Discovering Our Dream Outdoor Kitchen Porch: A Complete Backyard Transformation
We’ve finally captured the full scope of our latest home transformation, and we’re beyond excited to share it with you! This project has utterly reshaped how we live and interact with our home, introducing what we affectionately call our “Kitchen Porch.” More than just a porch, it’s become our vibrant grilling sanctuary, enveloped by lush greenery and designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living. This once-underutilized space has been reborn as a highly functional and beautiful extension of our kitchen, dramatically enhancing our everyday life and making outdoor entertaining a breeze.
From Unused Space to Functional Oasis: The Story of Our Kitchen Porch Makeover
For those who followed our journey on Instagram Stories, you know this side porch always existed, but its purpose was undefined, its potential untapped. Originally, it was an awkward “floating porch,” accessible only through two of our bedroom’s eight exterior doors – yes, our bedroom had eight exterior doors, and still boasts six! You can read more about that intriguing layout here. After we decided to close off those two bedroom doors to create an optimal spot for our bed and gain a much-needed, spacious closet, the porch was left without any direct access, a truly neglected space.
To truly appreciate the transformation, let’s rewind to the beginning. Here’s an old photo, offering a glimpse into what we started with. This was after the upper deck’s exterior stairs had been removed, but long before the house received its fresh paint, new railings, and all the subsequent enhancements that would bring it to its current glory. The image captures the raw potential, yet also highlights the disconnection and dated aesthetic we aimed to conquer.
In that “before” shot, notice the window on the porch – that’s where our kitchen sits, peering out onto this space. And those double doors on the left side? Those were the old bedroom doors we repurposed, ultimately leading to the perfect bedroom layout and a fantastic new closet. This initial design flaw presented both a challenge and an incredible opportunity to reimagine the porch’s role in our home.
The “After” Story: Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
And now, behold the “after”! It’s hard to convey just how much more functional and enjoyable this space has made our family life. We can now step directly from our kitchen onto the porch to grill, making impromptu barbecues effortless. Literally, our grill is a mere five steps from the kitchen counter, transforming meal prep and outdoor dining into a truly seamless experience. Beyond grilling, this area also provides a convenient parking spot, much closer to the house, which has significantly streamlined tasks like unloading groceries directly into the kitchen.
The updated side yard also features a secure, fenced area, which was a huge draw for our beloved dog, Burger. Though he’s no longer with us, and the thought of him not getting to enjoy it for long still stings, he truly loved his time out here. We believe this dedicated dog-friendly space will be invaluable when we’re ready to rescue another dog and offer them a loving home, a decision we look forward to making when the time is right.
The Evolution of a Porch: A Mid-Transformation Glimpse
To truly grasp the journey, let’s revisit a pivotal stage between the initial neglected state and the vibrant “after.” Fast forward a bit from the dark brown “before” photo (two images up), and you’ll find yourself at this crucial midpoint:
This image captures the phase after we sealed off the bedroom doors. We drywalled over them from the inside and frosted the glass on the exterior for a decent temporary solution. We also applied porch and floor paint to the deck for a quick refresh. However, the real game-changer came when we embraced the opportunity to install the same Havana Gold Trex decking that graces our upper deck, front porch, and the side steps leading to the fire pit area. Permanently patching the old door from the outside, upgrading to matching Trex, and most importantly, adding a brand new door directly from the kitchen, transformed this space into a truly cohesive and premium outdoor extension of our home.
Maximizing Space: Clever Solutions for a Narrow Porch
If we had a magic wand, we might have wished for a slightly wider deck. But, situated right against a lot’s setback, we’ve learned to embrace the space we have. This simply means that when it’s time for meals, we easily scoot our outdoor dining table out a bit, creating more comfortable seating and eating space. The photo below perfectly illustrates this setup during its inaugural “eating out here” voyage. Notice how the table is positioned further out compared to the previous image? And if you zoom in, you’ll see Burger’s absolute joy – that’s a genuine smile right there!
You can see the versatility of our arrangement by toggling between the eating photo above and the one below. When the table isn’t in use, we simply tuck it closer to the house, maximizing passage space. It’s also worth noting that the tin roofing hadn’t been added in the eating photo, but we’ll get to that crucial upgrade in a moment.
