Welcome back, home improvement enthusiasts! We hope you all enjoyed a wonderful holiday weekend, rejuvenating and connecting with loved ones. After a major undertaking like our recent paneling project, it’s understandable to feel a bit like you’re building up momentum again. That’s exactly where we found ourselves, but we still managed to squeeze in a much-needed, albeit tiny, upgrade for our front porch. This humble transformation is a perfect example of how even small changes can make a significant impact on your home’s curb appeal and overall welcoming vibe.
The Drab “Before”: A Porch Long Overlooked
When we were on the hunt for our current home late last year, the front porch, unfortunately, didn’t exactly scream “welcome.” In fact, it was quite the opposite. We captured these two less-than-flattering snapshots that truly convey the extent of its neglected state:
Upon moving in, our first, and only, attempt at “decorating” involved placing a simple wooden bench, a familiar piece from our first house’s front porch (a Home Depot find from years ago), onto this new space. And that, dear readers, was the extent of our porch’s debut. The result? Utterly blah. It served its purpose as a temporary resting spot but offered little in terms of warmth or character, leaving the entire entrance feeling barren and uninspired.
Pretty bleak, wouldn’t you agree? It’s perfectly alright to let out a collective yawn; we were right there with you. The lack of greenery, vibrant colors, or any personal touches made the entrance feel rather unwelcoming, a missed opportunity to create a captivating first impression. Every homeowner understands the desire for a beautiful exterior, and our porch was definitely falling short.
Breathing Life Back In: A Mini Porch Makeover
After more than half a year of residing in our new home, we decided it was finally time to address this neglected space. The first step towards our porch update involved retrieving all our old planters and outdoor decor from their winter hibernation in the workshop/basement. It felt incredibly satisfying to dust them off and prepare them for a new season of use. What made this task particularly memorable was a surprising discovery: a resilient hosta, not only alive but actively growing inside a sealed Tupperware bin, tucked away in the sunless depths of our basement. This particular bin had housed all our stacked planters since December and hadn’t been opened until just last week! Talk about hardiness – Mr. Hosta certainly proved his mettle!
Our initial task involved a thorough cleaning session. We hosed down all the outdoor pillows and planters, shaking off layers of cobwebs and dirt accumulated over the colder months. These planters, mostly from Home Depot, have served us well over the years. A quick tip for budget-friendly decor: don’t hesitate to give old items a new lease on life! For instance, I had previously painted those square planters, which were originally wood-toned, to better suit our aesthetic. A little paint can go a long way in refreshing outdoor elements.
While John had the hose out, we seized the opportunity for another quick outdoor chore: refilling the bird feeder in the backyard. Amidst a few silly jokes about his technique (yes, we still have the humor of tweens!), it was a small act that contributes to the overall vibrancy of our outdoor space, even if not directly on the porch itself.
Selecting the Perfect Plants for Porch Appeal
With our cleaned planters ready, a quick trip to Home Depot was in order to acquire some fresh potted plants and shrubs. We carefully selected species that would thrive in our porch’s specific light conditions and complement the existing decor. One of our first picks was a vibrant coleus, a steal at just $6. These stunning plants, with their high-contrast, richly patterned leaves, always bring a smile to my face as they remind me of my mom, who also adores them. Their striking foliage adds an instant pop of color and texture, making them a fantastic choice for container gardening.
On the other side of the porch, we proudly displayed our little miracle, Mr. Hosta, now thriving in a proper pot. Alongside him, we placed a delicate, feathery plant adorned with charming purple flowers, purchased for a mere $5. While I can’t recall its exact name, it’s a shade-loving annual, perfect for adding softness and a touch of whimsy to the cooler, more shaded areas of our porch. Mixing textures and colors, even in a small setup, creates visual interest and depth.
For either side of our front door, we opted for hardy evergreen shrubs. Unfortunately, the tags with their names have gone missing (a common occurrence, right?), but we know they are designed to grow to approximately three feet tall and sixteen inches wide. Our hope is that these low-maintenance evergreens will live happily in their current planters for the long term, providing structure and greenery year-round. However, if they eventually outgrow their containers, we’re prepared to transplant them into the garden and try something new. This flexibility allows for seasonal changes, perhaps mums in the fall for a touch of autumn charm, or brightly flowering annuals for a burst of color in spring and summer.
