A Summer Porch Makeover

I know it has only been a few days since I talked about my BBFF Meg, but that is how it is with your best blogging girlfriends. It is fun to talk about them. I can’t remember when we met, but it has been a long time in blog years.

I have always adored Meg’s house and I would totally move in if I lived closer. I could talk about her house all day — she has five kids and her home looks like the funnest house to live in. I love it. I also love her pictures, she takes amazing photos.

But, instead of talking ABOUT her today behind her back like I usually do, I asked if she would tell you all about her recent porch makeover and she kindly agreed! It is time once again to grab a cup of lemonade, sit back, and be inspired by a lovely place to enjoy the summer! Let’s go to Meg’s house!

When our summer began I was feeling a little overwhelmed with having so many kids in the
house all day long again.

A box of Legos came out and they were taking over the kitchen island.

I couldn’t take one more mess…so i said “take those out on the porch!”

And they did.

They have never played out there.

Then two days later, after hours of porch time play, I looked outside and knew what I had to do.
It was finally time to work on the porch.
It had looked like that for a long time.
Very dirty…collecting junk…a place where no one spent any time.
Here is how I did it.

Step One: Clean.
I took everything off the porch and threw almost everything away.
I hosed the porch and all the chairs down.
I washed the cushions and swept the floor.

Step Two: Make a Plan.
I knew I wanted a comfy place to sit together…play games…talk…eat ice cream cones.
I knew I couldn’t spend much money.
I knew I already had lots of things here that I could use in a different way.
I wanted a living room….but outside.
I had mostly blues and greens already so I chose that palette to make it easier and less costly.

Step Three: Accumulate.
I gathered all my furniture I thought would work from the basement and other rooms in the house.
At World Market I found the sisal rugs on clearance (you buy them by the 1′x9′ strip as wide as you want)
and a cushion in my colors. It was the last cushion in that print and it had a small hole.
I asked for a discount and they gave it to me for 50% off!
We got a few things at Target and spray paint at Walmart. (Blue Ocean Breeze and Ivy Leaf…Krylon)

Step Four: Work.
I spray painted an old rocker we had from an auction, a metal table from a garage sale, an oak bench from our previous dining room set and a kids’ chair.
I covered the top of the bench with oil cloth fabric that I already had…stapled it right on the back.
I made three new pillows with scraps I had and a vintage tablecloth I have had for a long time.
I strung big glass Christmas lights on one side of the porch
For the sitting area I took the electrical parts out of a big iron chandelier my friend gave me and wrapped it with white Christmas lights.
They both turn on with a Christmas tree timer.

Step Five: Decorate.
Pull it all together and here we are…an outdoor space that is happy to be in!
I spent about $100 on the whole thing.

A suitcase is filled with games, art supplies, a snack and magazines.
We have a bucket full of outdoor play essentials.
The chalk board was from a garage sale.

I have been coming out in the morning with coffee while the kids are inside watching cartoons.
We are spending lots of time in this space. I can’t believe it took us this long!

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Thank you BBFF!
photos: Meg from Whatever