Thrifty and Chic | Cottage Style Home Decor & DIY Ideas

7 Cozy Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Alicia@Thrifty And Chic) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 02:53:21 +0000

My Cozy Summer Porch Tour: The Little Oasis I Spend All Season Long In

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I can't believe it's finally the warm-weather season! After months of waiting, my front porch is officially open for business, and if I'm being honest, I'll probably spend most of my summer out here.

Whether I'm reading a book, sipping tea in the morning, working on my laptop, or just enjoying a quiet evening, this porch has become my little oasis. Over the years I've slowly added pieces that make it more comfortable, cozy, and welcoming, and today I'm sharing all of the details along with some decorating ideas you can use on your own porch.

Tip #1: Start with Comfortable Seating

If you want to actually use your porch, comfortable seating is a must.

These DIY chairs are one of my favorite projects I've ever built (tutorial here). I made them many years ago, and they have held up beautifully through countless summers. They're still sturdy, comfortable, and one of the best additions I've ever made to this space.

This year, I made them even more comfortable by upgrading the seat cushions with memory foam inserts. The difference is incredible! I also found the cutest ruffled cushions from Target. I believe they were intended as seat cushions, but I loved the look of them as back cushions instead. They add such a charming cottage-style touch while making the chairs even cozier.

A beautiful space is great, but if it's not comfortable, you probably won't spend much time there. Investing in comfortable seating is what transforms a porch from something nice to look at into a space you'll actually use every day.

Tip #2: Layer in Cozy Textiles

Nothing makes a porch feel like an outdoor living room quite like layers.

Once the seating was comfortable, I added a few small accent pillows and a beautiful striped throw blanket that stays nearby for those cool mornings and evenings. Even in the summer, I love having a blanket within reach when I'm sipping tea before the sun comes up or relaxing outside after sunset.

The mix of pillows, cushions, and blankets instantly makes the space feel more inviting and lived-in. These little touches not only add color and texture, but they also make the porch feel like a natural extension of the house—a place where you can settle in with a good book and stay awhile.

Never underestimate what a few soft textiles can do to make an outdoor space feel warm and welcoming.

Tip #3: Refresh the Foundation of Your Space

Sometimes one simple update can completely transform a porch.

For me, that update was this rug.

The rug I had before was beginning to show its age, and honestly, I never really loved it. This year I decided it was time to invest in something that made me happy every time I walked through the front door.

I chose a beautiful white indoor-outdoor rug with a subtle diamond pattern, and it instantly brightened the entire porch. It feels fresh, clean, and welcoming. Every time I walk by it, I smile.

I also layered a few smaller jute rugs throughout the porch to soften some of the corners and add texture. Mixing materials like this helps a space feel collected and cozy instead of flat.

Tip #4: Make Your Porch Pet Friendly

One unexpected favorite addition?

These oversized floor cushions.

They add softness to the space, but more importantly, they've become my cat's favorite napping spot. If you've ever decorated with pets in mind, you know there's no higher compliment than when they immediately claim something as their own.

Tip #5: Mix Real and Faux Plants

One of my favorite decorating tricks is mixing real and faux plants together.

Last year I found some faux flowers on Amazon that I absolutely loved, and I've continued using them this season. They're tucked into a basket display that sits on top of a vintage bar stool I'm using as a plant stand.

Honestly, I've become so used to them that I can hardly tell they're faux anymore. You'll have to tell me what you think!

I mix them with plenty of real plants throughout the porch as well. One planter features trailing ivy, while my window boxes are filled with vinca vine, creeping Jenny, and delicate white blooms. I also love using bacopa in my containers because it fills in beautifully and softens the edges.

One of my favorite combinations this year includes miniature petunias paired with ornamental grass for added texture and movement.

Tip #6: Thrift Stores Are Your Best Friend

Some of my favorite pieces on this porch were thrifted.

The white wrought iron pieces flanking my front door were an incredible thrift-store find. If I remember correctly, they were around $15, which feels almost impossible these days.

Another favorite is the large urn near the entry. It had a tiny crack near the top, but because of that I was able to bring it home for around $20. A little imperfection doesn't bother me one bit when the piece adds so much character.

