Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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Adding Outdoor Sconces To Our Back Porch

There’s something illuminating going on in our sunroom. And I’m not talking about the fireflies Clara is constantly trying to catch and befriend (she told me the other day that she wants one to live in her room FOREVER). Befriend? Imprison? Potato, potahto.

Lights Catching Firefly

Yep, our sunroom – er, veranda if you’re nasty fancy – is finally sporting some lighting, courtesy of the new fixtures that we added to the posts in the four corners of the room.

Lights Full Room Daytime

Our original plan last summer had been to install light kits on the two fans in the room, but we never found fan lights we liked… and then we slowly warmed up to the idea of sconces around the perimeter of the space instead of two overhead fan lights (we thought they’d add more in the charm/ambiance department). Until now the room’s usefulness had been setting with the sun every day…. but thankfully our go-to electricians (S.J. Ryan for any locals) changed that by coming out to help us add the new fixture boxes we needed. For anyone wondering about costs, they work on a per hour basis, and we’ll dive into the benjamins a little later for you.

Lights Working

To get all the sconces on the same switch, they tapped into an existing outlet in the space (the one pulled out in the right photo above) that was operated by a switch in the house right by the sunroom door. Then they ran conduit under the deck to each of the other three posts. It was definitely more on the “complicated” end of things since there’s a slab foundation under the sunroom itself (so nothing could be run/drilled under there), which meant that most of the wiring had to be within the posts or run under the deck. If we had realized we wanted sconces on the posts instead of fan lights back when we had the room torn apart (after raising the ceiling and before planking it) this process would have been much easier. Picture Sherry channeling Cher and singing “If I could tuuuuurn back toooooowwwwwwm.”

Now instead we have these small conduit things on the outside of each of the four posts, but we think once we paint them the color of the house they should blend in better. Sherry has big plans to drop some planters in front of them if they still bug her after that. Big plans, people. Huge.

Lights Conduit Box

But back to the fun stuff. The lights were Joss & Main finds, which caught our eyes because (A) they were similar to our other outdoor lights, (B) they were the right size, (C) we could get four matching ones (not so easy on craigslist or at our favorite lighting outlet), and (D) they were within our budget ($51 each with free shipping).

Lights Close With Brick

They’re not so big that we – well, mainly me – have to worry about walking into them, and the dark bronze finish brings some nice contrast to the room along with the fans.

Lights Close With Green

While we had the pros here, we also got their help removing the old intercom from the wall and terminating the wires properly. Sherry and I were just grateful it didn’t leave any major marks in the wall. Just a small dot where the wires came out (see arrow below) and a couple of subtle holes in the mortar where it was screwed in. We were picturing a giant hole lurking under it with a missing brick or something, so this was a much better outcome. Picture Sherry channeling Cher and singing “Do you belieeeeeeeeeve in life after intercom?”

Lights Empty Brick Wall

The sunroom was just one of several rooms that got some electrical attention (here’s a peek at the office before getting a ceiling fixture box and floor outlet under the floating desk).

Lights Office

We’ve been keeping a running list of wiring/lighting to-dos and decided to finally pull the trigger on them all at once for efficiency’s sake. We’ve still got some fixtures to add and drywall to patch, so we’ll dive into those other updates when a few are a little more finished looking, but bulking all the wiring work saved us a good amount of money, so we’ll break that down for you in that update too (still waiting on the itemized bill).

Although a bunch of other indoor spaces got some work done, the new lights outside are the highlight of our electrical punch list. Just as we hoped, they illuminate enough without feeling like giant search lights, they make things feel a lot cozier, and we love that they extend the amount of time that we can use this space. Some nights it means a later bedtime (and maybe a popsicle or two). Other nights it just means not having to sit in the dark while Burger takes his last potty break of the night. Either way, we’ll take it.

Lights Hanging Out

How are you guys enjoying your summer nights? Is it weird that I’m tempted to rent a projector or something and watch a movie out here? Not that that requires lighting, so I’m not sure why I’m just having this idea now…

Psst- Teddy’s weekly picture is up, and I’m pretty sure he’s the man.

Comments

  1. Kim says

    I’m super interested to hear the price breakdown on this. We recently had an electrician do some work for us when we remodeled our kitchen. For what was done and the time it took to do it, I thought the rates were very high. I also had to spend a good deal of time patching walls afterward.

    Reply

  2. Pre says

    You might be able to get a projector on the cheap on craigs list or at a yard sale. With your great outdoor space I would keep an eye out for one (and test it first if you can / make sure it’s compatible with your computer).

    Reply

  3. Jean says

    Awww, this week’s photo of Teddy is super cute!

