Wednesday, August 24, 2011

PORCH SITTTING



The evening are getting less hot and oppressive here at StoneGable and PORCH STTTING is now our favorite activity!

Before I think about changing my porch from Summer to Autumn (around September 15th) I wanted to share a favorite spot. Won't you sit  and rock awhile with me and enjoy the early morning sun as it pours through the porch slats and spills onto the porch floor!


This year my front porch is a profusion of green, purple and white . Each year I try to decorate the porch with a different theme or color palate. I call this year's theme "The cooler side of summer".



Bobby and I painted the rockers this spring a blue/grey to compliment StoneGable's limestone exterior. 
The rockers will get a coat of Annie Sloan Antique Wax before I decorate them with Autumn pillows, throws and surround them with pumpkins. Then we will let them age gracefully. I can't wait to see how they will weather the years.

But... right now I am enjoying their "just freshly painted" look!

On the other side of the front porch is a mirror image  of rockers and blooms. 



Pillows, lots of them, add color and design to my porch vignette.




All the pillows cases can be easily removed and washed.  The black and white pillows as well as the green graphic design were purchased from an ETSY shop. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend them as the fronts are lovely, but the backs are made of a much less quality cotton. Too bad, because they are beautifully made. Thankfully, they are pretty enough for the front porch!




Rocking tends to sooth all the troubles of the world away. Are you relaxed yet?



I am joining...
~INSPIRATIONAL FRIDAY at At The Picket Fence
~SEASONAL SUNDAY at The Tablescapers

61 comments:

  1. DeseraeAugust 24, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    Absolutely GORGEOUS....love those pillows! I only wish my porch looked so cozy and inviting!!! LOL
    ~Des

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsAugust 24, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    Love the color of your rockers, Yvonne! The purple and green color scheme is lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  3. ℳartina @ Northern NestingAugust 24, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    Your color scheme is beautiful Yvonne and your porch looks wonderful!! I would love to come and rock awhile with you:) Martina

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart)August 24, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    I love your front porch, like you I spend a lot of time on my front porch. I'm wondering if you have trouble with bugs? I would love to add a few more pillows, going on the list of things to do... truly enjoyed this post. hugs ~lynne~

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dear LillieAugust 24, 2011 at 11:05 AM

    Your front porch is amazing, Yvonne! I want to come visit! The purple looks gorgeous. You did a post a while back using purple that completely inspired me. I am off to find it now so I can link to it tomorrow or friday!

    ReplyDelete
  6. podsoAugust 24, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    Enjoy seeing a glimpse of that PA limestone! Pretty porch!

    ReplyDelete
  7. The enchanted homeAugust 24, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    Well thats as picture perfect for a front porch as I have ever seen!! I would sit there all day if I had that front porch!! Love how the green pops next to the black and white, so beautiful! Added you to my blogroll today:)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Designing DomesticityAugust 24, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    Lovely! I'm planning a late summer porch debut next week as well - the weather is finally at a point where we are actually using it! bliss. liz

    ReplyDelete
  9. jninecostumesAugust 24, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    Gorgeous and relaxing. What are the purple flowers and how long ago did you plant these? They look great. My plants get all leggy and overwatered looking, even though if I don't water daily, they die.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Blondie's JournalAugust 24, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    Yvonne...your porch is gorgeous and so relaxing. I love a rocker on a porch, I could rock all day!! :-)

    I wanted to ask you about the green plant...they look like baby tears. Very pretty!

    XO,
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  11. LynnAugust 24, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    Your porch looks great Yvonne! Lovin' the purple and green! I just put everything in the shed, don't know what will happen with the hurricane but at least I'm ready. Enjoy the cool evenings:@)

    ReplyDelete
  12. MarlisAugust 24, 2011 at 11:52 AM

    So beautiful.. I would love to sit there and rock away the time with you.. xo marlis

    ReplyDelete
  13. La Table De NanaAugust 24, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    Everything is always Just So:)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Pat@Back Porch MusingsAugust 24, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    Your porch is beautiful Yvonne! I love the rockers!

    Can't wait for cooler weather so we can enjoy our porch.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Karen August 24, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    I love that you change the look/theme annually. I tend to go with the same look on my porch each summer.

    ReplyDelete
  16. MarigeneAugust 24, 2011 at 1:19 PM

    Your porch is gorgeous...so inviting. I would be sitting out there each evening, too!

    ReplyDelete
  17. GailAugust 24, 2011 at 1:21 PM

    Your porch is beautiful Yvonne! Love the color of the rockers. Can't wait to see the fall theme because your summer is gorgeous.

