Martha Stewart's tips for contemporizing an often neglected outdoors area into an eye-catching addition to her dwelling, as she revealed her favorite room to be the porch.
Transform Your Back Porch into a Three-Season Room: Martha Stewart's Guide
Martha Stewart, the renowned lifestyle expert, has shared her favourite room in the house - her porch. By enclosing it with glass windows and designing it as a comfortable, inviting entertaining area, she has turned her back porch into a three-season room or outdoor dining room[1][3].
Enclose Your Porch
To create an all-weather environment while still allowing natural light and outdoor views, start by enclosing your porch with sliding glass windows. Martha took an existing screened-in space and replaced the screens with these windows, extending its usability beyond just warm months into cooler seasons[1][3].
Design a Comfortable Space
After enclosing the space, focus on designing it as a comfortable, inviting entertaining area. Martha Stewart’s porch evolved into an "entertaining oasis," emphasizing everyday use and relaxation[1]. Use a durable, weather-appropriate floor such as kiln-dried, pressure-treated pine tongue-and-groove boards to ensure the floor can withstand outdoor conditions yet feel homey for indoor use[2].
Inspired Tips
- Incorporate vintage or classic pieces, like a painted hutch or shabby chairs, and add warm, organic touches such as candles and plants for charm and coziness[2][5].
- Use screened or glass doors on entrances to maintain airflow when desired but keep out bugs, making the space usable in varying weather[2].
- Regular cleaning and maintenance are important since porches collect dust and pollen; vacuum cushions and wipe down surfaces frequently to keep the space fresh[4].
- Add string lights, natural textiles, and a bistro table to create an inviting dining atmosphere with a "Martha Stewart aesthetic" of timeless charm mixed with sustainable, nature-inspired decor[5].
Martha's Aesthetic
Martha Stewart's porch table setting is one of the most beautiful outdoor table settings. She uses a mix and match of Wedgwood plates and pierced edged plates[2]. For a sophisticated natural tablescape, a linen tablecloth is suggested as a foundation[1]. Martha Stewart makes her own linen tablecloth and napkins for the porch, using a serger to make edges[1].
Resources
[1] Martha Stewart Living: [https://www.marthastewart.com/361106/how-to-decorate-a-porch] [2] Better Homes & Gardens: [https://www.bhg.com/gardening/outdoor-gardening/backyard/porch-decorating-ideas/] [3] This Old House: [https://www.thisoldhouse.com/landscaping/21343643/screened-porch-ideas] [4] HGTV: [https://www.hgtv.com/outdoor-living/patio-and-porch-decorating-ideas/porch-decorating-ideas/index.html] [5] Country Living: [https://www.countryliving.com/life/g2252/porch-decorating-ideas/]
Embrace Outdoor-Living Year-RoundIncorporate your home-and-garden aesthetic into your three-season room by using durable, weather-appropriate materials for flooring and furnishings, while maintaining a focus on comfort and inviting design.
Design with Sustainable ElementsTransform your back porch into an outdoor living space that complements your lifestyle by incorporating vintage or classic pieces, screened or glass doors, and timeless elements of nature such as candles, plants, and string lights.