    I’ve got to ask about sitting out in the evening on your deck. If we had a deck like that (I’m in England) and put lights on at night we would be bitten by hundreds of midges (tiny biting insects). So I’m assuming that’s not a problem where you live, and if not can I come and stay? ;)

    Also, “we’ll dive into the benjamins”…something to do with money, but what?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      How much the electrical work costs = diving into the Benjamins. We’re still waiting on the itemized bill so when we share the other work we did inside (after we hang a light or two and patch some drywall) we’ll have a budget breakdown for all of it. And as for bugs, we have mosquitoes here, but if they’re out we just flip on those ceiling fans. They hate flying through a current so that seems to do the trick.

      xo
      s

    • Elaine in Ark says

      In American currency, the $100 bill has a picture of Benjamin Franklin on it. We have a lot of slang terms for money, but it all boils down to dollars and cents!

  5. NIkki says

    I’m loving the outdoor sconces! Did you put them on a dimmer switch or just on/off?

    That’s such a great idea to do the electrical work all together to save on the labour. I wouldn’t have thought of that. My first home is almost done being built and I’m getting excited to just go in and decorate EVERYTHING but it’s that kind of planning that reminds me to take my time, live in the space, and think of what I really want to do long term.

    And that last photo is seriously adorable.

    Reply

  6. kimi says

    Once again LOVE the choice of lighting!! Looks fabulous!! Cant wait to see the other rooms in time with some cool light fixtures!!;) Great job!!

    Reply

  14. Elaine in Ark says

    The lights are fabulous. Really great looking. Having them on the posts will give you better lighting than ceiling fan lights, too.

    I’m retired now, and spending more time on my deck with my dogs. Unless I screen the whole thing in, I won’t be spending time out there after dusk. Insects like me, even though I don’t like them.

    Reply

  15. BamaCarol says

    So John does get to use the egg chair on occasion! Well, I guess Burger let him use it if he got to as well. Love this room! We have a screened porch that we spend a lot of time on once the sun goes down. We have a lighted ceiling fan so that keeps it cool enough even when it is still in the 90s at 9:00. And our cat loves being outside without being out in the wild as well. Do you ever see the deer when you are back there?

    Reply

  16. Valerie says

    We love to do outdoor movie nights! We set up a projector and invite over neighbors and friends – so much fun! You guys have the perfect outdoor space for it. And I love the lights – they look great!

    Reply

  17. shannon says

    I love what you’ve done with your open space, but I can’t help but wonder…do you guys have gnats/mosquitos where you are? I’m further down south and we require a screened-in porch. Otherwise, we’d just be walking buffets for the flying critters!

    Reply

  18. Faith@The Stirring Place says

    We have been enjoying a very rainy/unseasonal week here in Texas which, btw, is awesome. We usually start seeing 100 degree temps this time of year so the rain = respite. It also means that we aren’t doing anything outside which incidentally is the same result of 100 degree days….buuuuut I’ll take it while I can.

    Reply

  21. Annelies says

    You have such a nice family and house! The pictures are so inviting to join you and the lights are super cosy.
    For a moment I wondered how you took these pictures, but then I remembered you have a remote. Such a great idea.
    I just think you might still need a pouf for outdoor so you can really relax comfortably.
    Enjoy !

    Reply

  23. mary says

    You guys have such an awesome life! Young family life is the absolute best!! (spoken from a Mom with an 18 year old getting ready to go to college!).

    My hubby and I moved 12 times, and have done almost all of our remodels (with the help of electricians and some plumbers), so I LOVE reading about your projects. I have to say, as our 18 year old gets ready to go to college, and our 16 year old is just a couple of years away, we’re already itching to get into another house and start some projects.

    I think it’s in your blood for LIFE once you start!

    So, so fun to see your creativity and perseverance! And Teddy – well he’s just too cute for words. Just like his sister Clara….

    Happy weekending on that awesome porch!!!

    Reply

  24. Jeanie De Melo says

    It’s absolutely incredible how a small change can completely transform a space. We just removed two old flower boxes from the front of the house and it looks like a whole new house.

    Reply

    • JustAng says

      Another vote for the lid-tap fireflies. We took a trip to the midwest and my daughter was firefly obsessed. We came back to SoCal and obv none to be had here. So we got some “magic” ones. She love, loves, LOVES it! (We have the butterflies now too)

  27. Catlynn Hamburg says

    The veranda is really shaping up guys! Quick question though…when you refer to it as a veranda why is the word nasty crossed out and fancy inserted? Is that some kind of slang I’m too old to know about? Lol

    Reply

  28. Ann says

    by far my favorite “room” of yours… so cool to be able to be outside but covered, and i love the furniture

    Reply

  32. Sarah B says

    Hey guys, the deck/veranda is looking awesome! You will definitely get your wear out of it now that you have lighting.