Our majestic Big Daddy Fig, thriving on the right in the photo below, looks like it might impede grocery runs, but rest assured, it’s never once gotten in our way. We’ve navigated this path with arms full of bags – because who doesn’t try to carry all groceries in one trip? – without incident. Later in this post, we’ll share a video walk-through that will give you a better sense of navigating this charming side yard. Prepare for some interesting editing choices by John!
All-Weather Enjoyment: The Genius of a Watertight Ceiling
Another pivotal upgrade to this area was the installation of a watertight metal ceiling. Previously, with the upper deck directly above, rain would seep through the deck boards and drench this space, severely limiting its usability. Not anymore! We hired the same skilled professional who installed our new kitchen door and waterproofed the siding where the old bedroom door once stood, entrusting them with adding this durable tin ceiling. It was truly money well spent, guaranteeing that our porch remains a dry and inviting space regardless of the weather.
Now, whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a rainy evening, we can comfortably grill and dine outdoors. Our family and friends often expand our group from four to eight, or even ten people. Thanks to our indoor dining table, which seats seven comfortably (three on each long side, plus a chair at the end), and the addition of this outdoor table that seats four more, we now officially have seating for eleven! We’ve already put this to the test, and the adults naturally gravitate towards the outdoor table by the grill, while the inside table transforms into the kids’ exciting domain.
Our Five-Star Grilling Experience
Speaking of the grill, we have a friend who raved about this particular model for so long that we simply had to get one for ourselves. Their glowing review, combined with excellent online ratings and the innovative peekaboo window in the lid (allowing you to monitor cooking without lifting it!), completely sold us. And so far, we absolutely love it! We’ve grilled everything from juicy burgers and chicken to delicious pizzas on this beauty. It’s a five-star winner, highly recommended!
In all the homes we’ve owned – including our beach house and duplex – we’ve never had a grill situated so conveniently close to the kitchen. Zero steps to descend! No more navigating through various rooms and patios, laden with food and supplies. It’s truly magnificent, and we find ourselves using it far more often. This setup feels incredibly fortunate, especially in a region blessed with year-round pleasant weather, making outdoor grilling a possibility 365 days a year.
The photo above showcases the new door we added, seamlessly connecting our kitchen to the porch. As I stand here, taking this picture, the dishwasher is just to my left, and look how incredibly close the grill is! A mere five steps. Perhaps even four if you possess John “LongLegs” Petersik’s stride. As you can tell, I simply cannot get over this fact. I might even stop you on the street, and upon hearing “I read your blog!”, I’ll enthusiastically reply, “That’s so wonderful! Did you hear our grill is just five steps from the kitchen?!”
Beyond the Porch: Our Multi-Functional Side Yard
Venturing just beyond the kitchen deck to the left, you’ll spot the hanging tent we got for the kids last year. You can dive deeper into that project here. It’s become a magnetic attraction; whenever their friends visit or we make s’mores, they inevitably gravitate to it. I’ve even shared videos on Instagram Stories of it swinging at night, still finding it hilarious how irresistible it is to them.
Pan a little further to the left, and you’ll see where John stores his beloved paddleboard. It’s the same one he acquired years ago for Cape Charles, and it’s still going strong! While the exact model is no longer available, this one is very similar and offers the same adventurous spirit.
Now, let’s step back and look at that little side area to the left of the kitchen porch. I want you to focus intently on those three trees positioned behind the tent swing in this next photo:
Believe it or not, these are the very same three trees! I know, the “before” photo (a still from an old rainy video) isn’t the best quality, but isn’t it astonishing what a fence can do for a previously exposed, streetside zone? It has unlocked so many usable spaces, including the fire pit area situated on the other side of this newly fenced yard. What was once an undefined, floating parking space is now perfectly framed by the fence and beautifully landscaped with crushed rock underneath. It feels so much more established, and remarkably, it appears far larger. It’s as if each side of the fence now feels the size of the entire area before the fence was installed. My theory? Defined spaces, with clear visual boundaries, often appear more expansive and functional than amorphous ones.