This basket was on a couple of bucks, as well as the stool!

Never overlook slightly damaged items when thrifting. Sometimes they're the best deals you'll find.

Tip #7: Don't Forget Evening Ambiance

A porch should be just as enjoyable at night as it is during the day.

I've added these lantern strung lights tucked inside the railings. As the sun goes down, they create the prettiest glow and make the porch feel warm and welcoming.

Lighting is one of those finishing touches that can completely change how a space feels.

Tip #8: Add Layers of Texture

One of the easiest ways to make an outdoor space feel cozy and collected is by layering different textures throughout the area.

On my porch, I mixed a bright indoor-outdoor rug with smaller jute rugs, soft cushions, wrought iron accents, weathered planters, baskets, and plenty of greenery. Individually, these pieces might not stand out, but together they create a space that feels warm and inviting.

Texture is especially important when decorating with a mostly neutral color palette. The combination of woven fibers, metal accents, wood furniture, and lush plants keeps the space interesting without feeling busy.

When a porch has a variety of textures, it instantly feels more like an extension of your home rather than just an outdoor space.

A Few Final Details

At the base of my steps, I have hydrangeas welcoming guests as they arrive. They're one of my favorite flowers and always make an entrance feel special.

And speaking of welcoming guests, I still love the french door makeover I completed last year. It was in rough shape before, and has made such a difference in this space.

As much as I was tempted to paint it white, I ultimately chose a rich dark brown. It grounds the entire porch and ties in beautifully with the rest of the exterior.

To finish everything off for summer, I've added a few American flags in celebration of the season and America's 250th anniversary.

This porch has truly become my favorite place to spend summer days. It's comfortable, welcoming, and filled with pieces that make me happy every time I step outside.

I hope you enjoyed this year's porch tour and found a few ideas you can use to create your own little outdoor oasis.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

DIY Magnetic Bud Vase: Turn Vintage Knives Into Watertight Fridge Vase Magnets

noreply@blogger.com (Alicia@Thrifty And Chic) — Sat, 30 May 2026 02:20:58 +0000

Have you ever looked through those bins of vintage silverware at the thrift store? Serious question, because up until about a month ago, it was a hard pass for me 😂 I was not sticking my fingers in there. Between the mystery grime and sharp knife tips, I just kept walking right past them every time.

Well…this DIY project may officially change that for you.

Or maybe you’re one of the lucky ones who already has some beautiful antique silverware tucked away at home that you’ve been thinking about getting rid of. Either way, today’s project is such a fun way to give old silverware a second life instead of letting it sit unused in a drawer.

Today I’m sharing how to turn thrifted vintage knives into magnetic bud vases that are actually watertight and can hold fresh cut flowers. Yep, real little flower vases for your fridge 🥹

I’m sure spoons or forks could work for this project too, but vintage knives were definitely the easiest silverware pieces for me to find while thrifting. In this tutorial, I’ll show you exactly how I transformed them into functional DIY bud vases with magnets for the cutest cottage kitchen decor.

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Here are the supplies I used:

Vintage or thrifted knives

Dremel and attachements (linked)

Small magnets (linked)

Fresh or dried flowers

Ribbon or jute

When looking for a knife, make sure the handle is hollow. You may need to knock on it to figure that out. I got a selection of a few different knives to see if they worked the same...and they did!

Step 1:

Using a Dremel with a reinforced metal cutting disk, I started cutting at the handle about 2 cm below the knife blade. This may be different for every knife, but this seemed about where it needed for all of mine. If you cut too high, you will be cutting through straight metal where the blade meets the handle. I did cut one shorter not knowing, and that's okay...just made a smaller little bud vase!

When cutting, make sure you use all safety precautions...metal shards will fly! Wear protection for your eyes and mouth...long sleeves probably :) I did use vicegrips to hold and cut a couple of mine.

Here's an idea of where I cut mine:

Step 2:

I then used a metal sanding bit to help take the sharpness off where I cut. This helped a ton! Don't skip this step.

I ended up cutting four for this tutorial.

