicker pieces can help create a seamless transition from the inside to the great outdoors. Rattan is a natural material that is eco-friendly and durable. We suggest this look for a covered or three season porch only, because natural rattan is not meant to be in the direct elements.
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What better way to wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee than on a three season porch? Here is an inspiration board to help you put together a quaint and cozy breakfast nook look. The hues of blue, cream, and white make for an easy-on-the-eyes palette that will blend right into the summer sky. […]
This month’s Design Dilemma comes from a young family near NYC who own a beautiful three-story brownstone. They have a lower patio area in the back with a built-in grill & bar, and would like to create a spot for play dates, lounging, and casual entertaining. They also have a second floor deck, right off […]
The best part of a sun porch is that you can outfit it as an extension of your home! This aqua and coral color palette is made more diverse with the addition of reds, greens, mustard yellows, and darker stains. It is a whimsical and cheery palette that creates the perfect surroundings for a fun […]
Here in Maine, the snow is starting to melt and patches of ground are peaking through. The days are longer – and the sun is warmer. After a long winter, we are all dreaming of those lazy days of summer when we can enjoy the great outdoors, so naturally we are thinking of outdoor decorating […]
The porch is typically an under-utilized space, but this quiet cottage porch has a clear purpose and a practical style. The relaxed linens and pillows piled high make the iron daybed a special spot, whether it’s a rainy afternoon with a book or a sunny morning with coffee and tea.
At Cottage Home, we know purchasing custom furniture and décor on the Internet can raise some concerns and questions. Our business is dedicated to pioneering a new process for providing high-quality made-to-order furniture on the Internet. We strive to make it as easy as possible for our customers to have access to custom bench-built products for their homes.
Our focus is on providing an unparalleled furniture buying experience through our careful selection of high-quality products, the in-depth product details provided on our website, our knowledgeable design & selection assistance, a full range of samples services, and a specialized delivery process.
We feel strongly enough about our processes & people to stand behind all of our products & services.
We will be here to help should anything happen to go wrong. Period.