Alex Cooper Uses a Porch Swing to Bring Whimsy to Her Patio

alex cooper on a blue background — (Image credit: Lyvans Boolaky / Contributor via Getty Images)

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Shop the Porch Swing Edit

2026 is the year of whimsy. From unique statues to playful artwork to fruit-shaped furniture, homeowners are opting to bring fun into every corner of their decor, including the patio. If you're not sure where to start with jazzing up your outdoor space, Alex Cooper's porch proves that a swing is the simple, affordable, and elevated option that works for every home.

The 'Call Her Daddy' host purchased her serene, 1930s colonial revival ranch in the heart of Los Angeles in 2021 for $10.7 million and spent the next three years renovating the home to make it more relaxing. She described the home to Architectural Digest as, 'a homey take on a wellness retreat, something calm, inviting, and most importantly, comfortable.' Her home's patio, which she shared on Instagram, best captures this philosophy with a stunning wood, gray, and rope porch swing. It feels organic yet modern, with just a touch of sculptural charm.

Her patio idea proves that the porch swing, once confined to our grandmother's traditional country homes, is back as a stalwart of chic modern homes. It's the perfect way to bring whimsy to an otherwise boring design without compromising on style. Starting with a peek into Alex's outdoor space, Homes & Gardens explores the charm of the porch swing with New York-based interior designer Nina Lichtenstein and an edit of our favorite swings to recreate her stylish look.

Shop the Porch Swing Edit

Premium Cotton Cushion

Chingford Swing Egg Chair

We love this steel, single-seater, which comes fitted with a plus, gray cushion for optimal comfort. The curved shape feels extra on-trend, and you don't need an overhang to install it.

Wood

Wood Patio Porch Swing

We love the rustic look of this patio swing, which pairs well with other wood accessories as well as metal furniture. It's ideal if you want to create a traditional farmhouse look.

Cream

Outdoor Swing with Canopy

This classic, cream porch swing features a canopy for added shade and comfort, while the black metal poles contrast the soft cushion seat. It protects from the sun, while guaranteeing summertime comfort.

Ergonomic Comfort

Anraja Wooden Porch Swing

If you're looking for a classic look, this white-painted swing chair is a perfect starting point. Its elongated backrest and generous seat provide full support for your back and thighs, creating a relaxing swing that offers superior comfort all summer long.

Bench-style

Savannah 48" Swing

Nothing captures Southern charm quite like a bench-style swing, and this version delivers it beautifully in a cool, contemporary grey hue. It's designed by Polywood, so while it's an investment, it's a purchase you can trust.

Yarn Dyed

Striped Outdoor Pillow

The perfect, instant, Alex-inspired upgrade begins with this piece. I love its soft, plush stripes, tapping perfectly into the look. It is meticulously woven with yarn-dyed threads, ensuring vibrant, long-lasting color that will not fade over time, even in exterior settings.

Interior designer Nina explains that a swing is a perennial favorite for summer porch decor because it never goes out of style.

She states: 'Swinging patio furniture brings a sense of nostalgia and whimsy to outdoor spaces, evoking carefree childhood memories while offering an undeniable charm for modern-day relaxation. Whether it’s a classic porch swing, a sleek hanging egg chair, or a plush hammock, these pieces add both functionality and a feeling of luxury to any patio or garden. The gentle motion of swinging provides a therapeutic rhythm, making it the perfect spot to unwind with a book, enjoy a morning coffee, or simply bask in the serenity of the outdoors. Beyond comfort, swinging furniture becomes an eye-catching focal point, elevating the aesthetic of your outdoor retreat.'

Much of the whimsy this accessory brings is its inherent dynamicism, combined with its calm, as seen on Alex Cooper's porch idea.

Nina explains: 'Swinging furniture introduces a sense of movement, transforming a static patio into a dynamic, living space. The addition of a swing creates a destination—an inviting nook that beckons you to pause, connect, and recharge. Its versatility makes it suitable for everything from quiet, introspective moments to lively conversations, adding layers of personality and practicality to your outdoor design. Whether styled as part of a cozy garden corner or incorporated into a larger patio, the gentle sway of a swing imbues the space with tranquility and playfulness.'

Luckily, Alex's look is easy to recreate. 'To create a cohesive and welcoming space, start with the swing itself,' advises Nina. 'Opt for materials that complement your outdoor design, such as natural wood for a rustic look, rattan for boho chic, or powder-coated metal for a modern vibe. Surround the swing with plush cushions and throws, layering textures to maximize comfort and visual appeal. Consider grounding the swing area with an outdoor rug to define the space and add warmth.'

The surrounding outdoor furniture is just as important in creating a whimsical patio.

Nina recommends: 'Accessorize with side tables for drinks and decor, lanterns or string lights for ambiance, and planters filled with lush greenery or cascading blooms to enhance the sense of serenity. For larger swings or daybeds, a pergola or canopy can provide shade while framing the feature beautifully. Ultimately, swinging furniture thrives as the heart of your outdoor sanctuary, blending comfort, style, and a touch of magic.'

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Sophie is a writer and News Editor on the Celebrity Style team at Homes & Gardens. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly passionate about researching trends and interior history. She is an avid pop culture fan and has interviewed Martha Stewart and Hillary Duff.

In her free time, Sophie freelances on design news for Westport Magazine and Livingetc. She also has a newsletter, My Friend's Art, in which she covers music, culture, and fine art through a personal lens. Her fiction has appeared in Love & Squalor and The Isis Magazine.

Before joining Future, Sophie worked in editorial at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens brand. She has an MSc from Oxford University and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.