Oh happy day! The time has finally come to reveal our recent front porch makeover that we completed as part of the 48-Hour Challenge with Better Homes & Gardens and Home Depot. The task? Turn our snore of a front porch into a bellissimo outdoor space for relaxing with a $500 gift card to Home Depot and our wits. Here’s a reminder of the booooooring blank slate of a before that we were working with:
But lets not dwell on the past. It’s time for the after pictures!
Our big porch makeover project can be broken down into four major categories: painting, building, sewing, and hanging. First we painted the old dark-planked porch with tan and cream stripes for an instant face lift (we really wanted our new “outside room” to feel light and airy to match more of what we have going on inside). We even used an extra bit of cream paint to lighten up our old black square planters (we actually got them at Home Depot right before the challenge and painted them black– d’oh!).
Then we assembled our glider bench and made a totally workable little side table with a large planter and a terra cotta saucer that we sealed, painted and turned into a tabletop. Now there’s a spot for a book, a little drinky-drink, or even a plate full of bbq.
We also purchased a sweet green paisley lounge chair cushion… only to take a scissors to it. Cutting it in half and resewing each piece back up created two all-weather floor pillows. And you know what floor pillows mean to Burger, right?
A perfect place to unwind after a hard day of chasing bugs. Look at the sheer bliss on his little dog face. He LOVES his new puppy lounge and sits staring at the front door in the living room until we let him out to play- er, bask.
You might notice the leash on Burger in the pic (although I don’t know how you could see anything at all beyond his adorable face). Well, we couldn’t very well allow our precious pooch to roam free like we do in the fenced-in backyard, so we devised a way for him to have full range of the porch without being able to take off after a squirrel and dash into the road. For just $2 we snagged a hook and a carabiner which we used to create a little leash-holding-apparatus for added peace of mind. And he doesn’t seem to mind a bit! Safety note: we use an extra long leash so Burger has full range of the porch and can even go down the stairs and into the yard (so he can’t hang off and get strangled). We also never leave him outside unsupervised (we like to have him on his leash even when we’re out there in case he gets spooked and bolts for the street). We do not advise recreating this hook setup if you plan to leave your pet unattended at any time!
Maybe it’s because we also made a small food and water station for him with a piece of wood, some wood glue, and four molding pieces that we reimagined as legs. Painting it green made it fit right in, and Burger loves grabbing a snack or a sip whenever the mood strikes. What more could a dog want?
We also wanted to add more greenery and texture without breaking the bank. Two feathery hanging ferns (for just $9 a pop) created even more of the “outdoor room” effect by serving as abstract dividers so you feel enveloped on the front porch, even though they don’t really obscure any of the view.
We also snagged a tan doormat that works well with the tone on tone stripes that we painted as well as our cheery red door.
The mat and the bench coincidentally had extremely similar coloring, which injects a nice bit of balance and cohesion to the whole space (gotta love happy accidents).
We also seized the opportunity to bring in more green and cream planters to flank the bench and a few plush outdoor pillows for that sit-and-stay-a-while vibe. Oh and see that pillow with the cream and green medallion detail? That baby was just $6 on clearance. Gotta love Home Depot!
For a bit of interest and ambiance (and because we still had a few bucks burning a hole in our pocket) we created hanging candle holders with inexpensive bulb covers from the lighting department and some wire (we were all about trolling every aisle for ideas).
We intentionally picked thick durable ribbed glass so they’ll hold up outside (we’ve already had a few torrential rains and we’re happy to report that they’re doing just fine).
Here they are doing their thing in the dark. Ooooh. Ahhh.
As the sun sets slowly and the stars come out, so ends the big porch project reveal. Of course we’ll be back with step-by-step tutorials for every project (from the pooch food & water station to our striped porch painting process). Stay tuned…
But wait! There’s still the budget to attend to. Here’s an approximated breakdown for ya:
- Glider Bench: $200
- Porch & Floor Paint: $45
- Planter-Turned-Side-Table: $40
- Other Planters & Plants To Flank Bench: $80
- Bench Pillows: two for $25
- Lounge Cushion Converted To Two Floor Pillows: $25
- Dog Feeding Station: $10
- Burger’s Leash Hook: $2
- Hanging Candle Holders: three for $20
- Hanging Ferns: two for $18
- Doormat: $15
- Misc. Supplies (paint brushes, hanging hooks, etc): $18
- Grand Total: $498
Words can’t even express how happy we feel every time we step out the front door (which has been happening quite a lot these days, rain or shine). Thanks so much to Home Depot and BHG for this amazing challenge. Air kisses all around!
Oh and don’t forget to head over to BHG.com to check out our reveal pics and details as well as the fabulous transformations that the other four challengers drummed up!
