How to decorate summer’s most nostalgic space

There are few summer pleasures more visceral than sitting on a screen porch as an afternoon rainstorm rolls in. They offer protection from the worst of the storm, and as the pitter-patter of the rain hits the warm ground outside, we’re ever thankful for our peaceful and protected position, perhaps curled up on a big, comfy chair. As the wet breeze makes its way through the screen’s mesh, we’re rewarded with a refreshing thrill. The dark clouds begin to lift, and the sound of songbirds begs us to relax and stay awhile. The only excuse to get up is to grab a fresh iced drink and a snack. Cheese straws, anyone? 

Out of the reach of mosquitoes and June bugs, in the sought-after shade and with plenty of creature comforts, the screen porch is a place to both gather and escape. It’s where we can entertain, think, or read. It’s a respite from the summer heat without resigning to days upon days spent hiding indoors.

And designing summertime’s living room is a delicate balance of blending indoors and out. A covered roof and the barrier of screen walls creates an environment that lets us flirt with what counts as outdoor décor. While weatherproof furniture is preferred for its ability to stand up to temperature swings and moisture, the coverage of the porch is a permission slip to play with fabric, wicker details, and eye-catching entertaining pieces.

Layers of textiles wouldn’t be possible in an exposed outdoor space, yet they add softness and warmth to a screen porch. Trays for serving drinks or a lightweight tablecloth bring a thoughtfulness to a simple afternoon snack enjoyed with a friend. A wicker basket is décor that doubles as a caddy between the kitchen and the porch, while enamelware and melamine make practical yet pretty serving dishes.

But the finishing touches are what bring the screen porch to life. “I like to scatter rattan lanterns on tabletops and on the porch floor for a glowing nighttime ambiance,” explains interior designer and artist Lucy Williams of the Norfolk-based Lucy Williams Interiors, who also brings in terracotta planters with vibrant flowers or English boxwood.  

A vase of flowers, block print linens, a stack of old books, botanically inspired napkins, and, of course, sparkling lantern lights that echo the lightning bugs just beyond the screened-in walls—these are the details that separate the magic of the screen porch from its au naturale cousins. 

This article originally appeared in the August 2024 issue.