    Have a wonderful day,
    Gail

    ReplyDelete
  18. Becca BertottiAugust 24, 2011 at 1:44 PM

    GORGEOUS !! If you hear someone out there rocking on your fabulous, inviting porch, don't worry, it's just a crazy decorating gal from South Carolina! Love the pillows and your color palette ... thanks for sharing! Becca

    www.adventuresindecorating1.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. KSullivanAugust 24, 2011 at 2:00 PM

    I love your chairs with those lovely pillows. I'm with you on the front porch sitting, very relaxing!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Michele SmithAugust 24, 2011 at 2:00 PM

    Your porch looks so cozy and inviting! Love the colors...can't wait to see it decked out for fall!

    ReplyDelete
  21. LynnAugust 24, 2011 at 2:07 PM

    Your porch is so inviting!! I'd love to join you:-)

    ReplyDelete
  22. HomeroadAugust 24, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    SO absolutely beautiful Yvonne! I just love black and white graphic and green together!
    Beautiful place to hang out!
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  23. VeronicaAugust 24, 2011 at 2:41 PM

    I am enjoying my rocking so much here that I am inclined to overnight!!!

    Veronica
    www.tasselsandtwigs.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.August 24, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    Your porch looks so inviting Yvonne. And porch sitting is just the best pleasure, any time of year!

    ReplyDelete
  25. KathleenAugust 24, 2011 at 4:14 PM

    Your little porch looks so cute!
    We were porch sitting yesterday when the earthquake started rocking the chairs, and the ones were were sitting in vibrate!
    Love the shots of the porch, very artistic!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Sonny GAugust 24, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    I knew it was YOURS from the photo. Before I read the name even.. You amaze me and inspire me and and and.
    Every single detail is perfection and its easy to see that comes naturally to you..
    wow.

    ReplyDelete
  27. French Basketeer.comAugust 24, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    I'd love to sit on your lovely porch! Everything is perfectly perfect, Yvonne, no surprise! I especially love the black & white~

    ReplyDelete
  28. Shannon@Cozy Home ScenesAugust 24, 2011 at 4:42 PM

    Yvonne, your porch has such a welcoming look with the rocking chairs. Your plants look beautiful. My have had it for this year because of the heat. Shannon

    ReplyDelete
  29. Barbara F.August 24, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    Just beautiful and most inviting. I'd love to sit and rock for a few hours. xo

    ReplyDelete
  30. Pinky at Designs by PinkyAugust 24, 2011 at 5:03 PM

    First of all, had a great time today!!!! Your porch is gorgeous and YES, I would love to sit there with you!!!! How relaxing and inviting. You have a touch that makes EVERYTHING look elegant, but cozy at the same time. XOXO, Pinky

    ReplyDelete
  31. debbiesAugust 24, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    I can't even remember how I stumbled upon your blog, but so glad that I did. Seriously, there are hours spent just soaking up your eye for color, design, and food. After a long day, it's a wonderful way to relax. Love the porch and it looks so inviting!

    ReplyDelete
  32. AnonymousAugust 24, 2011 at 6:41 PM

    You have waved your magic wand yet again, Yvonne. Beautiful, relaxing porch!! I love the color you choose for your rockers. The color scheme for the porch is so lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  33. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenAugust 24, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    You're porch is so inviting, Yvonne! I love the black & white with the pop of green. What a lovely spot to enjoy the view.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Anita at Cedar Hill August 24, 2011 at 6:58 PM

    Oh your porch looks so heavenly and inviting. It almost makes me want to go outside, but the temps are keeping me in. Your porch looks cool and refreshing, it makes me wish I were there.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Pamela GordonAugust 24, 2011 at 7:12 PM

    Porch sitting is a wonderful passtime isn't it? Your porch looks very inviting and I look forward to seeing it decorated for fall. I too will try to get more porch sitting in before the weather prevents it. Blessings, Pamela

    ReplyDelete
  36. UnknownAugust 24, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    Yvonne -- what a wonderful place to sit and rock. I am loving your colors this summer -- does look refreshing and cool.

    Blessings!
    Gail

    ReplyDelete
  37. MarlaAugust 24, 2011 at 8:28 PM

    Absolutely love your porch, so inviting and peacefue!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Tammy at Tammy Loves DishesAugust 24, 2011 at 8:30 PM

    Yvonne, I can just imagine spending a summer evening porch sitting with you and gazing out across the Lancaster farm landscape. Your porch is so beautiful! I love the accent colors you have chosen.

    ReplyDelete
  39. SueAugust 24, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    You really made me miss having a large front porch. We have lots of outdoor seating spaces, but they are all in the back of the house. When I sit on my "front porch" I sit on the step! Yours looks lovely this summer:)

    ReplyDelete
  40. under spanish mossAugust 24, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    Yvonne, you porch is lovely. A place we would love to spend time visiting with family or in quite reflection!
    Angela and Renee

    ReplyDelete
  41. Ann from On Sutton PlaceAugust 24, 2011 at 10:12 PM

    Everything is just so lovely. I especially like the green pillows. Love them with the black and white. Great photos too.

