A big hello and welcome to my Cottage in the Mitten! This week, my good friend Kelly from The Tattered Pew is hosting the Bloggers’ Best Summer Home Tour. Each day this week, six talented bloggers will bring you their tour. My friends have so much inspiration to share and I’m excited to share my Bright Cottage in the Mitten Summer Patio with you!

If you are joining me here from my friend Brendt from She Gave It A Go, please know I am so glad you are here! Didn’t Brendt share the prettiest entry way and living room?! If Cottage in the Mitten is new to you, my name is Kim. Living in Michigan, I am lucky enough to experience all four seasons. I am a mom to three grown sons, two beautiful DIL’s, Mimi to three precious granddaughters and wife to Big Al. I love home decor, lots of color, hot tea, Jesus and I make Cottage blankets for a cause. My hope is to help find a cure for brain tumors. You can read all about my cause in The Journey.
Now that you know a little bit about me, come on in! I can’t wait to show you my patio!

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“Why go chasing the sun when it can easily just find me at home?”
Mapping Out The Cottage Patio
I take decorating my patio as seriously as I do decorating the inside of my home. When I say seriously, I mean in a good way! To me, the outside is just as much a reflection of your style and who you are as the inside.
Did you see my post on 7 Of The Best Outdoor Decor Items For Summer? From furniture to decor accessories, I’ve got you covered.
Before I start decorating the patio I map out all my big furnishings.
My pergola can only go in one place on my patio. There is a french door off the patio and if I want to continue using it, I need to keep the pergola put.

I have a small wicker loveseat that I added this year and I cant say how much I love it!! It was so reasonably priced and adds a little bit more seating to the patio. Definitely a great addition and who doesn’t love a great price?!

Pick A Theme
Why pick a theme? I like my accents on the patio to match my floral choices. Maybe that’s too much for you and that is totally fine. It’s just how this Michigander roles!
Once I’ve decided on a theme, I head to the nursery, home improvement stores, etc. to pick out all my flowers. I found the prettiest flowers this year. Some I put into pots myself and some I bought were already potted.
I usually try to shop my home and use what I have for accessories, but the real truth…I usually buy something new to add to my outdoor theme.
Pink and yellow with a few lemons thrown in is what I chose for this year! Have you seen all the lemon decor this season? I’m loving how cheerful it looks! I had a pink floral and lemon wreath that I used at my DIL’s baby shower a few years ago and it was perfect for this theme.

“When life hands you lemons, make lemonade to sip on your patio.”
Accessories For The Bright Summer Patio
Accessories are like the jewelry for the outfit.
You must have them!
Like I said, I like to shop my home and see what I have before I purchase anything new. Since my theme is pink and yellow, I used some yellow outdoor pillows I purchased last year. I found these pink buffalo checked pillow covers this season, and I just had to have them!
Adding those to the outdoor area was the perfect touch!


For the last few years I have made a fairy garden. If you have never made one for yourself, I shared How To Make A Fairy Garden, last summer.
They are so fun to make and it’s a great summer craft to do with your littles or your grands! I create mine in a shallow potting dish and leave it on my patio table. Making one in your garden is another great option.

Flowers And More Flowers
I love flowers! Even when I promise I am done buying flowers…I buy more!
It could be a summer time sickness!

Some flowers I buy already potted and some I pot my self. The flowers that are already potted are obviously more expensive but I truly love the way they look. From the minute you bring them home they are big and beautiful, continuing to get bigger and better, all summer long!!

When creating my own pots I use pots and galvanized buckets from years past. However this year, I purchased this ceramic beauty and I am loving the topiary I planted in it!
Here’s a tip, you can take any potted plant, remove the hanger from it and set it down in any pot. It will look like you worked hard to plant it yourself.
I did that this summer with one of my galvanized buckets.

A Bright Cottage In The Mitten Patio
There you have it! My bright Cottage in the Mitten patio.
I hope you enjoyed your time on the patio! Soon I’ll be sharing my outdoor patio table setting! Here’s a hint…there will be lemons!


