Before & Afters Feathered Friends Home Improvement Spring

Back Porch Renewed

1 May, 2013

Hello friends…happy May!  Seriously?  It’s May already?  I say that every month don’t I? 😛

My days have been filled with tending to my injured hubby (he almost poked his eye out…with his own thumb…while giving someone a high five…so be careful giving high fives…could get dangerous) and working out in the yard.  Like a lot of you out there, I am so loving this gift that we call spring.  For those of you who live anywhere near the southeast, then you are probably like me and are frantically running around trying to get as much yard work done as possible before it turns a gazillion degrees outside.

So, the other day, I spent alllll daaaayyyy cleaning one of my back porches.  It was a hot mess.  Probably because I did diddly squat to it last year.  I worked so hard on it and thought I might share some easy tips to help make a porch more cozy and welcoming.

Isn’t it lovely?

Porch Before

I know you’re jealous…

porchbeforecollage

Please…hold your applause…but isn’t this the most welcoming porch ever?

Even the pollen wants to say hi!

Juussstttt kiddddiinnngg you guys…those were my before pics in case you haven’t figured that out yet.  Seriously though, there really isn’t anything special or fancy about this porch…just the fact that it exists is special enough for me since I love to spend time outside.  It is really old and the screens will need to be replaced soon, but for now, I am just going with what I have!  I am no expert in design, but the following tips will hopefully leave you with a comfy, cozy, homey, and welcoming porch…that is…if you’re into that kinda thing…

First tip is to clean the darn thing.  I scrubbed down this porch and it really made a world of difference.  I could have left it at that, but then I had to add some greenery.

These guys survived from last year…impressed much?  I sure am…

Real plants or faux…doesn’t matter…I don’t discriminate because they both look great.

Faux hydrangea planters I made a couple of years ago…have held up well…AND I don’t have to water.  Woo!

An outdoor rug adds a nice touch and in my case…a little color.

Bought at WalMart a couple of years ago.  Has also held up nicely.

Curtains.  They make outdoor curtains, but you can use indoor as well.  My curtains are indoor…found at Ikea.  They were only $19.99 for a set of two!  That was a steal and they have definitely been worth it as they, too, have lasted a few years.

If you have chairs, or swings, or benches on your porch then add a few colorful pillows.

Those cushions really need to be replaced, but I’m going to try to stretch them out another year.

Things that you like and that make you feel welcomed.  For me…it was a welcome sign.  Go figure.  It was a gift from my mom.  She got me three.  I guess she wanted everyone to feel extra welcomed.  Love you mom.

Hutch came with the house.  Score!

Wind chimes!  I heart wind chimes.  They give a breeze another sense to enjoy…sound.  You can’t see it, but you can feel it and with chimes you can hear it.  Just think of it as an instrumental band joining along with the orchestrated birds…Iamsuchadork.

Shell chimes…a gift from the hubs from our recent trip to the Bahamas.

Look at those hood rats…just basking in the sun…with not a care in the world.

Bella & Jenkins

I like to add a little ambience at night time.

A string of lights.

A collection of lanterns.

Of course…a candle is always a nice touch.

I’ve been keeping a watch out for the perfect water fountain to put on this table…for now it is the home of bulbs waiting to be planted.

I know that I sound like a sap, but really, I don’t care.  I have a love for the simplicity and complexity of nature and it somehow relaxes and stimulates my whole being all at the same time.  This is who I am.  A lover of God and His amazing gifts.

This view never grows tiresome.

Our new friends.  A couple of Canadian geese have found a home.  I don’t mind them when there are only two…thirty becomes a problem.  I suspect we will be seeing some goslings waddling around soon.

Welp…that’s it.  That’s all I’ve got for you.  My porch is certainly not perfect, but I’m kinda diggin’ it :-)   Come on over and have a cup of coffee with me…or perhaps a glass of wine is more up your alley…

Instagram shot…follow for more shenanigans @luchandler!

Thanks for visiting…now back outside to sow some seeds!

