Business & Tech
Country Porch Opens on Walsingham Road
A local woman follows a lifelong love of decorating through her new store.
Since childhood Debbie Jetter, 59, of Largo, has loved decorating. Her surroundings, growing up in the Amish country of northern Indiana, influenced her interest in unique, homestyle decor.
"My mom and dad were antiquers. I like warm, homey things. I like to entertain. I like to make homes comforting, special and inviting," Jetter said.
A Florida resident since 1979, her husband's work led them from Ocala to Largo almost three years ago. Jetter had a home furnishings store in Ocala. But the downturn in the economy made her wait to open a store here in Largo.
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The right location is huge for any retail space. When a storefront became available on well-traveled Walsingham Road next to with its steady flow of customers, Jetter seized the opportunity to open the Country Porch.
"This is what I love. And at my age if you are not going to do what you love, when are you going to do it?," Jetter said.
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The store offers a mixture of retail and vintage home furnishings. Antique dealers bring items to the store. Some furniture is sold on consignment.
Jetter has someone make one-of-a-kind furnishings from found items. She shows a glass French door, which was turned into a coat rack and an old bed headboard, which became a bench. Plus, Jetter makes wreaths and other home decor.
"I like to go in and decorate. I like to choose curtains. I like to coordinate. I just think decorating is my gift," Jetter said.
Everything you see, smell, and hear is for sale in the store. Jetter makes the potpourri and room sprays. A variety of candles and fragranced items are for sale. Even the store's piped music is sold on CDs.
The Country Porch offers home decor from cottage to primitive. With its location near Indian Rocks Beach the store has many whitewashed "cottagey" items. For those who prefer deep rich colors, the store refurbishes wood furniture with a distressed look, as well. Many unique gift and faith based items are for sale.
The store opened April 4 but has its Grand Opening on Saturday (April 14).
If you go:
- Address: 13862 Walsingham Road (next to Hammock Hardware)
- Phone: (727) 595-2500
- Hours: Monday 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
- Country Porch on Facebook