    Question – are you planning to get an outdoor rug?

    Reply

  33. Somer says

    You’re house has me wanting to speed up time! We are moving to another state before end of year and I’m already house hunting and dreaming at work. Very productive. Did I mention I’m also due in September? Go big or Go home! Your outdoor space is just so dreamy and cozy. Your little family just look so happy and content. Way to go!

    Reply

  36. Samantha says

    It looks so great! We love our closed in sun porch, but it needs some upgrading! We’re actually planning on using your tiling tutorial when it comes time to rip up the AstroTurf that’s currently covering our floor. ^_^

    Reply

  37. Liz O says

    Your little veranda is such a great space! Everything you did looks so worth the time and money. I’ve been spending alot more time outside with my little one and am uber jealous of the space you have, mostly the covered part and the egg chair… I’m wondering if I can convince the hubby to go for an outdoor sofa….

    Reply

  38. Isabel says

    Looks great guys! We don’t have a veranda ;-) but we have a screened porch (I don’t think an army of fans would dissuade our mosquitoes!) and I in the summer it’s the best room in the house! We’re biting the bullet and getting the framing around re-done by professionals. I keep thinking this is something John could totally tackle with his eyes closed but sadly we don’t have the time or the woodworking experience. We’ve DIYed everything else so I think we’re due for a treat!

    Reply

  39. Kristy says

    This may be a weird question, but I live in the same region as you, and have a similar back yard (lots of grass and trees) and we are having a LOT of mosquito issues. Do you all have any issues like that? Long shot, sure, but if you’ve had to deal with them I’d love to know how you got them to stop eating you alive. My itchy legs thank you.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Two ceiling fans on high are a lifesaver. They seem to hate the current so they’re out on the deck but not under the sunroom awning as much.

      xo
      s

  41. Kim from Milwaukee says

    I love that you guys are always barefoot….yes, I notice weird things like that.

    What a lovely veranda you have. Thanks for the ‘no bugs with a fan’ tip, I’ll have to try that this year, the skeeters are enormous up here!

    Reply

  42. Heather says

    Random thought – have you ever tried a piece of quarter round out for filling in the space between the raised patio and the deck? It is hard to tell just how much of a height difference is in the pictures, but it might be nice to make that not so jutting of a difference. Perhaps for tricycle riding, Teddy scooting around on baby toys, and for safety of running children tripping. Just a thought cause I know that would consume too much of my attention every time I took my children outside.

    Reply

  43. Anne says

    LOVE LOVE LOVE that you had someone else take the picture of the 4 (5) of you enjoying the outdoor space – so sweet!

    Reply

  46. Quilter says

    The new lights look great! Do you plan to add an outdoor rug? I bet that will make that cozy space even cozier. Hope you are feeling more normal as a family of four now (it took me a couple of months when we had our second). :)

    Reply

    • hjc says

      Ha – Our boys are 19 and 21 and we are definitely still winging it! Maybe even more so than when we were young and thought we had things under control. Life has taught us differently, but it’s all still good! Your sunroom is beautiful, as is your family. Especially enjoyed the post because John is in a very funny mood today – yay! Have a great rest of your day!

    • YoungHouseLove says

      There are two lights on the second floor exterior of the house that shine down on the deck but they’re pretty harsh/industrial. I did see John googling deck lighting around the railing the other day…

      xo
      s

  49. LMG says

    Do you guys get a lot of mosquitos? Any natural repellants you’ve tried that A) actually work, and B) are safe for babies/toddlers? We’re avoiding our porch lately…can’t seem to find anything. :(

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I hear Honest has some that’s nice! We turn on those fans and the mosquitoes seem to hate flying into the current so that has been our MO these days. Out on the deck they’ll gotcha, but they don’t tend to come into the covered area thanks to those fans.

      xo
      s

    • Amy E. says

      a friend of mine has a toddler with eczema and she uses Episencial products for sunscreen and such. she recently did a review of their sunscreen on her blog if you’re interested (link to review). she loves it and they have other all natural products on their line including bubble bath and bug spray. something to check out?

    • Karen says

      MadeOn Skin Care (hardlotion.com) makes a natural hard lotion bug block. We first used it camping and neither my daughter (10 weeks old) nor my stepson (mosquito delicacy, seriously) got any bites.

  50. CandiL says

    My children went firefly hunting…didn’t know it but they brought the jar inside and right into their room! Took the lid off…we woke up with over a dozen lightning bug friends in our house! They thought it was awesome! I on the other hand did not! lol

    Reply

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