Since we’re enjoying our “Stare-At-Those-Trees” game, observe the cluster of three large trees below. See how one of them subtly curves to the left before swerving back to the right?
This next image presents nearly the same view today. I realized after taking it that I should have stepped about five feet further to the left to perfectly match the tree’s angle, but you still get the general idea. The space in the “before” photo above felt like… well, just streetside nothingness. Now, it’s a legitimate fenced yard complete with stepping stones guiding you to a dedicated parking spot. The fire pit area is off to the right, a hanging swing invites relaxation to the left, and a sparkling new kitchen porch awaits at the other end of those stepping stones. And have I mentioned that the grill is just five steps from the kitchen?
Nighttime Magic: Ambiance and Functionality
Behold, the night-time glowy deliciousness! In my mind, this angle of the house has undoubtedly earned the “most improved” award. Just look at her now. She’s undeniably modern, radiating a warm and inviting glow. She’s supremely functional, offering convenience at every turn, and she’s incredibly welcoming, nestled perfectly among the trees. The transformation from a drab exterior to this vibrant, well-lit haven is truly remarkable.
Here she was before. In the immortal words of Kevin McAllister: “Buzz, Your Girlfriend. Woof.” Don’t misunderstand, we knew she was a STUNNER from the moment we first laid eyes on this house, despite it languishing on the market for an astonishing 265 days – in a location less than a five-minute walk to the Gulf of Mexico! Perhaps the lack of working plumbing and the gaping holes in the floor might have deterred a few potential buyers…
The Green Power: Outdoor Fiddle Leaf Figs and More
Why are we even discussing anything else when we could be celebrating these GLORIOUS FIDDLE LEAF FIGS that can thrive outdoors here?! My mind is completely blown. We had one on the deck for an entire year, and it was absolutely flourishing and happy outside. This success inspired us to go all-in with several more. I even planted one directly in the ground, hoping it will one day mature into a colossal tree – I’ll definitely keep you updated on its progress!
Another unsung hero and best supporting character of this entire makeover: the string lights. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: get yourself some string lights. Put them on a timer so they illuminate for a few hours each evening. They possess an almost magical quality, drawing everyone outside like moths to a flame. Literally, it works every single time to create an inviting, ambient glow that instantly elevates the mood of the space.
And don’t miss that adorable metal plant hanging bracket we installed! It’s such a delightful way to introduce more greenery into that corner, keeping it safely out of the way of heads gathering around the table. Currently, it holds a lush fern, but I’m already envisioning intensely drapey flowering annuals cascading down next spring. Imagine a waterfall of hot pink flowers – how absolutely awesome would that look?!
Here’s the view if you step back a few squares on those $6 stepping stones from Lowe’s, which gracefully lead to our parking spot behind the secure gate.
The Charm of Practicality: Table Sealer & Trash Finds
I feel compelled to circle back to this amazing table while we’re praising the elements we adore out here. It’s incredibly affordable and imparts such a wonderful warmth to the entire seating area. Based on several glowing recommendations in the reviews, I sprayed it with two coats of this clear matte sealer, and it has proven to be an absolute champion. Drinks have already been spilled, and despite the metal roof overhead, morning dew is a regular occurrence, yet it still looks brand new. Its durability and aesthetic appeal truly make it a standout feature.
This next image captures the view looking in from the gate that leads to our parking spot (the gate is open here – you can see the greeny-gray post where it latches closed on the right side of this picture):
You can faintly trace where the stepping stones guide you towards the gate, which, in turn, leads to our favorite parking spot. Although that big, bossy fig tree partially obscures the view, you can discern the fence jogging forward towards our house – that’s precisely where our parking spot is located. The gate is thoughtfully integrated into that section of fencing where it angles towards the house, completing the defined, functional perimeter of our revitalized side yard.
While this shot primarily highlights the magnificent fig in the foreground, I sense your interest might extend beyond botanical wonders. So, I’ll gently steer your attention to the rattan table nestled behind the grill. That, my friends, is a genuine streetside trash find! This area is a treasure trove of abandoned gems, and my neighbor humorously catches me dragging discoveries like this home at least once a week. It’s amazing what functional and stylish pieces you can find with a keen eye and a bit of luck.
