open air: porch by Nancy Pearson (Traditional Home)

I love this open porch off the kitchen of one of Traditional Home's Hampton Designer Showhouses. I admit, it's from a few years ago, but it certainly doesn't seem dated in any way. The feel of this outdoor room epitomizes my idea of the perfect place to start a summer day.

Interior designer Nancy Pearson mixed materials, styles, and colors in a way that makes the space feel so breezy and light, but thankfully, not in the traditional beach house color scheme—which is often executed well, but is predictable, and doesn't interest me as much as this. Low-slung seating topped with bright patterned pillows create a comfortable space to catch up on a good book, or just to have morning coffee (juice, in my case) and read the paper. Or, again in my case, scroll through Twitter and news sites online (sorry!).

The antiqued zinc finish on the hanging lanterns is a nice departure from the polished nickel usually seen. A natural-edge cocktail table, flowers, and topiary add natural elements, while the shell-and-antique fragment mirror gives a nod to the house’s setting. The yellow garden stool references the lattice windows, and the lovely dark floor is an unexpected detail. I also really appreciate that while there are shells present, we’re not being beaten over the head with a shell/nautical theme.  Because of the bright palette, the fish-patterned magenta pillow coordinates well with the silk ikat pillows. The whole space feels so relaxed and refreshing, like its very own getaway.


image via Traditional Home

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