• Home
  • About Me
  • Projects
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact me

The Frugal Homemaker

Your guide to turning your house into a home... one DIY project and yard sale find at a time

Front porch makeover {Sprucing up the outdoors for Spring}

May 9, 2012

sprucing up the outdoors for spring button

So excited to show you my newly re-decorated front porch today!

front porch makeover

But first let’s revisit the before.  Here was my front porch at the beginning of the spring.

DSC_0220

You will remember that I painted the rails white again

and I re-stained the deck back in April.  You can see more in this post.

DSC_0228-001

I also refreshed my door mat a few weeks ago.  I have had this door mat for 5-6 years (bought from Kohl’s) and I really liked it cause you could change out the center portion.  Well, Kohl’s doesn’t carry those center pieces anymore but I have a few of them that are still in good condition so I can still use it.

But the black rubber part had gotten rather faded.

DSC_0487

So of course, I grabbed my trusty can of SPRAY PAINT! Smile  (Seriously, spray paint is like magic in a can… I don’t think I have found anything that CAN’T be fixed, refreshed, or transformed with a little paint!  I even used spray paint on some bridal shower decorations this weekend and they were amazing– but that is for a future post!)

DSC_0492

A quick spray with some black gloss spray paint and my welcome mat is as good as new! Smiledoor mat before after

Now back to the front porch.  So this is what it looked like after some new paint and stain, after refreshing the door mat with some spray paint, and after adding my color-filled flower pots (which are pots I us e every year but I refill with flowers in the spring.)

DSC_0508

Definitely not bad and much better than before.

Here’s the view from the driveway.

DSC_0510

But I really wanted to give it a little makeover this spring.  I had some yard sale profit burning a hole in my pocket and a plan…

I would love to have a front porch like this (from Southern Living) with room for a sitting area on the side.

Pinned Image

Or like this (loving that yellow door!) from here

Pinned Image

Or this Craftsman style house with a big front porch (I ADORE Craftsman style houses  – that is my dream house style.)

But remember… I am learning to love where I live!  So time for me to make the best of the front porch I have.  I really wanted some seating out here for a few reasons.  I thought it would help create that welcoming, Southern feel I was wanting PLUS I am spending much more time out there watching these little ones play in the driveway.

DSC_0127

One downfall of my front porch is the door is all the way at the end.  If it would have been at the beginning of the porch, I could have arranged a seating area maybe even put up a swing at the end.  But that isn’t possible with the door all the way at the end.

DSC_0509

So I started looking for benches – specifically narrow benches.  I found the best deal at Home Depot but it was only available online (with FREE shipping!), so I ordered one and waited.

Then I had fun putting it together (it was a little damaged so I had to wait for a replacement part.  I have big plans for the damaged part – super excited about that!).  Then it was time to “decorate” my front porch!

Here is the AFTER!

DSC_0893

Of course you saw my $3 spring green wreath in this post.  The metal decorative wall hanging was something I had ordered from ABC distributing when I was still working and hadn’t found a place for it yet.

DSC_0878

The little plant stand was something I have had for a while.  The plant was 50% clearance at Wal-mart last week – $1.61.  And I made the pillows!!  First time making simple envelope pillow covers and I was amazed at how EASY they were to do!  Full tutorial coming soon.

DSC_0890

And beware new pillows are going to be popping up all over my house! Smile  The fabric was some 1 yard scraps I got at my favorite fabric store – Ohco.  Each piece of fabric for the pillows probably cost $1.50-2.00 (they weigh by the pound so I don’t know exactly but it was cheap) and I already had the pillow forms.  I added some little fabric rosettes (first time making those too and I need to work on my technique) on the striped pillow with some scraps from the flowered pillow.

DSC_0879

The little glass table was actually in my yard sale pile (my mom had found 2  of them on the side of the road a few years ago) but when I was working on the porch I realized I could use it.  The little bird statue cage thing was a yard sale find from last year.  I have some ivy in it that I hope will grow larger and fill it up.

