This is a good one. It’s why I love to DIY. This project reminds me of the Grimm’s fairy tale about kissing a frog, and it turns into a prince.
This is the frog in question. It is our back porch, and it had a lot of warts.
It had warts and more warts.
The previous owner left a table and chairs on it when he moved, and we just piled it high with junk belongings.
It was wasted space that we only used as a pass-thru to get to and from our revamped backyard and new patio. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, though ’cause this fairy tale has a happy ending.
When my blog partner/mom was here last week, we decided to kiss that frog and make it the most handsome prince we could. That became our number one priority. First, we decluttered and then primed the entire space. Then I applied a light blue to the ceiling while she tackled the walls. Since the room is right off of our kitchen, I chose the same blue that is on the kitchen walls to make a good transition.
We painted the walls the same gray as the exterior of our house. Here it is after the first coat. When we were all finished, we started adding pops of color.
First, we brought in the light blue bistro set that had been in our guest bedroom. The blue in the table matches the blue in the ceiling perfectly. Under it, we added a jute rug trimmed in green.
Then we hung a paper lantern over the table. It even has a little battery-operated light so that it is useful at night.
We used the colors in the lantern for our inspiration. We hung a big yellow pail that we used to hold dancing shoes at our wedding, on a wall.
I painted a used bookcase the same bright red as our front door. It will come in handy for holding our shoes this winter. The top is a great place for Gracie’s supplies. (I’ll tell you about the recycle bin you see on the right in another post).
We painted an existing shelf white and then just put some colorful items from around the house on top of it. I plan to put hooks in it for hanging some extra coats this winter. The mounted art poster on the right had all of the colors in it we needed.
It was in the vacation condo my parents owned in Toronto, Ontario a few years back.
I’m thinking this prince is pretty good looking. How about you?
Since I was able to use some things we already had, the total makeover, including paint, the book shelf, rug, plant stand, and lantern came in under $100.
I think it is now the perfect place for the prince in my life and me to enjoy our morning coffee.
*****
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Mary Alice Patterson says
Great transformation to your porch. Love all the pops of color.
Mary Alice
Kathy says
Oh so do I! This is just lovely. The colors are so fresh. Love what you did with this! Amazing!!!!!
Kirby Carespodi says
Wow! Love this transformation! (Your parents GAVE UP a condo in Toronto? I could never do that. I watch those house-hunting shows that are in Toronto and get really jealous.)
Christine at First Home Love Life says
Wow!! Love the pops of color everywhere!!! What a transformation…fabulous!
Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says
Wow! What a wonderful transformation. I love the use of color. It looks so charming. Great job!
Kathryn Griffin says
Oh, it is just perfection. Visiting from Wow Us Wednesday. Would love it if you would share this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2012/07/make-it-pretty-monday-week-6.html Wishing you a grand week. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Amanda says
I love it!! What a transformation….you’ll use it so much more now. I think those flower pillows really make a statement;)
Beth says
This is adorable– I love how WELCOMING your room looks!!
Holly says
L. O. V. E. IT!!!!!! You and your mom are the ‘dynamic duo’! I love that y’all work so well together!!! Keep the inspiration coming!
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Beautiful transformation….just love all the colors you used in the area….What a great place to relax and enjoy each other’s company!!…Love it!
Megan says
What a great space! Love the fun, bright colors. The table and chairs are so cute!
Brandy~GreyLaneHome says
This is a wonderful transformation. It just goes to show what great paint colors can do to liven a place up.
Kim says
Looks absolutely precious. Love all the colors. Mind if I ask where you got the paper lantern? I’m looking for some for my basement.
Thanks!
xoxo,
Kim
Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says
Your prince is a keeper! You and your mom make quite a team. I love all the colors you used and those little pillows with the flowers on them are the perfect adornment. I’m sure you’ll get much use out of this happy space.
Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says
Love a blue ceiling – I have a few myself! Is that a tiny little brush you are using – must have taken forever!!
Under $100 – you go!
Kelly
Daniela @frugal ain't cheap says
love the project, the color and the price!!
Alicia says
Oh my goodness what an awesome transformation!! You all did such a wonderful job. I love the paint colors and the way you decorated it it is so cute!! Wow what a great deal at just $100.00!
Eva @ RiverCliffCottage says
Love it. The little white and green pillows were also great!!
Jessica @ Stay at Home-ista says
It is not looking like a frog now! Amazing what some paint can do, both on the walls/ceiling to freshen it up and on accessories to brighten it up:)
Jessica
stayathomeista.com
Debbie@refreshrestyle says
I know that was a lot of work, but it looks awesome! I know you love it every time you go in there!
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says
Holy cow!! What a transformation. Now I could sit out there all day. I love the pops of color in the decor. Thank you so much for linking up to the party!!
Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says
So glad you gals are showing this off at our Color party!
Kelly
comeca says
What a pretty lil space!