Kate at www.CentsationalGirl.com says
Those planters, and doggie pillows, and that doggie food station are simply the BEST ! Can you sell me that pillow on the bench? Pretty please?
I love every bit of it, especially the lantern globes. You two are so very creative on such a frugal budget.
I think you are Centsational !!!!
Juliet Robinson says
Love the transformation, guys! Just wanted to pipe in that I think Home Depot has a guarantee on their plants – if they die within a year (I think), you can take them back to Home Depot for an exchange. Its a god-send policy for those of us non-green thumbs. I don’t know if they advertise the policy anymore, but just in case that lilac (for example) starts to die after you plant it, it would be worth saving the receipt.
Both you and Nicole did amazing work with your $500! I am so impressed!
Laura says
Great job, as usual! Everything looks so bright and cheerful. Can’t wait to get the how-to info for the hanging candle holders-they are super fabulous!
Fred @ One Project Closer says
Howdy Friends,
Porch reveal looks GREAT and we’ll certainly highlight it in one of our round-ups here soon. I am particularly impressed with how nice the striped floor came out. When I saw the hints of it in the preview I was skeptical that it would look too whimsy… but I think it works pretty well, and the picture with the front door mat really shows well.
Also, just to be sure… there’s no way Burger could accidentally find his way off the porch and get strangled by the leash?
So when’s the banner at the top of the site going to change to match your new decor?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Fred,
Great point about Burger’s leash safety! We actually meant to put a disclaimer that we use an extra long outdoor leash so he has full range of the porch and can even go down the stairs and into the yard (so he can’t hang off and get strangled), and we also never leave him outside unsupervised (we like to have him clipped even when we’re out there in case he sees a squirrel and bolts for the street).
As for the banner, yep, it’s time for a reshoot. Maybe we’ll get to it this weekend. Although now that I think about it we might wait a little bit longer because our azaleas are just starting to bloom so maybe next weekend we’ll have more of a show. Oh and thanks for mentioning that you’ll include us in a round-up! Come May 1st when the voting starts we’ll take all the help we can get! Everyone did such a great job with the challenge so the competition for the 5K is fierce!
xoxo,
Sherry (& John)
Ashley says
It looks great!! And I love the doggie accommodations for Burger! We seriously need this leash deal so that Rafa can lay on the front porch while we work in the yard! Rafa may soon be getting a little oasis on our front porch!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Ashley,
For safety’s sake, we just added a little warning about using a leash that’s long enough for your pet to walk all the way down the stairs of the porch (so there’s no possibility of him or her trying to run down the stairs or off the side of the porch and getting strangled). It’s also a great idea to be around to supervise your fur baby whenever he or she is on their leash (so using it when you work in the yard is a great idea)! Good luck with your pooch porch project!
xoxo,
Sherry
Suzy says
Love the floor, it all looks great!
Courtney McIlwain says
Love the new porch!!!! I’ve looked at the other bloggers designs and yall’s blows theirs away. Good luck!!!!
mrslimestone says
Very pretty. Love the fabric on your pup’s cushions.
Meg says
Wow! Looks amazing…I love it all! You guys are so inspiring!
MaryB in Richmond says
I can’t say anything that hasn’t been said, but still … wanted to say it anyway. Great work, great ideas and thanks for, as usual, making it not-intimidating even for those of us who are seriously DIY-challenged! Thanks!
Amanda says
Just gorgeous guys! It looks so welcoming now. You’ve inspired me to do a little indoor area for our cats. I *LOVE* the painted floor! I’m so excited about doing our outdoor area now!
Sarah says
I love what you guys did! It makes me what to get out into the yard and make things better at our house!
Jill says
Ok, seriously……..AWESOME job. You guys are oh so very talented. I wish I had a tenth of your vision. All I can handle is copy and hope and pray it turns out fairly decent.
I will be voting each and every day we can once that becomes available.
Think it’s great how you share the details and make them easy to follow!!
Keep up the great work (as if there is any chance of that not happening!).
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Jill! It really means a lot. Stay tuned for each and every detail-filled tutorial…
xoxo,
Sherry (& John)
Angela says
It looks great. I love the painted floor. Am I seeing things or did you paint a few stripes on the ceiling as well?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Angela,
The ceiling is actually all the same tan color, but there are horizontal planks that run across it every few beams that are a slightly different material (which seems to have photographed looking darker, although in person they all look the same tan tone). Good eye, though! Wow, we didn’t even notice that effect in the pics.
xoxo,
Sherry
Allie says
I never would have thought to try the stripes – nice effect! Beautiful work, as always.
Denise T. says
Wow – love the new porch! I hope everyone that copycats your painted stripes will send in “before & after” pictures. I did wonder about the mobile. Were you going for a beachy look with pieces of driftwood and shells? It seems I’ve seen something like that at West Elm and/or Pottery Barn.