While this certainly isn’t a dramatic overhaul, this collection of carefully selected plants and repurposed decor has instantly elevated the look and feel of our front porch. It’s a sweet little pick-me-up, adding life and personality without a huge investment of time or money. It serves as a beautiful placeholder until we can tackle the much larger, more ambitious porch projects we envision for the future. This mini-makeover proves that you don’t need to embark on a massive renovation to make a noticeable difference in your home’s appearance.
Future Visions: Our Grand Porch Transformation Plans
Indeed, this current refresh is merely the prologue to a much grander story for our front porch. We have an extensive list of projects that aim to completely transform this space, enhancing both its aesthetics and functionality. These plans include, but are not limited to, removing the dated scalloped header currently above the porch, which detracts from its modern potential. We also intend to frame out the existing columns, making them appear chunkier and squarely proportioned. This architectural change will give the porch a more substantial, custom-built feel, significantly upgrading its structural presence and visual appeal. Additionally, the too-large bushes currently crowding the walkway are slated for transplantation, as they obscure the path and detract from the entrance’s openness.
Further enhancing the porch’s aesthetic, we plan to replace the rather dinky porch light with a more appropriately sized, oversized lantern-like fixture. The right lighting can dramatically improve curb appeal, offering both functionality and a touch of elegance. We’re even considering having another matching lantern wired on the opposite side of the door to create beautiful symmetry, a key element in balanced design. And, of course, a paramount project on our list is painting that bland front door of ours. A fresh coat of paint in a carefully chosen color can instantly rejuvenate an entryway, making it a focal point. We’ll also be updating the hardware to complement the new door color and design, and possibly staining the concrete porch floor to give it a more refined and finished look, tying the entire space together.
It’s worth noting that our old welcome mat from Target, which has been with us for at least a few years now, still looks remarkably good. This is probably because we rarely use our front door for entry; we typically entered our first house through the sunroom, and similarly, at this house, we primarily use the side door leading from the carport. This might explain the mat’s surprising longevity, proving that even less-used items can contribute to the overall visual appeal.
So, while there’s a much more extensive list of projects on our porch agenda, we’re incredibly pleased that we took the initiative to add a little life and color in the meantime. The entire project – from rinsing down the planters to making the plant run and setting everything up – took a mere two hours total. This is a testament to how quick and impactful a small refresh can be. Now, our main task is simply remembering to water these new green additions, a chore that promises to be 100% free thanks to our trusty rain barrel. Sustainable gardening for the win!
Beyond the Porch: Enhancing Overall Curb Appeal
Of course, our long-term curb appeal plans extend beyond just the immediate porch area. We dream of a day when the porch is actually visible from the front of our driveway, a vision currently obscured by what feels like “five million bushes and shrubs.” Despite my previous efforts to limb up the old magnolia tree a while back, our yard still retains a distinctly “jungle-esque” quality, an apt adjective for its current state. Taming this wilderness is a significant undertaking, but one we believe will dramatically improve the perceived size and openness of our property, making the house feel more accessible and welcoming.
And, naturally, we harbor grand plans for the carport, aiming to transform it into an enclosed garage. This major conversion project requires careful consideration as we pin down the exact styles and specifications for doors, windows, and all the intricate details that need to be decided. It’s a substantial investment of time and resources, but one that will undoubtedly add immense value and functionality to our home. Sigh. Someday. These dreams of a fully realized exterior are what keep the DIY spirit alive!
Has anyone else out there recently embarked on any porch sprucing endeavors? What small changes have you made that yielded big results? Do you, like us, primarily use an entrance other than your front door to get into your house, thus preserving its pristine condition? And, on a more unusual note, does anyone have other insane hosta survival stories to share? We’re always eager to hear about unexpected plant resilience!
Psst- Our talented Clara recently painted a masterpiece, and we absolutely loved it! We excitedly added it to our hallway frame wall. You can read more about her artistic debut over on BabyCenter. We’re incredibly proud of our little Picasso!