After almost 20 years, I finally decided it was time to give our screened in, covered porch a makeover for summer.
I gathered a few new accessories for a complete cottage style before and after on a budget.
And I couldn't be happier.
Located off the living room, through a dutch door, it was a quiet place to sit.
Protected from the rain and sun.
And one that we never, ever used.
For some reason, it felt a little creepy. I think it was all the bugs.
I am not a fan of bugs...and here at the beach, there are a lot of them.
My husband didn't love all the large bushes that surrounded it. Or the broken and uneven slate floor.
So after a few years, we decided to screen it in.
And everything changed.
It suddenly went from neglected a porch to our favorite outdoor room.
Super cozy, filled with a large wicker sofa and two comfy chairs. (Similar to these)
It was also a brand new space to decorate, which made this girl super happy.
Although, honestly, I didn't do all that much out there. The kids were flopping on the furniture with wet bathing suits from the pool, plus the space is tight. Too many accessories blocked the traffic flow.
And the doors.
Then about two or three years ago, I started to notice that while the wicker furniture and steel frames were in great condition, the cushions were going flat. I also wasn't a fan of the color any longer.
Unfortunately, replacement cushions were impossible to find. Well, at least not for what I was willing to pay.
Online they were close to $1000 for the set. $2000 for custom at the local upholstery shop.
Um...no.
This budget shopper wasn't having it and suddenly those flat, gold toned cushions didn't look so bad.
So, I bought a few gingham pillows and called it a day. Then this spring, I stumbled upon these chair cushions.
White on one side and Ikat patterned on the other.
I almost lost my mind. They were perfect and bargain priced.
I grabbed five sets and stuffed them all in the back of the pick up. I decided to use the plain white sides, but I love that there's an option to add the pattern if I choose.
The were perfect for my cottage style summer porch.
Clean, classic, comfortable and elegant.
I just added a few floral pillows to accessorize and a coordinating blanket.
Which I already owned.
Because even on those hazy 100 degree days, it can get chilly when the sun goes down.
And the most darling basket I found at a yard sale this summer.
Very unique and only a buck.
There's no light out on the porch, that's a DIY for another day. Instead, we have a few battery powered candles peppered about.
These are my newest obsession.
On the table, I have them in the brass candlesticks I found at another yard sale for a dollar each.
They're not the greatest quality, or in the greatest shape, so I feel ok leaving outside in the elements.
However, I don't feel that way about my new cushions. They were tough to find, and while it's a bit of pain to cover them every night, I do.
I just pile all the cushions on the sofa.
Pull this cover up and over and I'm done. It protects the cushions and the sofa frame.
I've been doing it for years and I think that's why the set and the old yellow cushions lasted as long for more than a decade.
Totally worth the time and the small investment.
As for those new cushions, I'd say the same.
And totally worth the wait.
For this stunning summertime before and after.
Are you a porch dweller?
COTTAGE STYLE SUMMER PORCH DECOR:
- This is the budget Sofa Cover I have.
- These charming wicker chairs and loveseat.
- These cushions are similar.
- These cottage style yellow rose pillow covers.
- Water resistant pillow inserts.
- This tin pitcher is adorable.
- These battery operated pillar candles with a timer are super fun.
- I love adding the berry rings, like these, to them.
- I found mine at yard sales, but you can also find brass candlesticks here.
- If you don't want to tend to real, you can add these delicious faux flowers.
- You can add a sweet basket like these for a little charm.
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I love your porch and everything else, it looks great! I have those covers on my deck furniture
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, it time for a change! And I love that cover. So much better than the green tarps I used to have.
DeleteOh Kim your porch is stunning. Love that you found this make over at such a great price. Looks like a million bucks! What a great outdoor space to have for the spring, summer and fall days and evening. Beautiful. Love the flowered pillows too. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kris! ❤️ It was a very overdue update and I'm so happy with the way it turned out. I'm even happier about the pricetag!! Gotta love those yard sales! xxoo
DeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteThat little basket was the first thing I noticed. So cute! Never seen one like it. Love your little porch too. We need one, which I hope will happen one of these days. Did your hubby do it, or did you hire it out?