Next up on the summer home tour is Yvonne from Stone Gable. You’ll love what she has to share!
Thanks for stopping by friends! I hope your summer is off to a great start!

Donāt forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest!
Bloggers’ Best Summer Home Tours
This week I am joining some of my blogging friends for the Bloggers’ Best Summer Home Tours. Thirty talented and creative women will be opening their homes up for you to tour all week long. You can visit each summer home tour by clicking the links below.
Monday’s Tours

The Tattered Pew / Cottage On Bunker Hill / She Gave It A Go
Cottage In The Mitten / Stonegable / My Wee Abode
Tuesday’s Tours

Thistle Key Lane / Midwest Life & Style / White Lilac Farmhouse
My Thrift Store Addiction / Willow Bloom Home Blog / Dabbling and Decorating
Wednesday’s Tours

Bricks ‘n Blooms /Amy Sadler Designs / Peacock Ridge Farm
White Arrows Home / Pasha Is Home / The Ponds Farmhouse
Thursday’s Tours

Simply2Moms / Country Peony / Southern Home and Hospitality
Shiplap and Shells / Eleanor Rose Home / Cloches and Lavender
Friday’s Tours

Le Cultivateur / Lora Bloomquist Create & Ponder / Noting Grace
My Family Thyme / Vintage and Grace Living / County Road 407
On Thu, Jun 16, 2022 at 6:43 AM Kelly Radcliff
Morning!
When you have a chance would you please use this updated code at the end of your post? Thank you!
Bloggers’ Best Summer Home Tours
This week I am joining some of my blogging friends for the Bloggers’ Best Summer Home Tours. Thirty talented and creative women will be opening their homes up for you to tour all week long. You can visit each summer home tour by clicking the links below.
Monday’s Tours

The Tattered Pew / Cottage On Bunker Hill / She Gave It A Go
Cottage In The Mitten / Stonegable / My Wee Abode
Tuesday’s Tours

Thistle Key Lane / Midwest Life & Style / White Lilac Farmhouse
My Thrift Store Addiction / Willow Bloom Home Blog / Dabbling and Decorating
Wednesday’s Tours

Bricks ‘n Blooms /Amy Sadler Designs / Peacock Ridge Farm
White Arrows Home / Pasha Is Home / The Ponds Farmhouse
Thursday’s Tours

Simply2Moms / Country Peony / Southern Home and Hospitality
Shiplap and Shells / Eleanor Rose Home / Cloches and Lavender
Friday’s Tours

