From the Front Porch: Spring Flowers Edition

Hello from the front porch, sweet friends, welcome to the Spring Flowers edition of this weekly series.

Thanks so much for being here and making us a part of your day!

How has your week been?

Last weekend, we went on a spring home tour sponsored by our local historical society.

The homes were in an affluent area of town, complete with walking paths, manicured lawns, and live oaks dripping with Spanish moss.

They were all different styles.

And as we walked from house to house, everyone seemed to have an opinion on the design, the color palette, the finishes, the artwork, the layout, the gardens, and the historical character.

Especially when it came to the featured house.

The featured house was a Tudor Revival-style home built in 1934.

It was elegantly layered with gables and beautiful brick.

Foxglove, roses, salvia, hollyhock, lavender, pansies, and violas surrounded the mailbox.

As we presented our tickets and put on our booties to protect the floors, we learned the house had taken nearly 2 years to renovate.

With high expectations and a quiet hush, we walked inside.

Truly, we were stunned.

While the outside of the house had retained much of its 1934 character, the inside was wildly modern.

Think…a glass fireplace, granite walls, a Warhol painting-inspired bathroom, zebra rugs, sculptural furniture, rope lights, and a minimalist black and white color palette throughout.

Hours later, we stopped for lunch and immediately started talking about the featured home.  

Most everyone appreciated how the homeowners had stayed true to their vision.

“It’s obvious they entertain a lot,” said one.

“The pool and patio area were amazing,” said another.

“The bathroom was unique,” a third chimed in.

“I can see how they were trying to get the best of both worlds,” another agreed.

Then the outspoken one chimed in.

“Are we going to ignore the obvious?” she said passionately.

“That house looked nothing like I expected it to look from the outside.”

“Where was the charm, the warmth, the people actually live here-this-is-not-a-showroom vibe? Yes, they stayed true to their vision, but what about being true to the historical character of the home?”

As I sat quietly listening to the lively discussion, I couldn’t help but think about a quote I recently discovered.

It said in part, “Don’t let their character define your worth.

And while the context of the quote had nothing to do with homes per se, it made me realize the value someone places on something (or someone) is as unique as the homes we toured.

For in the end, our perspectives on these spaces revealed as much about us as they did about the homes we explored.

After all, beauty, style, comfort, charm, hospitality, character, kindness, stewardship, history, and community are deeply personal.

So, as we prepare to head into next week, I want to gently remind you that you and your home are uniquely worthy, no matter the opinions of others.

For there is a story behind every door.

Are you proud of the one you’re telling?

A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week… 

Beautiful Home and Garden Tours:

• How a Photographer Rescued His Idyllic Childhood Home In The Irish Countryside (via House and Garden UK – this home is gorgeous)
• This Hilltop Colonial from Ali Henrie Design is stunning!
• I love all the finishes in this Dash Point Waterfront by Cohesively Creative, including the flower arrangements. They’re beautiful!
• The Ocean Way Project in Bethany Beach, Delaware, by Weeth Home feels so warm and inviting.
• The Most Popular Flower in Every State (via Real Simple-Florida’s did not surprise me at all. Did your state surprise you?)

Seasonal Inspiration:

• I discovered this post, Scandinavian Spring Homes from Anne of Dabbling and Decorating from Anna of Sky Lark House, and immediately fell in love.
• Leave it to Rachel of The Ponds Farmhouse to create a budget-friendly cutting board that looks straight out of a fancy boutique.
• Loving this spring-inspired kitchen vignette from KariAnne of Thistlewood Farm. Plus, how cute is her dress?
• Cindy from Reinvented Delaware has an amazing outdoor garden She Shed.
• The latest Birch Lane x Babs Collaboration is fantastic. I can’t get over the solarium!
• This post How to Create a Home Anywhere via Goop, was filled with lots of fabulous nuggets from author Shira Gill.
• Loved this post on Home Logos via Southern Living. It would make such a great gift idea, too!

Health and Wellness Inspiration:

• 15 Foods That Have More Protein Than An Egg (via Self)
• Hanging on to these encouraging words, Elizabeth from Pinecones and Acorns shared.
• How to Be Your Own Best Friend (via The Good Trade)
• Notes On: Rules for Confidence (this was a fun read via Hannah Connolly’s Substack)

Makeup, Style, and Travel Inspiration:

• Gucci Westman Shares Her 5 Make-Up Tips for Mature Skin (via Bazaar UK)
• The French Beauty Code: Garance Dore’ on Beauty, Confidence, Style and Aging Beautifully (via Camille Styles)
• 13 Spring Business Casual Outfits to Inspire Your Workwear (via My Chic Obsession)
• The 9 Best Hotels for Garden Lovers (via Veranda)

Encouraging Words…

If You’ve Missed Anything from the Archives or the Blog, Here’s a Peek at What We’ve Been Up To…

Spring Flowers Home Tour

Spring Flowers Porch Tour

How to Decorate a Chandelier with Flowers for Spring

How to Make a Faux Flower Arrangement Look Real

Rose Petal Soak and Bath Salts

Quick and Easy Dried Flowers Card

DIY Flower Market Sign

Spring Front Door Flower Basket

From the Front Porch: A Simple Spring Reset

Shopping Notes…

**(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)

• Pullover Sweater (this style is meant to be oversized, so be sure to read the size chart)
• Real Touch Hydrangeas (10 colors to choose from)
• Belt (20 colors to choose from)
• Short Sleeve Sweater (20 colors available depending on size)
• Cordless Table Lamps (10 colors to choose from, depending on size)
• Eyelet Blouse (14 colors available depending on size)
• Pillow Covers (6 colors to choose from, depending on size)
• Sandals (11 colors to choose from, depending on size)
• Lip Liner in Truth or Bare (this budget-friendly shade is easy to apply)
• Shower Curtain (5 colors to choose from, depending on size)
• Sweater Vest (15 colors to choose from, depending on size)
• Sheet Set (24 colors to choose from, depending on size)
• Dress (12 colors to choose from)
• Lip Plumping Gloss in Mauve Lady (love this shade so much)
• Pillow Covers (12 colors to choose from, depending on size)
• Button Down (14 colors and styles available, depending on size)

I hope you have a peace filled and happy weekend. We can’t wait to share more next week!

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo