Colorful Outdoor Living: Styling Porches, Patios & Balconies with Charm & Personality
Outdoor Living, but Make It You
Outdoor spaces are a staple of summer living - even here in Texas where temps make it pretty unbareable, a covered patio is still a pleasant place to be in the mornings and evenings. Whether you’re sipping coffee on the front porch, entertaining on a breezy patio, or squeezing joy out of a tiny balcony, these spots deserve the same attention and style as your interiors. And if you ask me? The magic formula is vintage charm, bold color, and smart scale. Let’s dive into how to bring all three together like a pro.
1. Porches: Bring the Welcome with Character
Porches are the first impression — and first impressions should feel like you.
Paint your ceiling a sky blue (or chartreuse, if you're feeling bold). It’s charming, unexpected, and ties in that “Southern charm meets eclectic revival” look we love.
Scale tip: Don’t go too dainty. A large vintage bench or oversized planter brings presence and balance against architecture.
Layer in lanterns, hanging ferns, and pillows in weather-resistant, punchy fabrics. Think coral, peacock blue, mustard — whatever feels fresh and fearless.
2. Patios: Your Outdoor Living Room
Patios are your chance to play with zones — dining, lounging, and that in-between space for late-night wine and mosquito stories.
Create spaces that entice people to sit and chat - comfortable seating in a great floor plan lures folks in for conversation or to watch the baseball game or a late night movie.
Add upholstery that tells your story - anyone who knows me, knows my love of the Cape. Thus, these lobster upholstered ottomans are the perfect addition to our patio. Find something that is unique to you and add it to your decor.
Scale tip: Use tall elements to split up your space. I went for a high top dining table to create more interest in the space and not have everything on the same level.
Lighting. Globe string lights are great, but an outdoor chandelier creates real ambiance.
Cooling / Heating Elements - make sure to add fans, misters and heaters to your plan so that you can enjoy your outdoor space as many days as possible. We have a fire pit as a coffee table and misters in every corner.
Photo Cred: Michael Hunter Photography
3. Balconies: Small Space, Big Personality
Even the tiniest outdoor space can become a layered little jewel box. Things to keep in mind:
Starts from the ground up - notice how in each of these three spaces there are different foundations. A vintage rug, a round natural rug and a painted flooring. All provide interest and ground the area for what’s to come.
Use of vintage furniture - I always love vintage furniture and a balcony is a great place to incorporate some. This vintage bistro table and chairs work perfectly on that balcony as does the small vintage coffee table on the more boho balcony. Don’t shy away from these finds as long as your balcony is covered or you don’t mind the furniture showing a litte more patina.
Add height with plants, a bold wall-hanging, or a painted privacy screen. Vertical styling keeps the eye moving and distracts from square footage. Plants are such a joyful way to add interest, privacy and beauty to the space.
Photo Cred: The Spruce
Final Thoughts: It’s All in the Mix
Great outdoor spaces, like great interiors, tell a story. Mixing eras, scales, and colors gives your porch, patio, or balcony a collected-over-time feel — not a “just bought the set” look. Embrace the quirky. Add a vintage mirror to reflect garden light. Paint an old dresser to hold potting supplies. Bring out that wild floral fabric you’ve been saving.
After all, if you're going to live outside all summer... you might as well make it fabulous.
