How To Live Big On A Small Porch
In July 2009, we received the certificate of occupancy for our new addition. We added an extra family room, master bedroom, and side porch. Since then, I’ve been dreaming of adding French doors and a patio to the back of our house. It never dawned on me, until recently, that I had a perfect 10’ by 5’ side porch already. The view from that porch is lovely, and the sun shines gently upon it in the early morning hours. You can see how my side porch looked before the makeover in the pictures below.
My Side Porch, Before the Makeover
The prettiest thing about my side porch was my cat, Megara.
I decided to spiff up my side porch as economically and creatively as possible. First, I transformed a wooden Goodwill wreath using one of my favorite themes for spring and summer. Read Make A Strawberry Wreath here.
Next, I bought a summery rug (featuring a red truck and a Golden Retriever), two red, $5 cushions, a $1 sunflower pillow from Walmart.
The blue metal chairs were left at our house by my husband’s cousin, then gifted to us later. I LOVE them.
Then, the real fun began. My husband graciously agreed to spray paint a wicker bathroom shelf from Goodwill with some brick red spray paint.
I spent the next day painting some 4” flower pots that coordinate with a flower patch growing along the brick path leading to our side porch. The Black-Eyed Susans are almost ready to bloom here in the Lowcountry. Read Hand Painted Black-Eyed Susan Flower Pots here
My last small project involved a makeover for the little side table we’ve had for over a decade. I replaced its rusty exterior with an aged copper patina using Modern Masters Metal Effects paint (tutorial to come later). I topped it off with a wire basket, filled with Spanish-moss-adorned impatiens; my favorite annual flowers.
Before and After Photos of My Little Round Table
I’m so happy with my little porch! I plan on making many more things to embellish it this summer. I especially want to add more plants. I love to sit outside in the early morning, sip my coffee, and watch the birds. I just can’t believe it took me 10 years to stop longing for something else, and use what I already had instead.
5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” Hebrews 13:5 NASB
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Read Strawberry Jell-O Poke Cupcakes and Aged Copper Patina Herb Garden
Love your sweet little porch and how you decorated it!! I too have a small porch in the front of our house and a small patio out in the back and try to make the best out of them and enjoy them!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Thanks, Debbie. I don’t know why I thought I needed so much space to drink coffee and watch the birds.
Small can work and your sweet deck looks fresh, welcoming and is such a great place to sit and relax.
Joy
Thanks Joy! You are always so encouraging!
Wow–that really, really is pretty. It looks so inviting and comfortable. I love the color! Thanks for sharing at #heartandsoullinkup
I love the Heart and Soul link up!
That’s such a good mentality, just taking a second to be thankful for what you already have and make the most of it.
Porches are not a common thing here in the UK, we do have a small back garden with a bench which I love to sit on on sunny mornings with my cup of tea which is a lovely spot.
I love watching the UK shows! I’ve seen many English gardens on Monty Don’s show. I’ve also seen all the episodes on the Real Estate show where the people want to move from London to the country. The realtor always tells them how far the country estate is from the train station.
Your porch looks lovely and you get to look at your lovely screen door while you’re sitting on it too! As Julie says, porches don’t usually appear on British houses, which is a shame as I’d love to have one! Thanks for sharing yours.
Thanks, Louise. I plan on looking for other ways to enjoy what I have to the fullest, even if it is small, or not exactly what I wanted.
You’ve certainly made the most of the little space – and turned it into a lovely sunny spot for a morning or afternoon cuppa. I love how bright and cheerful looking it is.
I went to your blog and read the article about your early retirement. You should read this post: https://lovemycottage.wpengine.com/a-homemakers-day/
For me, it’s interesting to contemplate that women now have to fight for the right to stay home, when we spent nearly 100 years fighting for the right to work. I’m so glad that you’re home. ?
I love your porch – and the cat too 🙂
It’s amazing how little things here and there can have such great results.
Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned.
Thanks for dropping by the blog!
I cannot believe what you were able to do with that small space, Kristie. I love it! Everything ties together so well and the color makes me happy. I hope you’re out there enjoying it.
Thank you, Christie! I’m not out there right now, but hope to be once softball season is over. 🙂
Your little side porch is the cutest. I love all of your DIYs. TFS with #OMHGWW
Thank you, Clearissa!
It looks wonderful! Amazing what a few colorful items can transform a space.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks Mireille
So bright and cheery, who would not want to sit and visit on this porch. Thanks for sharing on the Classy Flamingos party. Come visit us again this week we enjoyed your post.
Thanks, Linda. I will be back to the Classy Flamingos Blog Party.