When we bought our home over three years ago, we were delighted to have a screened-in porch to enjoy the outdoors. However, we hadn’t done much to spruce it up, other than an indoor-outdoor rug, and some garage sale furniture that we spray painted.
Here is my before shot of my plain, uninspired porch. Since we didn’t eat out here much, and instead mostly came out to relax and chat, I decided to make some changes.
I wanted to make the space a more comfortable, relaxing area, and so after looking at every store in our area, and then searching online for weeks (who knew that outdoor furniture was more expensive than indoor), I took the plunge and purchased a few key pieces of patio furniture that I really thought we would use and enjoy.
With the help of my six year old, I (almost) put it all together myself… Can you tell by the mess I made?
I really wanted a sectional sofa, but after looking at the price tags ($4,000 AFTER 40% off) and considering my future plans for my porch of putting in a door for backyard access, I decided a regular 3 seater sofa would work better.
There were so many loveseats out there, but I wanted a full length sofa to stretch out on when enjoying the porch, and was so happy to find one online with free delivery. In addition to that, I purchased a nice rocker glider and an ottoman.
After scrounging my garage and basement for a few thrifty finishing touches, here is what my porch looks like now.
My $12 thrift store coffee table works great out here.
The lattice on the porch is probably not a permanent fixture. We put it up when we first moved into our house because we had a active toddler and five year old who could have easily pushed through the screen, and the way our yard slopes, it could be an 8-10 foot drop. We would like to come up with a more attractive alternative though.
We are enjoying our space SO much more now, that it makes me wish I had invested in comfortable outdoor furniture years ago.
fromoverwhelmedtoorganized says
It looks beautiful Margo! Very relaxing 🙂
Hilda
Bloggerina says
This looks wonderful. I really like that in many of your makeovers you pull items from other places in your home to make something new.
Designed by Dawn Nicole says
I love it, Margo! It looks like a great place to relax! Where did you find the new furniture? I keep telling my husband I want those “wicker style outdoor couches” for new outdoor furniture! Great makeover!
Lori Stokes Wright says
What a fantastic outdoor room!!! You have done a great job with the furniture placement. I found you at Weekend Wander.
Sarah says
This looks so lovely! What a beautiful space you’ve created! Love it. Visiting from It’s Overflowing!
Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap says
I love your outdoor room! wish we had one. If you don’t like the lattice, you could buy furrin stips (or similar long skinny pieces of wood)and create an orizontal barrier, spacing the orizontal wood strips a couple of inces. you could paint the wood or stain
Terrie says
Hi Margo, I’m visiting from Positively Splendid’s link party. I love your porch makeover, it looks so inviting. I am in the process of making over my sun room myself, so I can relate. You’ve beat me though, it took me seven years to tackle it. ☺
I think the lattice looks really cute, and it would look pretty cute painted also.
allisamazing says
Your porch looks like a wonderful place to relax. Your new furniture is lovely.
Recipes We Love says
Looks great!
Between Blue and Yellow says
I LOVE screened in porches, I wish I had one. Yours is so nice and inviting.
Ann says
Fabulous space. It looks so comfy, cozy.
Phil and Darby Hawley says
So pretty! A great makeover, and I bet you’re spending a lot more time on the porch 😉
Stopping by from the It’s Overflowing Party!
Sarah Larsen says
Great transformation!!
I am your newest follower, I would love for you to check out my blog and follow me too! Can’t wait to see more posts.
Sarah @
http://www.blissfulbucketlist.com
Sharing Shadymont says
WOW!!!! I love your furniture. The coffee table is perfect there! I so need to invest in nice furniture for our screened porch, but I’m such a cheapskate! You will enjoy this so much!
Have a wonderful week!
gena says
Awesome change ! I hope it brings you years and years of mosquito and buggy free enjoyment!
gena
Rustown Mom says
That looks so great – I can just imagine relaxing out there with a good read. The lattice looks nice, I think. Adds visual interest, too. It was a great idea to add it.
Liz - Imageremix says
How nice! A place away from the bugs and it’s so comfy looking. I hope you have a great Summer and get a lot of enjoyment out of it. I found your post via the Tuesday To Do Party. Stop in and see me at Quirky Vistas!
Liz
Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says
Gorgeous makeover you did a fabulous job!
Thanks for linking up.
XO
Kristin
Buffy Marsters says
If you painted the lattice and railings/posts white to match your window frames it would look fantastic. You probably don’t like it because the colour contrast is awkward and making it the focal point. And paints is cheap!
Sharon Lambirth says
Love it! My first thought is to grab some cheapo door trim and just finish the top edge where the lattice is attached… Beautiful job!
Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says
This is GREAT! I’m featuring you today! XO, Aimee
DIY Show Off says
What a great place to relax and enjoy summer, Margo! Love it!
Jenn @ My Not So Glamorous Life says
What a stunning outdoor space, I just love it!!
Anna says
What a lovely screened in porch. It just feels so inviting to kick your feet up and relax. Great place for your family to be experiencing the outdoor view, especially if you have a little one. Love the furniture and I do agree with you on your selection. I have a large upstairs deck that I am also debating on whether a sectional or a 3 seater sofa. My deck also has one way in/out that either selection would work. But I like your selection. I will have to look at where I can find a great buy as well. I’ve look locally and they are so pricey, 2,000. for 1 piece.
I think your lattice is cute, I agree it would be cute painted to a contrast color, or if you want the monotone choice not to compete against your lovely furniture would also be very pretty.
Keep up the good work.
Kati @ Obscured Flair- says
it takes a special blog for me to follow it, and your coffee table did it for me!! I love your porch!!