DSC_0892

I am enjoying my front porch!  Smile  No, it isn’t my dream HUGE front porch on a craftsman style house, but it is pretty and functional and is on the house God has given us for now.

DSC_0882

Here’s a few more pictures…

DSC_0883

DSC_0880

DSC_0887

And let’s compare:

Before…

DSC_0220

After…

DSC_0886

Oh, and I had a hard time deciding between using this metal star that I had (and spray painted burgundy) or the metal decorative piece on the end wall.  I asked my husband and he said “They both look fine and it doesn’t matter cause you will change them next week!”  LOL! Smile  Which one do you like better?

DSC_0872

One more outdoor project crossed off my list!  I still need to reveal our deck and finish my mailbox garden then my outdoor projects are done for a while and we will end our series! Smile

What outdoor projects have you been working on?  Do you dream of big front porch too?

{cj}

Sometimes I link up to these wonderful parties:

Sarahndipities, Skip to my Lou, Today’s Creative Blog, How to Nest for Less, Home Stories A to Z, Apron Thrift Girl, Tools are for women too, Not just a Housewife, A bowl full of lemons, Uncommon Designs Online, Someday Crafts, No Minimalist Here,Somewhat Simple, 36th Avenue, Sew Much Ado, The Style Sisters, The Thrifty Home, Domestically Speaking, House of Hepworths, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Weekend Blogging party at Serenity Now, Home Happy Home, Tatertots and Jello, Funky Junk Interiors, The Girl Creative, Miss Mustard Seed, Chic on a Shoestring Decorating, Remodelaholic, The Lettered Cottage, Before and after party at Thrifty Decor Chick, Pinterest Challenge at Young House Love

37 Comments LABELS ~ Uncategorized

SHARE >>
« April goals update
Frugal Finds: frames, jewelry, and more »

RELATED POSTS

  • Simple Green and White DIY Spring Wreath
  • How to age Terra Cotta pots with paint + a simple spring garden centerpiece
  • Ski Lodge Inspired Farmhouse Christmas Front Porch
  • The twinkling Christmas tree in my house

Comments

  1. Nikki says

    May 9, 2012 at 2:26 PM

    So pretty – nice job!! I am totally with you on the Craftsman style – my fav too!!

    Reply
    • Christina says

      May 11, 2012 at 12:42 AM

      Thanks, Nikki!

      Reply
  2. Molly Swaffer says

    May 9, 2012 at 3:53 PM

    I love it!!! That is so funny what David said about the decoration being changed next week. That is usually Brian’s response too when I ask him which he prefers! I like the first one more than the star, but I like the star too! Help? ha ha! It looks gorgeous and very inviting! My front porch is on my list for the summer! Praying I find some good deals this weekend!

    Reply
    • Christina says

      May 9, 2012 at 5:59 PM

      I didn’t think I was that bad! LOL! Usually once I FINALLY get things arranged they are staying for a while (except my mantel and table that change ever 6 weeks or so.) What are you looking for to add to your front porch? I have been looking for a bench forever! I was hoping to find a broken down one on the side of the road and just replace the boards but I never did so finally just bought one (but I have a secret – I might be getting my broken down one too – ha!)

      Reply
  3. Rondell says

    May 9, 2012 at 5:00 PM

    I like the decorative item the best, it’s bigger and it shows up more! You have did a wonderful job on your porch, everything looks so pretty and I love the bench too!

    Reply
    • Christina says

      May 9, 2012 at 5:57 PM

      Thanks so much, Rondell! I think I like the decorative object the best too. The star was originally blue but I didn’t want the porch to look all patriotic. I think the iron piece looks more upscale 🙂

      Reply
  4. Donna Amis Davis says

    May 9, 2012 at 9:17 PM

    Love the update – so warm and inviting. Hmmm. I can’t decide. The burgundy star has pop and matches the shutters, but the black scroll adds architectural interest and detail. I appreciate your philosophy of being thankful for what you have and making the best use of it. Black spray paint on an old door mat? Brilliant!