Oh, and Burger must have the neatest table manners, ever! Our 5 month old puppy, “CC” eats like a horse. She would demolish that beautiful little dining station in about 2 minutes. Our cats would think it is divine.
Jan says
Brillant project! In fact I think that BHG/HOme Depot should feature your makeover on some of its commercials — for your cute faces and bright affordable ideas! So helpful in this tough economy! Thanks for all of your inspiring ideas!
Jan at Rosemary Cottage
Melissa Anderson says
You both did a fantastic job as always and you already have my vote starting May 1st. My favorite things are the striped floor, the hanging candle holders (genius), and the plant pot end table (I might have to steal that idea). I also love the projects you did for Burger – our dog is spoiled too and those projects are right up my alley. Have you thought about adding a few more hanging candle holders on the other side of the porch? Also did you use real candles or the LED kind so your not dealing with fire?
Diana says
Great job guys!! What an inspiration!
Jane @ Beach House says
Fantastic job, the porch is so welcoming now. My favourite is the painted floor, with Burger’s bench a close second
Viv says
This is lovely! Well done! Burger looks very comfy there.
Viv xx
PS: I blogged about your lovely makeover :)
Diana Schneider says
Wow! Wow!! Wow!!! Love the painted stripes and the candle holders and planter-turned-side-table. : ) You guys rock! Can’t wait to vote for you all!!! Thanks for all the inspiration; wish we had a porch to paint!
Jen says
I like the candle holders and the bench. I love benches, especially gliders.
Amy says
Love the porch – especially the striped floor. Also love the $2 hook for Burger’s leash. It just makes so much sense! The image of that hook in your porch will remain permanently ingrained in my memory until I put it to good use (If I ever get a dog, which I hope we do soon!)
Sarah @ thriftydecorchick says
I love love love those bulb covers!! I’ve been looking for something similar for the woods behind our house…I’m going to try this out!!
Alison says
looks great!! I know I found something good when the hubby says “I saw those lights on Young House Love and I think we should totally do it”. I had no idea what we has talking about until I read this post.
Great work!!
Anne (in Reno) says
That was a lovely job putting everything together, I wish somebody would give me cash to fix up my porch! I’m jealous! You did it up beautifully, and I can’t wait for the how-to on the hanging candle holders, those might have a spot on my porch soon!
Mary says
What a refreshing makeover. Those candle holders are a hoot. I love them. And the idea of two tone paint. How cool is that? You really made $500 go far. I love front porches!!!
Michelle says
What a great project! What you guys did was awesome and I especially love the idea of the hook and a carabiner for your dog’s leash. I might have to steal that idea from you ;) Our dog loves being in our lap but it will still be good to have her still on her leash in case that bird or squirrel catches her eye!
Danielle says
Good job! Looks great all put together! Love the round glass lighting. Makes it look airy.
Lisa says
I love your beautiful porch reveal. So warm and inviting, with it’s cools soft tones. Burger looks like he’s having a ball..lol
Blessings
Lisa
portlandsun says
i am inspired by every inch of your home.
http://portlandsunshine.blogspot.com/2009/04/nesting-inspiration.html
chris says
I am not sure if my first comment went through. Please be careful with your dog while he is on this leash. My sister devised something like this and came home to find that her dog hung himself to death. :(
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Chris,
We’re so sorry to hear about your sister’s loss. Thanks so much for the safety reminder. We certainly advice in both the post and the comment section that people should supervise their pet whenever they clip him or her in (and never leave their pet alone on their leash). We actually only use the carabiner when we’re on the porch (or nearby in the front yard) just in case Burger hears something that spooks him or sees a squirrel and takes off towards the road. It gives us some nice peace of mind when we’re out there with him that he won’t dodge by us and dash into the street. We also use an extra long leash so he can easily walk down the porch stairs and onto the yard so he’s less likely to strangle himself. The carabiner idea is definitely meant to keep dogs safer, so keeping an eye on any pet while they’re clipped in and taking precautions to use a longer leash should definitely be a priority!
xoxo,
Sherry (& John)
Devin says
This is kind of an off the wall question… but I was wondering how Burger does w/the food that you guys feed him. I have a little one as well and here recently he’s been getting sick and I have a feeling it’s the dog food we’re giving him… :\ I wondered if the food that you guys give Burger tho is pretty bland as my little 8 lb baby can’t have anything too rich in his little belly!! lol Any dog advice would be great! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Devin,
Burger’s actually been on organic Natural Balance dog food ever since we got him two years ago and I can’t tell you how happy we’ve been with it. It’s not available at Petsmart but if you find a local company they’ll most likely have it there for ya (and you’ll get to support a small business instead of a big chain). Good luck with everything! We hope your little guy likes it as much as ours…
xoxo,
Sherry
S. says
It looks beautiful! I especially love the hanging glass goblets with lights in them – so gorgeous and romantic! You guys did an amazing job for the challenge! S.