This post was lovingly featured at

 

signew

I often share with these amazing peeps…

SUNDAY
DIY Project Parade @DIY Showoff
Overflowing With Creativity @It’s Overflowing
Think Pink Sunday @Flamingo Toes
Nifty Thrifty Sunday @Nifty Thrifty Things
MONDAY
Motivate Me Monday @ Keeping It Simple Crafts
Mod Mix Monday @ Mod Vintage Life
Make It Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps On The Porch
Tutorial and Tips @ Home Stories A to Z
Make The Scene Monday @ Alderberry Hill
Moonshine Monday @ The Honeysuckle Bus Stop
TUESDAY
Tuesdays Treasures @ Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Tweak It Tuesday @ Cozy Little House
From Dream to Reality @ The DIY Dreamer
Crafty Tuesday @ Blooming Homestead
WEDNESDAY
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
A Little Birdie Told Me Link Party @ The Life of Jennifer Dawn
Lil’ Luna Link Party @ Lil’ Luna
Down Home Bloghop @ Tilly’s Nest
Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts
Whimsy Wednesday
Swing into Spring Wednesday @ DIY by Design
THURSDAY
Hookin’ Up With House of Hepworths @ The House Of Hepworths
A Crafty Soiree @ Yesterday on Tuesday
Blog Link Party @ Somewhat Simple
The 36th Avenue Party Time @ 36th Avenue
Craftberry Bush Linky Party @ Craftberry Bush
Party With Me, Liz Marie 
Thrifty Thursday @ Julia Kendrick
Grace at Home @ Imparting Grace
FRIDAY
Weekend Bloggy Reading @ Serenity Now Blog
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
Fabulously Creative Friday @ Jennifer Rizzo
Feathered Nest Friday @ The French Country Cottage
Weekend Wrap Up Party @ Tatertots and Jello
Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
Happy Hour Friday @ Happy Hour Projects
Lovely Crafty Weekend @ Lovely Crafty Home
Fertilizer Friday @ Tootsie Time
SATURDAY
Show and Tell Saturday @ Be Different Act Normal

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35 Comments

  • Reply Carol T 1 May, 2013 at 8:47 am

    You are so blessed with that view, if it were mine I know I would spend most my time on that porch if not in the yard itself. If the geese do start a family be sure to share photos, they grow really quickly, well I guess most birds do. My front porch light has a community nest, birds (robins and doves) move in and out from spring to fall taking turns, currently Mrs. Robin has 4 eggs in the nest which is the most at one time since I have been tracking them. Oh and you are no dork, anyone who is not inspired by the wonder of nature is the dork. Thanks for sharing!

    • Reply Luisa 2 May, 2013 at 3:23 pm

      Carol, you are so sweet. Thank you for your kind words. When I am overwhelmed with how much work is to be done in the yard…I just take a deep breath…take a step back…and enjoy the view :-)

  • Reply Cilla 1 May, 2013 at 9:47 am

    Only Craig would injure himsel while giving a high five.

    • Reply Luisa 2 May, 2013 at 3:23 pm

      No truer words have ever been spoken…

  • Reply The Tablescaper 1 May, 2013 at 12:49 pm

    You did an awesome job to your porch. I’d love to have you link to Seasonal Sundays.

    – The Tablescaper

    PS What kind of dogs do you have? The one on the left looks a bit like a Bedlington Terrier

    • Reply Luisa 2 May, 2013 at 3:26 pm

      Thank you so much and thanks for the invite. The white dog is a mini poodle and the black one is a bichon-poo (bichon-frise and poodle mix). They are rotten!

  • Reply Manuela@A Cultivated Nest 2 May, 2013 at 11:23 am

    Very pretty porch! Yes, I’m running around like a crazy person trying to get stuff planted and ready before it turns too hot to even be out side.

    • Reply Luisa 2 May, 2013 at 3:26 pm

      Thank you Manuela!

  • Reply Kim 2 May, 2013 at 4:15 pm

    We just screened in our porch and it’s looking a little generic right now…great inspiration here, especially the hanging lanterns. Love them!

    • Reply Luisa 4 May, 2013 at 7:00 am

      Thanks Kim!

  • Reply the cape on the corner 3 May, 2013 at 3:26 am

    what an amazing space and an amazing view! loving that bright green rug! we have a sun room (which i capital L LOVE) and i’m hoping to use the brick we have to make a patio. i’d love to then cover the brick with that great rug.

    • Reply Luisa 4 May, 2013 at 7:01 am

      Super glad you liked it!

  • Reply mlskidmore 4 May, 2013 at 11:13 am

    It looks so pretty! I am hoping to have a screened porch one day. . . Life to the full! Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle

    • Reply Luisa 7 May, 2013 at 3:23 am

      Thank you Melissa!