Step 3:

I grabbed some magnets I already had and broke them to fit the back. You can purchase some that will fit here. I then used some gel super glue to put them into place. On that note, if you haven't used gel super glue and use the normal kind, I would highly suggest you switch! I didn't realize how nice the gel was until I accidently got the original kind, and that stuff is so liquidy and seeped all over the place, even onto my counter...which then super glued my vase I was fixing onto the counter. It was a mess.

Step 4:

If you want to use this a real bud vase for cut flowers...fill it up! I used my itty bitty pitcher to fill it with water.

I then cut a flower from my flower bed, and put it in there! These are watertight and won't leak...unless you overfill them.

Or, you can put some dried stems in them as well!

Step 5:

If you wish, hot glue or super glue a bow onto them to finish them off.

Which one is your favorite? I go back and forth! I can't decide. This one below is so beautiful and ornate. I have three more of these same knives. I want to cut them so bad, but then realize having more than even 3 of these may be a bit excessive haha.

I add the bow onto this one since it had the longest handle.

And this one, I love it because I can imagine it being a large scale vase. I didn't meant to cut this at such a strong angle, but it ended up being so cute!

Let me know if you do this and share them with me on my social media!

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How to Age Terracotta with Coffee (Easy Vintage Look!)

noreply@blogger.com (Alicia@Thrifty And Chic) — Wed, 20 May 2026 06:26:34 +0000

There used to be a time that I liked everything new...well, to look new. I've always been a sucker for good deals and second hand scores. But, I did love those clean crisp lines that new brought. Fast forward, now it's like I'm trying to get rid of anything that looks too new haha. Totally in jest, but still it's kind of true. These days I’m all about that perfectly imperfect, timeworn look...especially when it comes to decorating with terracotta pots and vintage-inspired decor.

Years ago, I shared how to make terracotta pots look vintage or old using some paint and a little secret sauce (you can see the tutorial for that here). Today, I’m sharing another easy DIY method to age terracotta pots naturally so they look like they’ve been sitting outside in the garden for years collecting patina and character. Think aged terracotta planters with that perfectly weathered, antique look...without waiting decades for nature to do its thing. Sounds appeasing?

Well, the appeasing part of this DIY aged terracotta technique is that it takes something yummy to do it. Coffee! Yep, this simple coffee method creates a beautiful vintage terracotta finish with hardly any effort. It’s one of the easiest ways to make new terracotta pots look old, rustic, and naturally weathered for cottage style, farmhouse, or vintage-inspired decor. And it’s soooo easy to do. So let’s get started.

Supplies Needed:

Your leftover morning coffee - cold or hot

Terracotta pots

Dish that will fit the coffee and the pot.

Place the terracotta pot into the bowl/cup of coffee.

As you can see, it doesn't need to be full immersed. The porous nature of the terracotta will bring the coffee up.

Leave it in for a couple of hours. The coffee will start to darken the top. You can do this upside down to get a different effect!

Here's a before and after of the new and the now "old".

Here's how it turned out. I love the older look it gave the terracotta. It was was pretty before, but now it just has so much more character.

Here's a before again, styled similarly.

What do you think? I'm excited to try this with even bigger pots! Let me know if you try this in the comments.

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Best Target Spring & Summer Decor Finds for 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Alicia@Thrifty And Chic) — Fri, 15 May 2026 05:51:11 +0000

Have you been to Target lately?! I am absolutely loving all of the new Target spring decor and summer home finds showing up right now. Their newest collections are full of beautiful cottage style decor, woven textures, soft florals, vintage-inspired accents, and cozy pieces that make home feel fresh for the season. And don’t even get me started on the outdoor decor…there are SO many good finds this year!

I stopped by my local Target to browse the new spring line and while my store was looking a little sparse, I still found some really pretty pieces worth sharing. Since I knew there had to be even more online, I went digging through the website too and found so many additional favorites including floral pillows, scalloped dinnerware, woven lighting, pastel kitchen accessories, outdoor entertaining pieces, cozy bedding, and affordable designer-look decor.

