Summer is one of the best times to dress up your porch. Between seasonal wreaths and lush planters, there’s nothing quite as cheerful as a decked-out porch welcoming you home in the middle of summer. Now is the time to prep before we head into the hottest months of the year, and what better way to start than with a classic red, white, and blue color scheme? Whether you’re honoring those who gave their lives on Memorial Day or marking America’s 250th birthday in July, you can never go wrong with this timeless combination, especially since all things Americana are trending this year. Below, I’m sharing six easy ways to decorate your porch in this patriotic—and classically summer—palette.
Hang a Flag
There is no need to overcomplicate porch dressing this summer—all you really need is an American flag. Opt for a vintage flag if you want to channel classic Americana.
RELATED: How to Hang the American Flag the Proper Way: A Flag Etiquette Guide
Choose a Classic Bunting
Want your porch to feel like Small Town, USA? Go for flag bunting! Seen here on photographer Sean Litchfield’s Maine porch, pleated fan flag bunting offers a timeless way to incorporate a bit of red, white, and blue.
Or, Go for Gingham
If you want a leveled-up look, opt instead for DIY gingham fabric bunting. This classic textile feels fresh all summer long, especially when placed against a white farmhouse. Decorate with touches of blue—think pillows or balloons—to complete the palette.
Decorate with Vintage Chip Cans
Charm up your front porch steps with vintage potato chip tins planted with flowers (or arrange clipped blooms in a glass or vase and set inside). Beloved for their retro graphics, these tins can be found at your local antique store for around $20.
Fix Up Your Furniture
Do you have an old wicker or iron outdoor set in need of a refresh? Then you too can embrace the art of expertly mismatched furniture! All you need is old outdoor furniture in need of some TLC and a can of red and blue spray paint. Once finished, pair them with fun accessories, like a vintage cooler, to fully embrace the old-school summer look.
RELATED: Why Designers Are Skipping Matching Patio Sets for a More Collected Outdoor Look
Punch Up a Petite “Porch”
Just because your porch is more of a, well, stoop doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish. Follow the lead of author Nora Murphy by decking out your entry with red and white flowers. Drape bunting over the door for an extra-patriotic look!
RELATED: Step Inside Nora’s Charming Coastal Connecticut Cottage
DIY a Wreath
Short on time and want to make a big impact? Try a starburst-shaped wreath made out of straws—yes, straws! This simple DIY only requires some appropriately colored straws and grosgrain ribbon.
To make: Attach different lengths of red, white, and blue paper straws to a craft ring with hot-glue. Layer them until the craft ring is fully covered. Tie a bow and attach to the wreath with hot-glue.
RELATED: More DIY Summer Wreath Ideas That Instantly Dress Up Your Door
Anna Logan is the Deputy Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.