    Reply
    • Christina says

      May 10, 2012 at 12:06 AM

      Thanks, Donna! I am leaving the metal piece for now 😉 I just think it looks a little more dressed up and not so “crafty” or “patriotic” to me. I could always use the star for 4th of July! 🙂

      so do you have a door mat you can spray paint?? 🙂

      Reply
  5. Donna says

    May 9, 2012 at 10:19 PM

    Hi Christina, I just found your blog and LOVE it! While you are dreaming of a craftsman porch, I am dreaming about yours. I’ve always wanted a southern front porch but I do love the home we have. Spray paint a door mat???? Who would have ever thought of that?? Love those pillows and the fabric too. Great spruching up!
    Donna

    Reply
    • Christina says

      May 10, 2012 at 12:05 AM

      awww – that is so sweet, Donna! Isn’t funny that we always long for what we don’t have? 🙂

      hang around, I will show you all kinds of things you can spray paint! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Renee @ Living, Laughing, & Loving says

    May 10, 2012 at 1:25 PM

    Love it! What a great redo!!!! Love the pillows and the door mat looks fab! I adore craftsman style too!!

    Reply
    • Christina says

      May 11, 2012 at 12:49 AM

      Thanks, Renee! Yay for craftsman style – not sure if I will ever get it but I do love it! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Kelly Palmer says

    May 10, 2012 at 1:27 PM

    Your porch looks so pretty and fresh now! I like the decorative metal piece best cause it kind of mimics the metal scroll work on the back of your bench. You have inspired me to freshen up our mail box, so that is one of the projects that I will be doing this weekend among many others on our long to-do list. Almost 5 years ago we moved into a craftsman style home that was built in 1939. We started working on it the day of the closing and continue to do renovations. Fortunately my father-in-law is a contractor and taught my husband all sorts of handyman skills as he was growing up. It surely has saved us some money by doing it ourselves!! I have loved following your blog and look forward to future projects that you have to share 🙂

    Reply
    • Christina says

      May 11, 2012 at 12:50 AM

      wow, sounds amazing! do you blog about your home renovations?

      thanks for the comment and thanks for reading! hope your mailbox turns out good!

      Reply
  8. Susy says

    May 11, 2012 at 12:04 PM

    def the big iron decor. makes it pop! i for one love ur porch. mine is little little. won’t even fit a bench. but maybe i can find a hanging plant for as cheap as you did!!

    Reply
    • Christina says

      May 16, 2012 at 3:23 PM

      Yep, I think the iron decor is staying 🙂

      Check Lowe’s and Wal-mart for clearance plants! Both of them clearance out lots of plants each week and I have found some great deals 🙂

      Reply
  9. Julie says

    May 13, 2012 at 10:15 AM

    Love that Yellow door now that’s fresh!

    Reply
    • Christina says

      May 16, 2012 at 3:12 PM

      Isn’t that pretty? Would love to have a house I could yellow on the door one day!

      Reply
  10. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    May 15, 2012 at 10:09 AM

    Looks all fresh and pretty! Too bad about that door placement because I was thinking that a swing would be great there. But now you can sit back and relax on your pretty pretty pillows (love the fabric) and watch as the kids play and frolic!

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
    • Christina says

      May 16, 2012 at 3:04 PM

      Yes, the door placement does make it hard. BUT I think I did the best I could with the way it is and we are all enjoying the new bench! 🙂 The kids too 🙂 Sat and ate popsicles on it today 🙂

      Reply
  11. Katie B. says

    May 27, 2012 at 3:28 PM

    What a beautiful front porch! I think I’d spend most of my time on it, if mine looked anywhere near as gorgeous as this. You’ve got great taste!

    Reply
    • Christina says

      May 28, 2012 at 11:47 PM

      Thank you, Katie! We do spend quite a bit of time out there now especially watching the kids play.

