From the moment we first laid eyes on our new home last October, the exterior color sparked a lively debate. Our initial thought was to repaint it, envisioning a fresh canvas to reflect our personal style. However, five months of living by the tranquil waters of Lake Murray have transformed our perspective entirely, leading us to wholeheartedly embrace the distinctive teal green exterior that now defines our charming lake house.
This decision was not made lightly, but it was profoundly influenced by the very environment our home nestles into. We’ve discovered that this particular shade of teal green perfectly complements the relaxing, casual vibe synonymous with lakefront living. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it offers a practical advantage that truly sealed the deal: its remarkable ability to camouflage common outdoor blemishes, particularly mildew. As I observe neighboring homes around the lake, many painted in lighter, more neutral tones, signs of mildew are often visible. Our teal exterior, however, masterfully conceals these “ickies” – they might be there, but they are certainly not visible to the casual observer. This low-maintenance benefit was a significant factor in our decision to retain the color, promising more precious time spent enjoying the lake and less on arduous power washing. It allows us to truly live the lake life, unburdened by constant exterior upkeep.
Anyone who knows me understands my deep affection for the color turquoise. I’ve found that it harmonizes beautifully with the existing teal green, creating a vibrant yet cohesive palette. This discovery has ignited a delightful new passion: meticulously curating outdoor decor items for our deck that will accent our home’s unique exterior, weaving a tapestry of color and comfort that extends our living space into the great outdoors.
Crafting a Welcoming Entry: Essential Doormats for Lakefront Living
Upon moving in, we were fortunate that the previous owner left behind a generous collection of deck furniture, including two sets of tables, comfortable lounge chairs, and an array of planters brimming with pansies that had valiantly weathered the entire winter. While I appreciated these thoughtful inclusions, there was one critical item our lakeside home desperately needed, and pronto: doormats. Not just one, but four of them, strategically placed in front of each sliding glass door that serves as an entry point from the lake side of the house.
Living amidst the natural beauty of the lake, with our yard framed by an abundance of pine trees, means a constant influx of dirt, leaves, and pine straw. These natural elements inevitably find their way indoors on our shoes, or often, our bare feet after a refreshing dip in the lake. And then there’s the notorious pollen season, which for a couple of weeks, transformed everything into a thick, persistent yellow layer that reappeared within hours of being washed away. The need for effective, high-quality doormats to thoroughly wipe the soles of our shoes and significantly reduce the amount of debris tracked into the house became paramount. I sought doormats that were not only practical but also stylish, avoiding the purely utilitarian designs. My goal was to find options that wouldn’t break the bank at $80 a piece, yet possessed enough aesthetic charm that I wouldn’t feel compelled to sweep the floors twice a day. They needed to be an extension of our outdoor decor, not just a functional necessity.
During a recent visit to Pier 1, my search culminated in the discovery of these magnificent Medallion Doormats. Their intricate design and vibrant colors perfectly complement the teal exterior of our home, aligning seamlessly with my desire to infuse pops of color throughout our outdoor spaces. These doormats weren’t just a practical solution; they instantly became the inspirational cornerstone for our entire outdoor decorating color scheme, setting the tone for a harmonious blend of teal and turquoise. (That’s Trax, my daughter’s cat, just inside the door, enjoying a sunny spot during his visit with us – a true sun-worshipper!)
Infusing Whimsy and Functionality: Planters and Outdoor Tables
While I may not possess the iconic Hunter boots often featured in mudroom vignettes across various blogs, I’ve found an equally charming and far more fitting alternative for our lake house: this delightful ceramic turquoise Rain Boot Planter. It now proudly stands right outside my “studioffice” door, a constant source of cheer and a perfect example of how small details can make a big impact on your outdoor living space. Isn’t it simply adorable? I’ve planted it with delicate white Diamond Delight (euphorbia graminea), a lovely choice that thrives in full to partial sun, adding a touch of elegance and freshness.
To further enhance the functionality and comfort of our outdoor areas, I also introduced this set of easy-to-move-around side tables, strategically placed just outside my studioffice door. Despite having ample outdoor seating, we frequently found ourselves lacking convenient surfaces to rest a drink, a book, or a small plate. These tables perfectly bridge that gap. I’ve added vibrant splashes of color with plants, choosing cheerful Verbena for the farmhouse vase and striking Osteospermums for the ceramic planters I already owned. The tables themselves bear a practical “inside/outside” label, affirming their versatility. To protect them from the elements, especially during rain showers, I’ve positioned them under the eave. Their lightweight design ensures they can be effortlessly rearranged as needed, whether we’re hosting guests or simply desire a convenient surface next to a favorite lounge chair on another part of the deck.
Illuminating the Evenings: Smart and Inviting Outdoor Lighting
Another area where our deck needed improvement was exterior lighting, particularly by the door leading into my studioffice. While a starry night over Lake Murray is undeniably beautiful, the darkness can be quite profound. My goal was to add illumination without installing bright lights that invariably attract swarms of unwanted insects, disrupting the peaceful evening ambiance.
My search led me to an ingenious solution: a flat-backed metal wall lantern, perfectly paired with an LED Glass Flame Garden stake light. The stake light, ingeniously powered by the sun, provides a gentle, flickering glow and sits gracefully within a nearby planter. For the wall lantern, I found the perfect complement:
…a set of LED Candles that come equipped with both a timer function and a remote control for effortless operation. This modern twist on traditional lighting offers unparalleled convenience and charm. No longer do I need to fumble in the dark or worry about fire hazards. The remote control is a game-changer:
I keep the remote conveniently placed on my desk, allowing me to simply pick it up as I head outside. A single press of the “ON” button illuminates the candles, casting a warm and inviting glow. With another press of the “OFF” button, they magically extinguish. This means no more opening the lantern door or physically touching the candles to operate them. Furthermore, the option to set them on a timer mode ensures they greet us every evening without a thought. This truly ingenious design even comes with its own battery, making setup a breeze. The light emitted is wonderfully soft and subtle, providing just enough visibility to navigate safely without attracting bothersome insects, maintaining the serene atmosphere of our lakeside evenings.
Currently, the flowers adorn our new side tables, bringing fresh life and color to the immediate vicinity. However, I fully anticipate rearranging things as we settle into the warmer weather and discover the most optimal ways to utilize our expansive deck. Outdoor living is dynamic, and decor should be flexible enough to adapt to changing needs and activities.
Extending the Teal and Turquoise Theme: Beyond the Deck
Our commitment to a cohesive outdoor aesthetic doesn’t stop at the deck. Stepping off the deck and into the yard, I’ve continued to incorporate vibrant pops of color, not just in decorative elements but also in our recreational gear. Our bright turquoise kayaks are a perfect example, seamlessly extending the chosen color palette into the natural landscape. I firmly believe that every aspect of our outdoor space should be color-coordinated, creating a visually harmonious and inviting environment that truly embodies the spirit of our lake house.
What accent colors do you find yourself drawn to for the exterior of your own home? Share your creative ideas for outdoor decorating and color schemes!