As New York warms up, you should have an inviting outdoor oasis that can enhance your quality of life by offering a tranquil escape from the everyday hustle. You won’t need a vacation when you have a vacation space right in your own backyard!
Drawing inspiration from current trends that favor comfort, lively colors, sustainable choices, and effortless beauty, we’re excited to share five inspiring porch ideas and outdoor design options. Each concept features durable, low-maintenance, easy-to-clean Finch Furniture that is crafted from 95% recycled materials. We’ve also paired complementary flowers with each furniture piece to help you design your dream summer haven.
1. The Lakeside Serenity Spot
Imagine a peaceful nook by the water’s edge, even if your “lake” is just your backyard in New York. This idea focuses on creating a calm and reflective space where you can unwind and let your worries drift away with the breeze.
Finch Furniture Pairing: Create an elevated vantage point from which to enjoy a quiet morning coffee by adding a Finch balcony table accompanied by two Finch balcony swivel chairs. You’ll be able to see all of your serene space from these comfy chairs while you take a quiet moment for yourself.
Flower Pairings: Evoke a serene, aquatic feel by adding delicate white water lilies in a decorative pot. Add to that lakeside feeling by including hanging baskets that have trails of blue lobelia draping down from the baskets accompanied by soft-colored impatiens.
Why It Works: The elevated balcony set offers a perfect perch for quiet contemplation and mimics the feeling of overlooking a tranquil lake. The lobelia and water lilies enhance this peaceful, water-inspired atmosphere, thus creating a truly calming retreat. If you want more of an oceanside feel than a lakeside atmosphere, then be sure to check out Finch’s OceanWavz collection.
2. The Vibrant Tropical Escape
Bring the lush, exotic feel of a tropical paradise to your New York garden. This theme thrives on bold colors and abundant foliage, and makes every moment feel like a getaway without leaving home.
Finch Furniture Pairing: Create a luxurious island lounge by adding a Finch deep seating sofa in a vibrant color to your outdoor space. Add a matching Finch coffee table where you can set your homemade tiki drink down for a moment as you enjoy your tropical getaway.
Flower Pairings: Bring on the lush tropical plants! We suggest red hibiscus blooms, fragrant yellow plumeria, and cascading Mandevilla vines climbing a nearby trellis to help transport you to a sun-drenched island. Consider adding alocasia (or “elephant ear” plants) to create an even lusher green space at your home and celosia blooms to add bright, tropical colors to your outdoor space.
Why It Works: The deep seating sofa offers comfort for lounging, just as you would on a tropical vacation. The hibiscus, plumeria, Mandevilla, alocasia, and celosia will surround you with the lush, vibrant beauty of a faraway paradise.
3. The Rustic Retreat
Embrace a welcoming, rustic-meets-refined aesthetic that invites long, leisurely afternoons. The “Rustic Retreat” includes outdoor décor that is perfect for a New York summer escape from the everyday. It’s about creating a space that feels deeply connected to nature while offering simple comforts and timeless charm.
Finch Furniture Pairing: Unwind with a good book or enjoy chatting with a loved one on a charming Finch porch swing.
Flower Pairings: Add a touch of charming simplicity and vibrant color to your outdoor space with terracotta pots that contain cheerful red and pink geraniums and trailing purple petunias.
Why It Works: A porch swing evokes feelings of nostalgia and relaxed country living, which fits with the rustic theme without getting “too rustic.” Geraniums’ classic charm, and petunias’ cascading beauty in earthy terracotta pots reinforce this down-to-earth aesthetic, which creates an inviting, cozy, and unpretentious haven.
4. The Modern Minimalist Oasis
This is for those who appreciate clean lines, understated elegance, and an uncluttered outdoor space. This theme is less about distraction and more focused on tranquility and on an essential beauty that suits a chic New York sensibility.
Finch Furniture Pairing: Create a focal point by using Finch’s unique fish table, which adds visual interest to any space without going overboard. Frame the table with two minimalist Finch bar stools to create a chic spot for drinks and light bites.
Flower Pairings: Create a contemporary feel with white impatiens (which are low-maintenance plants with continuous blooms) and create a vertical element with snake plants in modern planters.
Why It Works: The Finch fish table’s distinctive yet clean design provides an artistic focal point without adding clutter. Plus, the sleek bar stools create a functional and stylish area without adding too much to the space. Meanwhile, the impatiens and snake plants complement the minimalist aesthetic. Together, these elements will create a sophisticated and simple feel to your New York porch or patio. This is also a great theme for those who have a small patio or garden space.
5. The Alfresco Dining Delight
Transform your porch into a beautiful setting for outdoor meals, lively gatherings, and memorable moments with loved ones. Imagine laughter, good food, and the soft glow of a New York summer evening right in your own backyard.
Finch Furniture Pairing: Provide you, your family, and your guests with a comfortable and stylish option for outdoor dining by adding the versatile Finch counter-height dining set to your outdoor space.
Flower Pairings: Add colorful hydrangea, celosia, and Gerbera daisies to add various hues to your porch or patio. These flowers are known for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to gardens, and their vibrant colors will add a festive and inviting atmosphere to you and your guests’ dining experiences.
Why It Works: The counter-height dining set encourages a more relaxed and social dining experience, which is perfect for casual entertaining. The bright, cheerful colors of hydrangea, celosia, and Gerbera daisies also add a lively backdrop to your New York garden and will create an inviting ambiance ideal for any outdoor gathering. If you prefer a more formal dining option, then make sure to check out our post, “Summer Porch & Patio Ideas.”
Visit Green Acres Garden Center
Ready to turn your summer porch dreams into a reality? At Green Acres Garden Center in central New York, we’re passionate about helping you create your ideal outdoor oasis. Our knowledgeable team can guide you through our extensive selection of vibrant and healthy flowers and plants as well as our durable Finch Furniture options. Stop by today and let us help you craft a space that feels like a mini vacation, right at home.
