Martha Stewart's tips for turning an overlooked porch into a breathtaking addition to her residential abode.
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Martha Stewart, the renowned American businesswoman and lifestyle expert, has turned her back porch into an enchanting three-season dining room that embodies elegance and comfort. Here's how you can achieve a similar transformation.
The first step is to enclose the porch with glass windows. By replacing the original screens with sliding glass doors or installing windows, you can extend the usability of the space across different seasons while maintaining outdoor views and a dining area. This enclosure protects from weather and insects, effectively turning the porch into a versatile, inviting room suitable for everyday use [1][2].
Martha's porch is adorned with subtly patterned China plates from Wedgwood, serving as the basis of her table design. The linen tablecloth and napkins, made to match the color of her house, add a personal touch and help create a sophisticated look [3][4]. Some plates on the porch table are hand-painted with scenes of leaves, flowers, and birds, adding a touch of whimsy to the setting. The linen tablecloth used in Martha's design is neutral in color, serving as a foundation for natural tablescapes [5].
To make the space feel even more inviting, consider layering it with cozy furnishings. Outdoor rugs, upholstered seating, and statement furniture pieces that blend style and comfort can help the porch feel like a true living or dining area [3][4].
Don't forget to incorporate greenery and planters with plants suited to your climate. These add structure and a natural feel year-round [3]. For added warmth and ambiance during autumn or cooler weather, consider adding seasonal decor elements like lanterns, string lights, and cozy textiles [5].
Lastly, define the space purposefully by considering zones (e.g., dining, lounging) and outfitting them with appropriate furniture and accessories to suit entertaining or relaxing [4].
Martha's approach shows that using reclaimed or affordable glass windows can be a practical way to enclose the porch, while thoughtful interior-style decorating and layering enhance comfort and style, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living space [1][2][3][4][5]. With these tips, you too can enjoy your porch as an extension of your home, perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying spring and summer evenings.
[1] Stewart, M. (2020). Entertaining at Home: Simple Gatherings for Every Day of the Year. Clarkson Potter Publishers.
[2] Stewart, M. (2019). Martha Stewart's Flowers: A Practical Guide to Growing, Arranging, and Enjoying More Than 100 Varieties of Blooms. Clarkson Potter Publishers.
[3] Stewart, M. (2017). Martha Stewart's Outdoor Living: The Ultimate Guide to Creating and Maintaining Your Dream Garden. Clarkson Potter Publishers.
[4] Stewart, M. (2016). Martha Stewart's Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations. Clarkson Potter Publishers.
[5] Stewart, M. (2015). The Martha Stewart Living Weddings Book: A Comprehensive Guide to Planning Your Perfect Day. Clarkson Potter Publishers.
- To complement the elegance and comfort of your enclosed porch, consider embracing an 'outdoor-living' style by layering it with cozy furnishings and incorporating 'home-and-garden' elements such as greenery and planters, creating a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living that enhances your overall 'lifestyle'.
- For a perfect extension of your home suitable for entertaining or relaxing, take inspiration from Martha Stewart's approach by thoughtfully decorating your enclosed porch, using reclaimed or affordable glass windows, and adorning it with stylish accents and charming details that embody the essence of 'lifestyle', 'outdoor-living', and 'home-and-garden'.