Isn't that darling, Florence? It just makes me smile. That's why I love second hand shopping, you really can find the most unique items...and my husband screened the porch in himself and replaced the floor stones with bricks. It wasn't a big job.
DeleteYour porch is so pretty! Looks like a perfect spot for morning tea or coffee or a chat with a friend. We have a patio, but it's not covered. I have Sunbrella cushions and pillows, but when I know it's going to rain, I put them in the secure deck box which sits on out patio. I don't cover them at night or do anything to them and they've lasted for years. However, we're in the market for new patio furniture, so everything might change anyway! ;-) Question for you...if your porch is covered and screened in, why do you need to cover the cushions and furniture at night?
ReplyDeleteThanks Melanie. We do love it out there...especially now! Good questions about the covers. So even though the room is protected, the cushions get wet in the rain since the furniture is so close to the edges. So to prevent them from getting moldy and to keep them dry and ready for that morning coffee we cover them.
DeleteOmgosh that little porch is gorgeous! Where is it? I don't remember seeing it... looks like a good place for a visit! I think I need those cushions too!
ReplyDeleteCome on over, Susan! I'll give you a tour and we can sit and chat!!
DeleteLooks beautiful to me!! Blessings, J
ReplyDeleteThanks J!! I love all the roses out there...especially since I can't kill any of them! Ha!!
DeleteYour porch looks so pretty and welcoming! I wish that it got chilly in my part of Texas after the sun goes down!! - Briana from Texas
ReplyDeleteThanks Briana! Texas is so lovely, but that heat is intense in the summer. I get it!!
DeleteI would spend all of my time on your porch, Kim. I love being outdoors - with no bugs! Now tell me about that flower basket piece on the wall....
ReplyDeleteAh…that’s a favorite, Ann. It hung in my sister’s breezeway for decades until she moved and no longer had room for it. So I took it and hung it in the covered porch. It’s very large and made of metal. It actually seems like a painted porcelain over metal. It’s pretty and sentimental. Thanks for noticing and asking!
DeleteOh, yes, I love my outside patio. I don't have furniture out there like yours - the heat and bugs would do it all in. But even in this intense heat, I can sit out there for a while and enjoy the summer sounds and a cold beer. Cheers! Your patio is lovely.
ReplyDeleteCheers Gina!! Your porch sounds lovely, too...nothing like the sounds of summer and a cold beverage!
DeleteThat metal flower basket really caught my eye too! Such a truly unique (and clearly vintage) piece! Your covered porch looks like a great place to spend time...at any time! I especially like how you have kept it simple with just a few well placed accessories! And thank you for the links! I am going to look into those candles! Pinning!
ReplyDeleteHi Kristine! Isn't that basket pretty? When I saw it in the sale pile at my sister's house, I grabbed it. It's very special and, yes, probably vintage. Thanks so much for all the kind words about the porch!! I'm really happy with the way it turned out, too.
DeleteLove your porch! The new cushions and pillows look great.
ReplyDeleteThanks Penny!! I'm smitten myself!
DeleteBeautiful transformation, Kim. Totally agree with covering up your furniture at night. I had to smile when I saw your tin pitcher. I have that same one hanging on a peg of my French country shelf. LOL. I think that's the second white pitcher we both own. Twins separated at birth??? Ha!
ReplyDeleteTotally, Nancy!! Haha! We definitely share a love of the same decor...and of creative, budget updates. I'm constantly inspired by your vision and your DIY talents and yes, I believe I've seen that pitcher on your site before!! Happy Sunday!
DeleteBeautifully made over Kim. The new cushions are a breath of fresh air!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary! They were a lucky find.