    ReplyDelete
  42. BonjourRomanceAugust 24, 2011 at 11:40 PM

    Look slike the perfect spot to just relax, would love to join you Yvonne. One of these day for sure!!
    Love the black and white. Enjoy!
    Mimi

    ReplyDelete
  43. Kay EllenAugust 25, 2011 at 1:42 AM

    Beautiful Yvonne!
    I love your porch!~~~Wish I could join for a little rocking time and chatting of course :))

    Have a blessed week!

    xo
    Kay Ellen

    ReplyDelete
  44. Primitive EchoesAugust 25, 2011 at 7:20 AM

    I love your porch. The pictures are beautiful.
    Kat

    ReplyDelete
  45. LisaAugust 25, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    I could bring you a plate of cookies and we could rock together :)
    Hugs,
    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  46. Alycia NicholsAugust 25, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    I love the color combo, Yvonne, and the mix of patterns is great, too! I wish porch sitting was a common practice here. They hardly even make houses with ample porches on them here anymore!!! We do get to sit out on the back deck, but that doesn't offer the chance to wave to your neighbor or have them stop by for a few moments to share a glass of tea. Sad, really.

    ReplyDelete
  47. LizabethAugust 25, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    Very attractive- the stripe really draws the eye and mixed with the green/white pattern it's perfect. I love to rock and would be using them all the time!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Katie@LeBeauPaonVictorienAugust 25, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    Beautiful porch! I love the color you chose for the rockers!

    ReplyDelete
  49. JacquelineAugust 25, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    Yvonne, your porch is so inviting and your flowers still look so fresh. Mine are getting a little tired from the sun. I love the black and white and green. That is what I have in the backyard and it is so pretty. Too bad you can't recommend the Etsy shop because of the quality of the pillows, they are gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  50. mary nissleyAugust 25, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    Where in Lanc. Co. do you live so I can drive by and look at your beautiful porch?

    ReplyDelete
  51. RenéAugust 25, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    Yvonne, your porch is absolutely gorgeous! I would love to sit there and visit with you.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Gloria BakerAugust 25, 2011 at 5:58 PM

    Yvonne your porch is absolutely nice and beauty! gloria

    ReplyDelete
  53. On Crooked CreekAugust 25, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    Yvonne,
    I adore black, white and green!!! Throw in the burst of purple and I was just about to pop! This is gorgeous! So glad your temperatures are cooling and you're able to get out~of~doors to enjoy the porch! Save me a rocker and a glass of StoneGable Iced Tea, dear. The blueberries should fit in rather nicely with your color scheme!
    Fondly,
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  54. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina KitchenAugust 26, 2011 at 4:10 PM

    Love your porch Yvonne. I can not live without a porch, whether you call it a lanai or a screened porch or just a deck. It's a must.
    Sam

    ReplyDelete
  55. SarahAugust 27, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    I'd love to be rocking the day away right now on that lovely porch, Yvonne. It all looks beautiful and relaxing. I agree, rocking is a soothing experience. We have a rocking chair in every bedroom of our home, and a few other rooms as well. Counting up, there are six rockers here. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  56. Dear Sweet HomeAugust 27, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    I love it - the color combination is so fun and inviting!

    ReplyDelete
  57. The French HutchAugust 27, 2011 at 9:43 PM

    I would spend every spare minute I could find on this porch. Its beautiful. I love the colors, your pillows are gorgeous and of course the petunias are glorious. A perfect place to unwind.........

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

    ReplyDelete
  58. The TablescaperAugust 27, 2011 at 11:31 PM

    Great pillows. It's great how you plan on swapping them out for a fall look. So glad that you're part of Seasonal Sundays as we brace for Irene.

    - The Tablescaper

    ReplyDelete
  59. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasAugust 28, 2011 at 4:18 AM

    What a beautiful setting to sit with a cup of tea and a good book!!

    Love the color combination!!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  60. ChristieAugust 28, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    I LOVE this and yes, I will join you! Can I have a plate of that wonderful pasta you 'threw' together in the post above? I have never even looked at the gourmet foods in Homegoods! A new adventure!
    Christie

    ReplyDelete
  61. At The Picket FenceAugust 28, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    I have serious porch envy right now Yvonne!! Everything is absolutely gorgeous and I love that you pick a new color pallette each year. And, I'm like you in that I don't start decorating for Fall until mid-Sept. :-) Your photos are incredible as always and we are so thrilled that you shared this loveliness with us at Inspiration Friday this week!
    Vanessa

    ReplyDelete