Porch Spruce Up!
BEFORE
AFTER
I have been itching for us to spruce up our porch since before Spring Break.
We just flat out haven’t had the time to do it. Finally, on Memorial Day weekend we were able to knock it out. There are more things that need to be done out there but for now it will work and we can enjoy the porch before it’s too hot and buggy to be outside.
Last year I had new custom cushion covers made for our swing bed. The covers we had before were black and white and can be seen in the before photo. I tried replacing the pillow inserts when we had the new covers made, but the pillows that came were super flat and so I just used the old ones and it’s worked out just fine so far. If it’s not broken, why fix it? 😊
Since I have changed our décor inside to more of a neutral look, I wanted the outside to reflect it as well. I wanted to add my pops of color with accessories, pillows and of course, plants and flowers. I’ve had these colorful outdoor pillows since the year my son graduated from college (2019). I usually only keep them on the porch if we have people over but I decided this year, that I’m going to keep them out. If they wear out and fade then that’s okay. I got them at Target and I’m sure Target will have some cool new ones the next time I decide I need some!
I think sometimes it’s easy to fall into the trap of using something only for special occasions and next thing you know, it’s been 10 years and you haven’t used that thing. I’ve been guilty of this but as I've gotten a little older, I’m determined to use everything I have and not save it for just special occasions or holidays.
The first thing we did was move all of the furniture and planters to one side of the porch. Then Doug pressure washed that side. We took the cushion covers off the swing bed and washed them. The covers were made with inside/out performance fabric. I wasn’t sure about washing them in the washing machine but I washed them on delicate and hung them to dry and they turned out so nice! So while the covers were drying, we pressure washed that side of the porch and let that side dry. Then the next day, we moved everything back and to that side of the porch so we could do the other half.
I’d like to replace our outdoor rugs because the birds are pecking at them and using bits for their nests so they are looking a little worn. I’ll probably wait until the end of the season and see if I can snag some on sale at the Labor Day sales.
We have a few boards that need to be replaced and we need to restain the deck and paint the railing but for now it’s clean and we have another room to hang out in this summer.
