A Summer Porch Refresh

Toni and Bryan Mogensen know how to make the most of every inch of their modest, circa-1920 California bungalow. With two very active young sons, they make a point of styling their home with affordable finds that can stand up to constant use, as well as the hot Salinas sun.

Pink flowers in a basket hanging on a black front door — Toni placed a pink azalea plant inside a basket lined with plastic bubble wrap. She also layered the doormats for a fun look and added texture.

Pink flowers in a pot — Toni mixed old and new flower pots to create a unique style.

Using a mix of new, thrifted and DIY pieces, they created an exterior that’s not only comfortable, but is also stylish and memorable. Toni loves to create new looks for each season, yet she never breaks her budget.

“I use my same core pieces again and again, but I change the mood with seasonal flowers and plants, linens, pillows and fresh door décor.”

Plants and flowers on a cottage's front porch. — Since most of Toni’s planters have a neutral vibe, she decided to incorporate a few terracotta pots for richness and color. She also put brass lanterns on the steps to make the space feel modern.

Why We Love This Summer Porch Refresh

Architectural pieces, such as a mantel and window frames, plus a coffee table, comfy chairs and a church pew extend the home for easy outdoor living. Surrounded by a cottage-style garden, oodles of potted plants in both new and unique vintage containers, it’s a gardener’s dream. The black-framed windows, open-air pergolas and hanging plants frame the composition perfectly, while the coziness of layered door mats, a cheery door basket, brass lanterns, welcoming throws and pillows steals our hearts.

A black window frame on the exterior of a white house — Bryan built this church pew, and Toni added the pillows and throw blankets because she wanted “all the hygge vibes!”

Resources

For more about Toni and Bryan, follow them on Instagram @toni_marianna.

Brass lanterns, front doormats, front door scalloped basket, watering can, white/tan throw blanket: Target; target.com
Church pew, window screens styled on mantel: DIY
Large round metal tubs on front steps: World Market; worldmarket.com
Large vintage oil can: Flea market find
Mailbox: Georgia Maes; georgiamaes.com
Mantel, metal cloches: Antique Farmhouse; antiquefarmhouse.com
Metal plant stand: Family treasure that belonged to Bryan’s grandfather
Pillows, white textured planter: Big Lots; biglots.com
Round wood table: Mercari find; mercari.com
Striped throw blanket: The Loomia; theloomia.com
White metal chairs: Yard sale find