I totally agree that “simple is just smarter,” especially when you’re just starting out. I moved into my first place last fall and honestly, I was overwhelmed by all the Pinterest-perfect porches out there. Ended up just grabbing a clearance doormat and a couple of mums from the grocery store. It made such a difference, way more than I expected.
I do think plug-in string lights are underrated, though.
Couldn’t agree more. I tried solar ones first—total flop once November hit. Now I just run an extension cord and it’s so much less hassle.Plug-in string lights are way more reliable, and honestly, they look better most of the time.
One thing I learned: don’t overthink color matching. I used to stress about everything coordinating, but mixing whatever’s on sale actually looks more relaxed and welcoming. Sometimes the “imperfect” stuff ends up being my favorite part.
Totally with you on the string lights—solar ones are great in theory, but in real life? Mine were just sad little blobs by 6pm in winter. Extension cord it is.
- Clearance plants are my jam too. Half the time, they perk up with a little water and sun anyway.
- I used to obsess over matching planters, but now I just grab whatever weird pots I find at thrift stores. The mix actually works—plus, less waste.
- If you want to swap out porch stuff seasonally, reusable fabric banners or bunting are fun (and you can just fold ‘em up when you’re done).
Honestly, nobody’s judging your color scheme except maybe your cat... and he’s probably just mad you’re on his porch chair.
String lights are such a gamble, aren't they? I wired up a set of solar ones last fall, thinking I'd finally cracked the code for a cozy porch... but yeah, by December they were barely brighter than my phone screen. Gave up and ran some outdoor-rated LED rope lights with a timer. Not as "eco" as I'd hoped, but at least I can see my steps.
Clearance plants are like a rescue mission for me. Last spring I grabbed a half-dead fern for $2, stuck it in an old paint bucket (drilled a few holes in the bottom), and it bounced back way better than expected. Sometimes the scraggly ones just need a little patience.
And the mismatched planter thing? Totally agree—I've got everything from a chipped enamel pot to a basket that used to hold onions. It actually looks more intentional when it's all jumbled together. Only thing I can't get into is plastic banners; I made some out of canvas drop cloth scraps and they've held up for years. My cat's only real complaint is when I move his sunspot...
Solar string lights are hit or miss for me too—seems like they work great until you actually need them to. I switched to plug-in fairy lights last year, just ran an extension cord under the steps. Not as green, but at least I’m not tripping over my own feet. Clearance plants are a gamble, but I’ve had better luck with succulents than ferns—maybe it’s just my climate? As for planters, I’ll use anything that holds dirt. Even an old toolbox once... looked weird, but it worked. Never tried making banners, though—might have to steal that canvas idea.
Plug-in fairy lights are definitely more reliable, even if you have to get creative with the cords. I’ve seen folks try to hide them with planters or even fake grass mats—works in a pinch. As for planters, I once used an old paint bucket (cleaned out, of course). Not pretty, but it did the job. Banners are fun, but I always end up with more paint on myself than the canvas... Maybe that’s just me. Succulents do seem to survive just about anything, though—wish ferns were as forgiving.