  • Reply nicole 4 May, 2013 at 11:57 am

    I love your fresh new look! Nothing like spring time to bring things back to life! I am a new follower from southern charm! I would love for you to check out my blog and hopefully you will want to follow me back. Happy weekend, Nicole!

    • Reply Luisa 7 May, 2013 at 3:24 am

      Thank you for stopping by Nicole…will be heading over to visit you soon!

  • Reply karenwhitney417 6 May, 2013 at 9:39 am

    Lovely porch! Must be so nice to have dinner out there on warm evenings. Truth be told I would probably end up doing a lot of my projects in that space 😉

    • Reply Luisa 7 May, 2013 at 3:26 am

      Oh yes…lots of different ways to utilize the space!! The double doors actually open right into the craft room :-)

  • Reply liz @ designing domesticity 6 May, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    Wow, Luisa, I love your porch. And what a view. Jealous! Thanks for sharing, liz

    • Reply Luisa 7 May, 2013 at 3:27 am

      Thank you so much Liz!

  • Reply MariaElena 7 May, 2013 at 1:50 am

    Love your porch!
    I have a new weekly link party which is live now and I would love if you stop by and link up this wonderful post! Hope to see you there! http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/ Hugs, Maria

  • Reply Luisa 7 May, 2013 at 3:28 am

    I will have to check it out! Thank you for stopping by!

  • Reply Marty@A Stroll Thru Life 8 May, 2013 at 3:09 am

    Your porch is amazing, I love it and the greenery is so pretty. The view to the lake is amazing, I would love for you to link up to my Inspire Me Tuesday party that is ongoing.
    http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/05/163rd-inspire-me-tuesday.html
    Hugs, Marty

    • Reply Luisa 12 May, 2013 at 3:14 pm

      Thanks Marty! I’ll be heading your way soon! Thank you again for the invite!

  • Reply Kim Hood 8 May, 2013 at 3:55 am

    Luisa, your porch looks very comfy-cosy! Love your view, too. A little cleaning and straightening can go a long way, huh? You added nice touches to elongate the life of your cushions. :-) Enjoying God’s blessings, old and new, I’m glad to see are a part of your life.
    Kim

    • Reply Luisa 12 May, 2013 at 3:15 pm

      Thank you Kim :-)

    • Reply Luisa 12 May, 2013 at 3:19 pm

      Hey Kim! I just noticed your from my neck of the woods! I used to work as a nurse at Kennestone Hospital in Marietta…but actually live about 45 minutes north. Small world! So fun to meet others with things in common.

      • Reply Kim Hood 12 May, 2013 at 3:35 pm

        Wow! Did you ever work Labor and Delivery? I was at Kennestone Hospital twice having babies in the 90s. :-) Yes, small world! We miss Marietta. Wonderful area!

  • Reply Kathryn Griffin @TheDedicatedHouse 12 May, 2013 at 5:54 am

    Luisa, the porch spruced up nicely! So very pretty. Thank you for sharing. You are one of the features today at the Sunday Showcase from the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House! Here’s the link if you want to check it out. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/05/sunday-showcase-from-make-it-pretty_12.html Have a happy Sunday! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    • Reply Luisa 12 May, 2013 at 3:20 pm

      Woohoo! Thank you sweet Kathryn!!

  • Reply Susan @ Oh My! Creative 13 May, 2013 at 2:05 am

    Thanks for linking up to Whimsy Wednesday! Your project has been featured this week!

    http://www.ohmy-creative.com/home/garden/garden-and-backyard-outside-inspiration/

    Also, you can add your project {or any project} to my website. I feature them on my main slider on the home page…follow this link to submit your project!
    http://www.ohmy-creative.com/submit-a-project/

    Be sure to stop by and grab a button…

    http://www.ohmy-creative.com/grab-a-button/

    • Reply Luisa 14 May, 2013 at 1:40 am

      Thank you so much for featuring me Susan! I am so glad that you liked it!

  • Reply Lindsey 3 September, 2013 at 3:00 am

    That back porch is SO lovely! The light and fresh air must be fantastic in the spring and fall. :) Gorgeous accessories as well.

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  • Reply Sunday Showcase from Make it Pretty Monday 9 February, 2016 at 5:04 am

    […] Pretty Luisa shared some simple tips to spruce up our outdoor living spaces.  Scoot on over to Living and Learning with Luisa to get her simple yet high impact tips.   2nd Place for the Most Views at Make it Pretty […]

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