Back Porch Makeover

Back Porch Makeover

I seriously considered titling this post “What You Can Do In Thirty Hours”.

This makeover was a quick one, but it turned out beautifully, and it seemed to be just the happy, colorful space the clients requested.

And the clients?  None other than this sweet couple.

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Remember them?  I turned their honeymoon photo from the 1940’s into a canvas for my closet turned laundry room update.

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When I got married, I received a beautiful thing – grandparents.  And this pair is near to my heart, I just adore them.  A few weeks ago, we went for a visit (the kids LOVE visiting “the farm”), and as I sat down with Granny, she was telling me about some fabric she had gotten to make some cushions for her back porch, along with some vibrant, striped chair cushions.

It was bright and colorful, but I chuckled when I told her she had been telling me about what she wanted to do to the back porch for over a year.  (she sounds like me, ha)  It was at that very moment I decided we were going to make it happen.

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We did not have much time, but I knew it would not take too long to get things going for Granny…especially since I knew the power of spray paint.

This project began on a Saturday afternoon and ended Sunday afternoon, and you can see the before photo below.  The green glider swing you see in the background has been in Granny’s family since she was a little girl, and it is special so we decided to give it a special pop of color.

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With the color scheme of the cushions and fabric Granny had already purchased in mind, I drove “to town” and paid visits to Home Depot, Lowes, and Pier1.  After loading up the car with spray paint, plants, pillows, and a few decor items, I headed back, and that evening, we started painting.

We painted into the night, and Granny was right there with us, spray painting away.  (not too many eighty somethings doing that!)  Kent and I did not let Granny and Papa Z see their new back porch until we moved everything back in and unveiled the space, and they were so happy with it.  Doesn’t it look lively and cheerful?

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Every item of seating in this space was revamped, and the power of paint here, wow.  I really liked that we reused so many things too, just placing them in a different spot, or using them in a new way.  They like to sit in those blue chairs (they both have designated chairs, of course), and the cobalt blue is just the right shade for the overall scheme.

The cute little yellow bicycle planter was filled with succulents, and the other plants in the space are all “easy care”.  I used gloss paint on all of the pieces so they would be very easy to wipe clean.  Even though this porch is screened in, dirt will find its way in eventually.

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The pillows and outdoor lamp (the shade is washable!) are from Lowes, and that beautiful rug is from Pier1.  (the rug is indoor/outdoor!)

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They were so pleased with everything, and it warmed my heart when Granny told me she had saved a photo from a magazine years earlier that had a yellow swing just like the new color on the glider.  “And now I have one of my own”, she said, “a dream come true!”

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This little makeover was such a privilege for me – to be able to give back a smidgeon of what I have been given by marrying into this family.  I am so thankful and proud that I am a Mitchell, and to think of this sweet married for 60+ years couple sitting on their porch and enjoying their radio or newspaper or reading this blog on their iPad, makes me very happy.  : )

The door from Granny’s kitchen onto the back porch is my favorite, aren’t those colors lovely?  It gives such a nice peek into the revamped space.  The beauty of color…

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Hope you had a great weekend.

Written by Grace

 

21 Comments
  • Susan M.
    Posted at 16:24h, 04 August Reply

    For me there are just two words to sum up this little redo and those are heartfelt and tearful. I’m willing to bet that Granny is one happy camper right now – not only for her newly decorated area, but more importantly that it was done by her grandson and granddaughter-in-law. And as privileged as you feel to share your talents with her, I’ll bet she feels the same each time she sees the room.

    Cudos – just goes to show that decorating and design aren’t always JUST about a beautiful styling.

    P.S. I was okay until Granny mentioned the yellow glider! Here’s to many, many moments spent on the new and improved screened porch!

  • Emily
    Posted at 17:52h, 04 August Reply

    It’s just adorable Grace! And the story could not be sweeter…

    • Grace
      Posted at 22:36h, 21 September Reply

      Thanks Emily. I love them so much, it was so nice to do something tangible for them like that. xo

  • Molly
    Posted at 17:58h, 04 August Reply

    This is so precious! Well done Grace!

    • Grace
      Posted at 22:36h, 21 September Reply

      Thank you, Molly. It was an honor to get to do something for them!

  • Belle
    Posted at 18:58h, 04 August Reply

    The color scheme matches the little square glass pieces on the door to the back porch. Perfect makeover.

    • Grace
      Posted at 22:34h, 21 September Reply

      Belle, isn’t that crazy how well it came together? I have always loved that door, and it is the perfect entrance to that room! xo

  • Tricia
    Posted at 19:49h, 04 August Reply

    How good of you and what a beautiful job you’ve done.

    • Grace
      Posted at 22:34h, 21 September Reply

      Thank you so much, Tricia! It was my pleasure.

  • Gretchen Mitchell
    Posted at 22:00h, 04 August Reply

    Grace, you have outdone yourself! This room is just a beautiful wrapper on an incredibly special place ringing of peace, commitment, and love. I can imagine you all working on this and how pleased Granny must have been with it and with you and Kent. Love to you all

    • Grace
      Posted at 22:33h, 21 September Reply

      Awww Gretchen, thank you so much. I totally agree with what you said about their place. Can you believe Granny stayed up so late with us? Actually, since you know her, I bet you can! haha 🙂 xo

  • Margaret B
    Posted at 19:23h, 05 August Reply

    Grace, what wonderful gifts to give them, your time and energy. They will have so much fun sitting out on their beautiful porch! Such a cheery reminder, they are loved. You are special! A wonderful post!

    • Grace
      Posted at 22:35h, 21 September Reply

      Margaret, what a sweet comment, thank you! They do love sitting out there, and of course, I am thrilled! 🙂 xo

  • emily
    Posted at 06:29h, 07 August Reply

    it’s adorable! love the bright fun colors. such a fun happy space.

    • Grace
      Posted at 22:32h, 21 September Reply

      Emily, yes! I wanted it to be very bright and cheery. 🙂

  • Stacey
    Posted at 06:46h, 11 August Reply

    Oh my goodness, that’s the sweetest project ever! I just love that you did that for your husband’s Granny. I love my husband’s family too so I know how you feel. Very inspiring. ♥

    • Grace
      Posted at 22:32h, 21 September Reply

      Stacey, thank you for the kind comment! xo

  • sherry hart
    Posted at 07:27h, 12 August Reply

    Awesome makeover….and straight from the heart:)

    • Grace
      Posted at 22:31h, 21 September Reply

      Yes, it was, Sherry! Thank you for reading. 🙂

  • Victoria | the Maypop
    Posted at 15:40h, 18 September Reply

    I love this makeover! So cheery! But I love this story even more. Thank you for sharing.

    • Grace
      Posted at 22:27h, 21 September Reply

      Thanks Victoria. The story is what I love, too!

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