      Reply
  12. Maureen says

    June 20, 2012 at 5:03 PM

    Beautiful transformation. I prefer the metal artwork to the star. You see the stars everywhere, but not that artwork.

    Reply
    • Christina says

      July 7, 2012 at 12:26 AM

      Yep, the metal artwork is what is up there to stay! 😉 Thanks, Maureen!

      Reply
  13. Shanee says

    June 30, 2012 at 6:19 PM

    Awwww….I love your porch spruce up! The bench with the pillows are just perfect. I thought I had done it all with spray paint but you showed me a new trick, thanks! Thanks for sharing. Visiting from Thrify Decor Chick

    Reply
    • Christina says

      July 6, 2012 at 11:47 PM

      thanks, Shanee! We are enjoying it!

      Reply
  14. Christina says

    August 27, 2012 at 10:57 PM

    What a pretty porch! I like the black wrought iron piece best!

    Reply
    • Christina says

      August 27, 2012 at 11:44 PM

      Thanks, Christina! 🙂 I am glad I found that piece at a yard sale – I really think it adds a lot.

      Reply
  15. Andria Martin says

    March 28, 2013 at 11:20 AM

    Thank you for the inspiration! I too, love d-i-y projects. I have been trying to pull together enough decor for my porch since last spring. I have sort of lost hope looking for that amazing deal on a bench. I think the search begins again today! Also, I would love to know the name of the colors of your house paint. I think your house is stunning! Looks so inviting 🙂

    Reply
    • Christina says

      April 10, 2013 at 11:30 PM

      I got my bench online at Home Depot, I think? After researching and looking at MANY benches. I looked for over a year for one at a yard sale or on the side of the road and never found it. so it was time to buy. Mine was less than $100. Our house is vinyl siding so I don’t really know the color. Sort of a creamy ivory.

      Reply
      • K-Scraps says

        May 1, 2013 at 9:38 PM

        How did you hang the metal scroll work on your vinyl siding?

        Reply
  16. Laurie says

    March 6, 2014 at 8:09 PM

    You have a beautiful porch. Love everything about it. Where did you buy your iron scroll wall decoration?

    Reply
  17. beverly says

    November 30, 2014 at 4:21 PM

    How did you hang the wall decor on vinyl siding?

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Front porch makeover {Sprucing up the outdoors for Spring} | The … | The Black Scroll Book 1 | The Black Scroll Book 1 says:
    May 13, 2012 at 4:23 AM

    […] Link: Front porch makeover Sprucing up th&#1077 outdoors f&#959r Jump | Th&#1077 … […]

    Reply
  2. Our Christmas front porch (with hanging candle lanterns) - The Frugal Homemaker | The Frugal Homemaker says:
    December 19, 2012 at 5:16 PM

    […] you have been following my blog you may remember that I did a little makeover on my porch in the spring.  I added the bench and that has made a huge difference in making my porch feel more […]

    Reply
  3. Top projects of 2012 - The Frugal Homemaker | The Frugal Homemaker says:
    December 27, 2012 at 11:59 AM

    […] I did a mini makeover on front porch too.  I am SOO glad I added that bench out there.  It has gotten a TON of use and has been fun to […]

    Reply
  4. Spring inspiration - The Frugal Homemaker | The Frugal Homemaker says:
    March 5, 2013 at 8:03 AM

    […] spray painted my door mat last year and gave it new life.  Don’t ever doubt the power of a can of spray paint!  The mat […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Follow me:

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Hi!  My name is Christina . . .

I love doing simple, frugal things to make our house feel like HOME! Come learn along with me how to have a beautiful home on a budget.

Recent Posts

  • Cozy & Comfy Warm Fall Fashion
  • Budget friendly fashion pieces to transition into Fall
  • Red, white, and blue sumer fashion for the whole crew!
  • Affordable summer girls fashion
  • Garage curb appeal spring refresh with Scott’s Miracle-Gro





THEME BY ECLAIR DESIGNS