DeleteKim, your porch makeover is lovely. Love the wicker and the new pads you found. It's a shame you have no lighting out there .The candles are a nice touch. A nice place to enjoy without the bugs.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda! We've talked about adding overhead lighting out there for decades. The candlelight is sufficient to read or chat, but when we entertain we will bring a lamp outside. It's just not a waterproof room, so we can't leave it there and there isn't room for another table. Maybe we'll tackle it this fall!
DeleteOK....... you had me at Dutch Door and NO BUGS!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThen I saw those candle holders..... I started to drool.
Christine, you are too nice!!
DeleteI love a porch and yours is just perfect. What a great find those cushions were to replace your old ones. Happy sitting! xo Diana
ReplyDeleteThanks Diana! They were a happy find and it sure beats making them! xxoo
DeleteThe porch looks pretty and fresh! I would live out there in summer. I'd even sleep out there! I love my deck, but it's not screened in, which we've discussed doing over the years, but it would be a major investment. Not happening at this point. Maybe the next house......
ReplyDeleteAmy, believe it or not, I've never slept out there all night, but I've definitely napped on that sofa. It's very comfy.
DeleteKim, I love the porch furniture, your new cushions, and pillows. What a great makeover and I hope you get some lighting out there someday. It's the perfect cozy spot to hang out in the daytime.
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie! It really is a great place to hang out in the day and the candles definitely light things up at night, but lighting would be ideal.
DeleteAnother great makeover, well done my friend. We recently purchased a water fountain and it has made a huge difference in the cozy and relaxing feel of our deck area. It really can be the little things.
ReplyDeleteI hope to have a screened porch someday. ;-)
Thanks Carla!! It really is the little things, like those pillow covers and candlesticks, that make me smile. I wish we had a water fountain out there. Maybe someday...xoxo
DeleteYour pitch looks soon inviting, Kim, and yea for the screened in part. I bought my outdoor sectional at Lowe’s and the cushions drove me crazy! When I needed new ones, I found mine at Walmart and they are more water resistant and a great price. I just have a patio, but when it’s not over 100 degrees (we’ve had way too many) I like to spend time out there.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kitty. I'll have to keep Walmart in mind. We don't really have one nearby, but I shop with them online all the time. I'm hooked!!
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteI love your porch and the make over is fantastic!! My best friend when I was growing up had a screened in porch at her parent's home. It was the entire length of the house and it was always where we hung out in the Summer!! I always dreamed of having a porch like that but no such luck....So I am green with envy of your stunning porch!! You did a wonderful job updating it and for little money!! Good for you!!
Hugs,
Deb
Thanks Deb! I be you have great memories, summer with a friend on a porch are the best!! I hope my kids will be able to recall the same!
DeleteI love those new cushions! Perfect!
ReplyDeleteSadly I have no porch. I do have an uncovered patio space, but no real furniture for it yet.
Thanks Deanna! I'm sure you will decorate that space someday and it will be lovely. I've seen your home and you have great style!
DeleteYes! I love my porch! It’s one of the reasons I fell in love with my 1886 Victorian!! ❤️
ReplyDeleteYour floral pillows are gorgeous… they would look so good on my porch - send them my way when you’re done with them! 😉
Wow...an 1886 Victorian? Lucky you!! It sounds dreamy and I can just picture that porch. You must have so much fun decorating!
DeleteHi Kim: I am a big fan of screened porches, as you know, and yours is looking so pretty. I always seem to choose all those bright colors but your white is really beautiful and with all the scattering of the pretty throw pillows is looks magnificent. So cool and comfortable. It was so good to sneak a visit with you. Happy Monday..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteThanks Judy! Always nice to see you in the comments. I too am a bright color girl, as you know, but over the past two years, I found myself craving a neutral base out there so I could layer the colors on. I have some colorful ideas for fall, I can’t wait to share! I hope you’re enjoying the summer!!
Delete