Here’s a better, overhead shot of my rattan treasure. I suspect it once had a glass top that broke, leading someone to discard it, but I genuinely adore it just as it is. It currently holds a sizable shell overflowing with smaller shells (naturally) and a potted plant (again, naturally). However, its versatility is evident; it could just as easily hold a tray with plates and serving utensils, ready to assist with grilling needs whenever they arise, making it a truly practical and charming addition to our outdoor kitchen.
It’s a bit tricky to discern from this angle, but the steps leading down to the fire pit area from our bedroom actually angle off the house. This meant they would never have aligned seamlessly with the stairs we added to the kitchen porch, which were also designed with fewer steps for improved accessibility. So, rather than forcing an awkward collision between the new kitchen steps and the old bedroom steps, we opted for a smart design: we made the new steps generously wide (4.5 feet) but thoughtfully left ample room for planting beds on either side. Because, PLANTS. Need I say more? This design choice not only enhanced functionality but also introduced more natural beauty to the space.
This picture is here simply because… just look at that grill gleam. Me-ow! And my fig tree is absolutely working the lens, striking a pose for the camera. It’s moments like these that capture the sheer joy and success of our outdoor kitchen transformation.
The Jaw-Dropping Before & After: A View From the Kitchen
I might never fully get over the fact that the view from our kitchen, looking out onto this side of the house, used to be this…
…and now, a magnificent full-glass door stands in its place, allowing us to effortlessly gaze at this entire vibrant scene. The very second they began cutting the hole for the door, we were exclaiming, “OMG, THE VIEW!” The immediate impact of that change was absolutely breathtaking, transforming a mundane wall into a living, breathing landscape painting.
I mean, just look at all that lush, green beauty we now get to glance over and enjoy while loading the dishwasher or preparing a meal. It’s not just a view; it’s a constant connection to nature, bringing a sense of calm and openness into our daily routines.
And then, as night descends and the string lights begin to glow, the entire scene transforms into something truly magical. It’s a whimsical, enchanting ambiance that makes every evening feel like a special occasion, perfectly blending convenience with captivating charm.
Conclusion: A Porch Reborn, A Home Transformed
In summary: I absolutely adore plants, the grill is just five steps from the kitchen, and we wholeheartedly LOVE this incredible porch! It has truly become the heart of our outdoor living. John is eager to pen a comprehensive post detailing the updates we made on the kitchen side when this new door was installed, so definitely stay tuned for that exciting reveal!
I’m also keen to calculate the total exterior square footage of all our decks, patios, and porches, as I wouldn’t be surprised if it surpasses our 1400 interior square feet! Including the stone patio around the pool, along with the front porch, upper deck, and our brand-new kitchen side porch, I believe it certainly does! We are immensely grateful for these outdoor spaces, as we spend so much time enjoying them. They truly make our house feel significantly larger and more expansive. When in doubt, create inviting “come-hither zones” outside, and always, always add string lights and figs. All the figs!
Video Tour: Experience Our Kitchen Porch
As promised, here’s a video that offers a complete walk-through of the entire space, allowing you to experience it alongside us. John took some creative liberties with the editing, resulting in several captivating day-to-night transitions set to a foot-tapping beat. I truly appreciate a man who could have simply used a fade-wipe but instead crafted dynamic transitions that enhance the viewing experience!
Note: You can also watch this video on YouTube.
For an aerial perspective of this fenced-in outdoor area, you can catch a good, extended glimpse towards the end of this video. We recently filmed it to showcase our family room and upstairs deck. The footage reveals the fire pit area, the stepping stones leading to the gate, and the kitchen porch, though it was captured before our new grill was installed.
Note: You can also watch this video on YouTube.
Alright, that concludes our tour. Happy Monday to you all, and may you find something to cherish as much as I adore plants and the satisfying rhythm of hitting the same joke a few times in one post. Goodnight and good luck!
P.S. If you somehow missed our Annual Gift Guide (you might even be messaging me to request one at this very moment) – we published it last week! Here’s the link!
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