When we first found this house, there were so many areas we were excited about, but I was most thrilled by the screened-in porch. I immediately envisioned enjoying my morning coffee, watching thunderstorms, and quiet evenings alone with Mr. SP…all on the covered porch. And since it’s mostly protected from the elements (and bugs!), we spend even more time out there than I imagined!

In fact, one of my favorite rituals takes place on this porch. Almost every Saturday morning, Little Miss and I (the early-risers) walk to our neighborhood donut shop, then bring our sugary haul back to enjoy on the screened-in porch. These quiet mornings before the boys wake up, have become our special one-on-one time, and when she really opens up about her dreams, struggles, and girl dramas.

Since it’s one of our favorite spots, I like to keep it comfy and cozy year-round. Outdoor spaces require a refresh more often than inside rooms, so I turned to HomeGoods for cozy throws, cushy pillows, and fun decor for our recent revamp. HomeGoods is a great spot for seasonal swap-outs since everything is so affordable, and I love the one-stop shopping for all things home decor.

This year we painted the ceiling pale blue and added lights for more ambiance.

I could stare at her sweet little face and listen to her chatter forever! Having a teenager has taught me just how fast these years fly by, so I want to savor every moment. Plus, I’m all too aware of how brutal Middle School can be for girls, so I want to make sure we stay connected and she knows I’m always her biggest fan.

Tips for Creating a Cozy Outdoor Space

1) Create a cozy seating area, keeping in mind comfort is key! // Extra-wide arm chairs are great for snuggling up together!

2) Use small tables that do double duty // A small stool can double as a great spot for placing a drink or serving snacks. That way, once more guests join you (or when my boys wake up), you’ll have seating available for everyone.

3 Incorporate greenery for a tropical feel. // Fill the space with large plants and trees for a tropical vibe and fresh pops of green color. HomeGoods is my go-to spot for the best (most affordable!) planters!

4) Think about cohesiveness, but don’t sacrifice flair // Create a common color palette to give the space cohesion. Virtually every room of mine has at least two bold colors, and there’s always a pattern – you can have a little fun with it!

5) Oversized throw pillows exude a laid-back vibe // Encourage lounging by bringing in cozy throws and soft pillows. Use throw pillows in various sizes to add color, texture and pattern. If you shop somewhere like HomeGoods where they’re super affordable, you can easily swap them out for each season. I love to mix and match patterns of different scales…and stripes always work!

6) Bring the inside out // I love bringing the inside outdoors by extending the feeling of our home to the porch! Lay down large rugs on your patio or backyard to achieve that homey feel. I found both of these at HomeGoods for a steal.

7) Add in some conversation-starters // Quirky objects (or even games) give the space personality, and spark conversations.

8) Fashionable storage is key // Use a variety of baskets for cute storage and to add texture to your space. HomeGoods has a huge selection in tons of different sizes, textures and colors, which allows you to keep extra blankets, pillows and more in close reach for when you need them.

9) Pay attention to ambiance // Hanging lights, candles, or even a small fire pit add warm ambiance.

10) Have fun with it! // Most importantly, forget the rules and have fun!! This is your home and should be a place that brings you joy!!

Taking time out of our busy schedules can be tough, but when it comes to family it’s always worth it! In fact, in a recent poll, 92% wish they had more time for these special moments, and 72% say that if they had the time at home, sharing a meal with family or friends takes top priority.

What area of your home brings you the most joy? Do you have home rituals that are special to your family?

*Photos by the darling and talented Mary Summers. This post is created in collaboration with HomeGoods, but all styling, opinion, and freckle-faced cuties are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors.*