Amanda Nisbet's Back Porch

For all its many wonderful elements, I think the star of this wraparound porch is the purple ceiling, which is such a great counterpoint to all the pale wood finishes in the floor, furniture and even shingled walls. I also love the fat globe topiaries in the woven baskets, which add loads of texture and visual interest -- and some necessary greenery -- we are outside, afterall! Large silver hurricanes and a modern candelabra add ambient lighting at dusk (my favorite time of day).

While I love the look Amanda created by hanging oval mirrors from shipping rope, I can't help but think that in the "real world", you wouldn't want to obscure the view with large mirrors. Besides, don't you want to hang the mirrors so that you're reflecting views of the outdoor landscape? Though of course, if your back porch faces a high fence or another building, oversize mirrors may be just the ticket for not only hiding the ugly view, but expanding cramped quarters.

Art outdoors is always a little tricky'; after all, you hardly want to expose anything expensive or delicate to sun and rain. Amanda's solution here is particularly creative; by hanging bits of coral in grass-cloth shadow boxes salon style, Amanda proves that inexpensive, found objects can make a huge impact. Since I'm reluctant to buy real coral (since you can never be sure of its source), I'd go with artificial pieces instead of the real deal unless you're lucky enough to live near the beach and are able collect bits of dead coral that have washed ashore. Also, note the great detailing in these pillows; I particularly love the purple piping on the larger pillow (which is in the same fun, graphic fabric as the curtains).

Yet another display of coral-turned-art in the second seating area. I love the translucent purple tops on the skinny metal tables. By staying away from matching teak and selecting more modern and industrial tables, Nisbet creates a more interesting and unique look and breaks up all that wood. The metal legs also relate to the large scale silver hurricanes hung like sconces around the porch.

Here, an artfully arranged vignette of seaside ephemera keep the space from looking overly styled and too perfect. I might forgo the large waterfowl though in favor of other nautical nods.

While this gorgeous round mirror (framed in what looks like upcycled metal shingles) is slightly too large for both the wall space and for the console table beneath it, the large scale vase and sunflowers balance it out and make it work. And let's not forget that stunning nautilus chair -- it's practically a piece of art in itself.

Inspired by Amanda's design, I put together a mood board of pieces that could help you achieve a similar look on your own covered porch.