Em says
Hi guys! I hope this question isn’t too late since you posted this post back on April 24th. Let me just say that I love what you did with your porch and I’d like to create a similar outdoor table using your “large pot and saucer” idea. I don’t have a lot of experience painting items for the outdoors so I was wondering if you’d be kind enough to provide some details around how I need to paint and/or seal a terracotta saucer. For example, do I seal or paint first? And what type of paint/sealer is best? Thanks for your help! I follow over 40 blogs and yours is DEFINITELY a top 3 for me every day! Thank you for sharing your creativity and smarts to everyone! Em
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Em,
You’re in luck! We’re planning to post a step by step tutorial for all of our porch projects in the near future so stay tuned!
xoxo,
Sherry
G&D says
This looks so beautiful! I’m blown away by the stripes–wow. What a difference! And I just love all the after pictures with Burger in the background–what a cutie!
Sierra Nething says
I just came across 2 adorable BBQ’s that are the perfect shade of green to match your new front porch. One is a full on awesome BBQ and the other is a cute little portable one in a green metal bucket that you can take with you camping and on trips… check them out!
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=14210&f=27181
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=14210&f=32862
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Sierra,
Those are adorable!!! Thanks so much for the links. C&B is totally doing the green thing this season and we’re loving it!
xoxo,
Sherry
Nicole says
I love the leash idea for the porch! We have two beagles that will take off following their nose if we don’t have them on a leash. We would love to have them out front when we are out doing yard work, etc. Thanks for the idea. :)
Mary at Front-Porch-Ideas-And-More says
Sherry and John,
Dave and I love your porch make-over. We have a website all about porches and would love to feature your porch ideas on our site. Your striped floor is a fantastic idea and looks very fresh – as well as your feeding station, charming hanging lamps and beautiful planters. If you are interested, please contact us via our website or email. Love your fresh and down-to-earth ideas! Just fab…..
Thank you,
Mary and Dave
Meredith says
It’s beautiful– I LOVE it! Quick question… Where did you get your porch lights?
Thanks in advance!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Meredith,
Home Depot! And they’re still there (and cheap). Always go with something that looks a bit big because when you get them home on your house they’ll look in proportion (although they look large in the store). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Erin Cazier says
I absolutely love your porch glider and have been looking for one but have struggled. Where did you find yours?
YoungHouseLove says
We got our beloved glider at Home Depot. Everything from the porch makeover actually hailed from there. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Jessie says
Love it all… with your porch lights are those candles, or battery operated lights, do they come on as night falls?
YoungHouseLove says
They’re actually just candles which we light from time to time (although battery operated lights would definitely work too)!
xo,
s
jo says
i love the floor colours. the candles is a very nice touch too.
Samantha says
Thanks for the inspiration! This weekend it has finally been cool enough to tackle a few outdoor projects. We painted our front door cranberry red (we have beigey tan siding and white trim, so the cranberry red looks awesome!) and we’re off to Lowe’s to get the rest of the items needed to make over the front porch. Since the bugs are still out around here, we’re hoping to find some natural candles to put in our hanging candle holders to ward off mosquitoes :) We’re also putting in an eye bolt and picking up an outdoor cushion/pillow to make our porch pooch-friendly for our sweet terrier/poodle mix (all 15 pounds of him!). Hopefully Wesley will love the space as much as Burger loves his :)
Lee says
Tell me more about the railing…I don’t see it in the before photos when you bought the house but there they are! I love love love the look. Do share…
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Lee,
Hmm, you don’t see the railing in the before photos? It was definitely there! We didn’t add that at all- didn’t even paint it (but we did paint the floor and the steps to match it and make everything feel fresher). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
amanda says
Just wondering…how did you suspend those awesome light bulb cover candle holder thingys? I see wire but was it placed inside or wrapped around the head of the bulb cover? Great idea!!!
YoungHouseLove says
We just used wire around the lip of the bulb cover (it had a nice substantial lip). They never fell in over a year of use!
xo,
s
Lou Ann says
This is so pretty and neat looking. I live in Fort Worth TX and we have some sort of law that forbids staking dogs but I don’t know it this situation is a code violation. I’m going to check it out and make sure. I have a chihuahua too, two actually!
Jackie says
I’ve read your blog for years and just realized your porch was painted tan and cream stripes in your first house! How did I miss this? Looks great.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Jackie! That was such a fun project.
xo,
s
Bridgett Owens says
Thank you for sharing this! I love your new porch!! The cost breakdown is very helpful, too. I am hoping to tackle our front porch as soon as my spring semester ends in May. I love so many of the details you shared. Definitely bookmarking this page!!!!