Hello, wonderful readers!
There’s an undeniable magic that Summer brings, transforming our outlook and inviting us to embrace the great outdoors. For many, the festive winter holidays hold the crown for “the most wonderful time of the year,” but I wholeheartedly disagree. Give me the balmy, sun-drenched days, the gentle breezes, and the endless opportunities for outdoor entertaining, dining, and simply lounging, and I’m in my absolute happy place. This season is, without a doubt, my favorite.
Today is particularly special as my dear friend, Katrina – a kindred spirit I connect with both online and in real life – has graciously invited me to participate in her inspiring Summer In Style Outdoor series. I couldn’t be more thrilled! Katrina is not only a fantastic person, but her gorgeous home and sweet family are a constant source of inspiration. In fact, her journey was a significant motivator for my own decision to downsize, and for that, I am eternally grateful. This past week, we’ve been treated to a feast of stunning and incredibly inspiring outdoor spaces from fellow creatives, and I’m beyond excited to finally share a glimpse into our own.
If you’re joining us from Alexi’s blog, a huge HI and a warm WELCOME! Wasn’t her ice cream bar absolutely divine? So fun, so festive, and it left me with an intense craving for pistachio almond ice cream! It’s a joy to be part of such a talented group.
For those of you who might be new to my corner of the internet, Hola! I’m Shavonda, and I live in vibrant Sacramento, California, with my wonderful family in our beloved little home, affectionately known as #thecottagebungalow. Our journey here began about three years ago when we made the significant leap from a house twice its size. Since then, we’ve been on a fascinating and fulfilling adventure, learning to maximize every inch of our smaller footprint and embracing a life with less. As a designer and stylist, I’m drawn to interiors that exude moodiness, bohemian charm, and eclectic flair. I confess, I’m also a bit of a maximalist at heart, with a penchant for collecting all things beautiful and unique.
In our quaint bungalow, Summer isn’t just about warm weather and sizzling barbecues; it’s a treasured opportunity to fully utilize our outdoor spaces. After months of being cozied up indoors during the cooler fall and winter, this transition feels incredibly welcome. We adore our small home, but let’s be honest, it can get a little snug at times! Having functional and inviting outdoor areas is absolutely essential for our family to spread out and truly thrive.
Transforming Our Outdoor Spaces: The Heart of Our Bungalow
Our home is a classic fixer-upper, a labor of love that we’re slowly but surely transforming room by room. While the backyard outdoor spaces are still very much a work in progress, awaiting their turn in our renovation schedule, we are incredibly fortunate to have one perfectly usable and utterly charming outdoor area: our front porch. It was one of the defining features that made me fall head over heels for this house. More than just an entryway, it’s become my personal sanctuary, a tranquil haven where I can escape and recharge.
As a proud Southern girl, porch living wasn’t just a preference; it was an essential way of life back home. The idea of long, lazy afternoons spent on the porch, sipping sweet tea and chatting with neighbors, is deeply ingrained in my memories. When I moved out West, I honestly didn’t think I’d ever find a home with a porch that captured that same essence. But here it is, and I cherish it more than words can express.
We’ve consciously designed our porch to function as a seamless extension of our adjoining living room, effectively expanding our usable square footage. This thoughtful approach allows us to enjoy a sense of spaciousness that belies our home’s modest size. Thankfully, we live in a region with a wonderfully temperate climate, which means I can revel in this beloved space for well over half the year. While it’s not entirely “finished” – because, let’s face it, is any creative space ever truly finished? – it’s perfectly appointed for my daily rituals. It’s where I enjoy people-watching, dive into a captivating book, savor my morning cup of tea, and carve out precious moments of quiet reflection. This little boho haven is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite spot in the house right now.
Our Boho Porch Haven: Comfort and Style
One of the newest and most beloved additions to our porch is the hanging chair. Oh, how I adore it! Its design is not only visually appealing, contributing to the laid-back bohemian aesthetic, but its comfort is unparalleled. The gentle sway and plush cushions make it the ultimate spot for kicking back, unwinding, and letting the day’s stresses melt away. It’s the perfect embodiment of relaxed luxury.
Beyond the comfort, I’m also a fervent plant lover, and incorporating my “plant babies” into this space was a non-negotiable. Lush greenery instantly breathes life and tranquility into any area, and our porch is no exception. I’ve made sure to include several of my favorite varieties, drawing on my Southern roots by featuring classic Boston ferns – a true staple of Southern porches. These beautiful, feathery plants bring a touch of that nostalgic charm right here to California. But while there’s a nod to tradition, the overall vibe is distinctly relaxed and casual, perfectly reflecting the laid-back spirit of Cali living. It’s a harmonious blend of Southern hospitality and West Coast cool.
While our small outdoor oasis on the porch still has room for a few tweaks and additions – and indeed, the entire backyard awaits its transformation – I am genuinely content and deeply happy with its current state. It perfectly embodies the comfort, style, and personal sanctuary we envisioned for our small home. It’s a testament to how even the most compact spaces can be transformed into dreamy havens with a little creativity and a lot of heart.
Thank you all so incredibly much for taking the time to stop by and share in our Summer In Style journey. And a special, heartfelt THANK YOU once again to Katrina for including me in this fantastic series. Your vision for bringing together so many talented individuals is truly inspiring!
Before you go, make sure to head over to Darnetha’s blog next – I promise you won’t be disappointed! Please send her some virtual hugs from me; she’s another wonderful friend I’m fortunate enough to know in real life. And for those eager to explore more incredible outdoor inspiration, be sure to scroll down to catch the entire tour lineup. You’ll discover a wealth of ideas to transform your own spaces.
Until next time, friends, may your days be filled with sunshine, comfort, and beautiful outdoor moments!
Xo-Shavonda
{For those curious about the details of our porch refresh, you can find my DIY painted floor tutorial here. The absolutely dreamy hanging chair that gets so much love is from here. Our charming chinoiserie set was a lucky Craigslist find, proving that treasures can be found anywhere! And while our hammock was a souvenir from a wonderful vacation in Mexico, you can discover even better and often more affordable options here, here, here, or here! }
SUMMER IN STYLE OUTDOOR TOUR LINEUP
MONDAY 6/5
Chic Little House (Start here!!)
Cuckoo for Design
TUESDAY 6/6
Newlywoodwards
Don’t Disturb This Groove
WEDNESDAY 6/7
Cassie Bustamante
Seeking Alexi
TODAY
SG Style (It’s Me!)
Chippasunshine
Live Pretty on a Penny
FRIDAY 6/9
White House Black Shutters
Effortless Style Blog