If you love cottagecore style, Studio McGee inspired decor, coastal cottage touches, vintage farmhouse charm, and layered neutral spaces with soft greens and blush tones, these Target finds are seriously so good for spring and summer decorating. I’m sharing all my favorite affordable home decor finds that can instantly refresh your living room, bedroom, kitchen, patio, porch, or dining space for the season.

A few of these Target spring and summer decor finds are even on sale through the end of the week, so definitely check them out before they disappear! You know how fast the good Target finds go this time of year.

Click on the images below or the pink titles to check them out.

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Floral Green Vase:

This caught my immediately when I strolled through the aisles. It is just so pretty!

Pleated ceramic vase:

I've seen these around in some Instagram accounts, and I found where they got them! They come in two sizes....and are so beautiful!

Woven portable lamp:

How cute would this be on a patio or even on a cute side table?

Oversized Jaquard Floral Pillow:

These come in multiple colors...I'm loving the green!

Oversized Jaquard Floral Pillow:

Quilted two sided with floral throw pillow:

I don't know why I was drawn to this pillow...the back is the all like the blue in the front. It feels soooo nice and quilted!

Woven textured vase:

There were a few pieces like this with this beautiful texture....vases and bowls!

Textured Ceramic Canister in blue:

Here are more textured vases but in blue, but what I love is the beautiful canister!

Wood Tufted Bench:

This bench would be so cute in an entryway!

Floral Comforter Set:

I've had this on my list for a bit...how beautiful and colorful is this? So cottagey!

Floral quilt:

I am loving this beautiful floral quilt! The color is so perfect.

Eyelet Outdoor Pillow:

This outdoor pillow comes in multiple colors.

brass candlesticks:

The shape of these candlesticks are so unique!

Carved dinner plates (on clearance right now!)

Literally just bought 8 of these plates, and the 8 of the salad ones!

Round Rickrack charger:

This just screams summer to me, doesn't it?

striped travel blanket:

This one rolls up for easy travel. The frays on the end is what got me!

Gingham travel mug:

Umm...yes, please. These colors and gingham look so cute together!

Stoneware Berry Bowl:

Love this berry bowl...it is functional and perfect for decor.

3 Drawer Wooden Dresser:

I'm looking for a new dresser for my kid's room, and I think I found it! It's the perfect size and would work well even in a living room or entryway.

Coated Tea Kettle:

Comes in different colors! Perfect to leave out on the counter and not be an eyesore.

Arch Console Table:

These arches had me! The reminded me of the cathedrals we visited in Europe.

Carved Edge Cutting Board:

This would work so well as a charcuterie board.

Two sided Tie Outdoor Pillow:

Comes in blue too! These ties are the cutest. There are stripes on the other side.

Rechargeable Outdoor Patio Light:

Perfect for the patio!

Ruffle Seat Cushions:

I bought two of these for cushion seat backs! We will see how they end up looking.

I’d love to know which find is your favorite this season! There are so many pretty pieces right now and I feel like Target really nailed the cozy cottage and fresh spring vibes this year. I’ll keep updating this roundup as more new arrivals hit stores and online, so be sure to save this post and check back for even more Target home decor finds!

How to Create a Cozy Cottage Living Room (13 Easy Decorating Tips)

noreply@blogger.com (Alicia@Thrifty And Chic) — Fri, 08 May 2026 04:18:00 +0000

I realized that it’s been a minute since I’ve shared my living room with you! Throughout the last couple of months I have added some changes to make it more cottagey and cozy. I changed the layout of this space last year and I’m still getting used to finding its best camera angles! Along with sharing this room, I’m sharing tips on how to get that effortless cozy cottage feel. If you love cottage living room decor, cozy neutral interiors, vintage cottage style, and collected home decor, these simple ideas can help you create a warm and welcoming space that feels layered over time.

One of my favorite things about cottage style decorating is that it doesn’t have to feel perfect. In fact, the charm comes from mixing old with new, adding meaningful pieces, and creating a home that feels lived in and loved. This room has slowly evolved into one of my favorite spaces in our home with all of the soft textures, warm woods, vintage-inspired decor, and cozy little corners.

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