Le Cultivateur / Lora Bloomquist Create & Ponder / Noting Grace
My Family Thyme / Vintage and Grace Living / County Road 407
Kim,
I was just telling my husband I wanted to amp up our back patio area, and you provided the PERFECT inspiration for our space.
Thank you for sharing such lovely ideas-pinned!
xoxo,
Brendt
Awe, thanks Brendt! I’m so glad I have inspired you!! xo
Kim, you certainly named this post perfectly because your patio is bright and oh, so pretty! I love the pink and yellow flowers and all your patio accessories! What a lovely place to entertain or just spend time fussing with the plants. Thanks for the summer patio inspiration and ideas! And Happy Summer on your pretty patio!
Thank you for your kind words, Yvonne! I do love color! I’m so glad you liked it and I inspired you! Happy Summer to you, as well!
Oh Kim, your patio is lovely. I love all of the pinks and yellows on the patio. Everything looks so pretty. That wreath with lemons and peonies is gorgeous. I absolutely love it.
Thanks Tammy! That wreath is one of my favorites! Excited to tour with you this week! xo
Kim your garden looks beautiful. I love Topiary so much. Real ones never live for me, so I enjoy making faux and enjoy them indoors.
Your flowers are so pretty especially in the galvanized bucket!
Great touring with you again
Thank you, Cindy! The topiary is one of my favorite additions, this season! Happy summer to you!
Hi Jennifer! What a pretty outdoor space! I love all the bright colors and your lovely topiary–pinned! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Thank you so much!
Wow! Love your theme and seeing your patio come to life. What a great space to spend time this season. Looks party ready! Glad to be hopping with you this week. Happy Summer!
I’m so glad you like it! Thanks so much for your kind words. Happy summer to you, Cindy!
Oh, Kim the colors you chose make me SO happy! Your “theme” turned out so well and I enjoyed each space you shared on your patio. That wreath on your door is so cheery and I’m sure all who enter or see it smile! Thanks for joining me this week and happy summer my friend!
Thanks so much, Kelly! Those colors do bring me joy! Thanks for hosting. It’s always a pleasure hopping with YOU, friend!!
Everything looks so inviting!! I can picture myself hanging out at that table…what’s Al making me for dinner???
C’mon over! He’s making whatever you want!
Kim,
Your patio area is stunning. Love all your flowers.
Thanks so much, Rachel! Those flowers make me so happy!
Kim, your patio is gorgeous! Itās such a lovely spot to enjoy summer. Hugs to you.
Thank you, Renae! We do love it!
I just love your patio, Kim! It is the perfect place to spend the summer for sure. The pinks and yellows are the perfect combinations, and the wreath with lemons and peonies is gorgeous. Happy summer my friend!
Thanks so much, Kim! The bright colors sure make me feel happy…even on the rainy days!
Your patio is so beautiful, such a perfect spot to spend the summer! I love the bright colors you chose from the flowers to the pillows!
Thank you! We do enjoy our time out there! Nice hopping with you this week!
I absolutely love the bright and cheerful color scheme you used for your patio, Kim! Itās all so inviting and is the perfect space to spend summer mornings, days, and evenings. So happy to be touring with you this week. Pinned!!
It’s definitely a cheerful place to have my morning tea! Thanks for the pin and always great to tour with you!!
Love that you have a theme for your outdoor decor; I do that, too. The yellow & pink combo is striking & cheerful & that wreath is divine. What a fun space!
So nice to know I’m not alone in creating a theme! Thanks for your kind words, Lora!
Your patio is beautiful Kim! I agree with you about keeping the french doors useable. I’m also loving the pops of yellow – so fresh and bright!
Thanks so much, friend! Yellow makes everything more cheerful!
Kim your patio is so bright and beautiful! I love all the pretty colors! I’d love to hang out and have some lemonade (or wine) out here! xoxo
Thanks Stacy! Come on over anytime!! I’m sure we would have lots of fun…and maybe wine!šš·
Kim, you have a wonderful outdoor space and all the bright pretty colors really bring it to life! I just love the your flowers, and that very handsome topiary! Pinning!
Thanks Michelle! The topiary is one of my favorite additions, this summer!
Kim, your summer home tour is beautiful. I love the vibrant colours you’ve used in the planters. It’s so pretty and festive.
Thank you so much, Shawna! It’s a cheerful place to enjoy the summer. š
Kim,
Your patio is so pretty! I love the bright and cheery pink and yellow colors. So summery and perfect for the season. Happy to be joining you this week for the tour. Pinned!
Thanks Jen! Always a pleasure to hop with you!
Kim, I LOVE your coordinated summer patio. It’s not even close to being over-the-top. It looks curated and perfectly summery! Love all the fuchsia pinks and yellows! Pinned!
Thanks so much, Julie! I love using pink and yellow together. It’s so cheerful!
Kim!! Flowers upon flowers upon flowers! That’s my kind of patio space š It looks like such a beautiful space to spend time!! Love it!
Thanks so much, Aliya! Hope you are doing well!
Love all the pretty bright colors you used in your Patio…So happy and cheerful looking!! Very charming!! Thanks for sharing!!
Hugs,
Deb
Thank you so much!
What a gorgeous patio, Kim! I love all the green that surrounds you! And the pretty pops of colors with the flowers is just perfection!
Thank you so much! Happy hopping with you and happy summer!!
Kim, your patio is so fun for summer! Pink and yellow is just one of the cheeriest color combinations. Happy to be touring with you and have a wonderful summer enjoying that patio!
Thank you so much! Happy summer to you!
I love your outdoor space! It’s so inviting. I would spend my whole day out there!
This is all so beautiful!!! Your outdoor spaces are so dreamy!!!
I appreciate that! Thank you and happy summer!