Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Meanwhile...

While us kiddies were busy getting our planting on, my parents were taking care of a couple painting projects still left around the house.  {I would love to know how many gallons of paint we have purchased for our house thus far...hmmmm.}

First on their list was to get the exterior trim painted.  Then it was time to tackle project numero dos....our back porch.

Here is a little reminder of what our {soon-to-be-one-of-our-favorite-spots-in-the-house-once-it-gets-fixed-up} screened-in porch looked like when we bought the house.




Since these icky pictures were taken, we have given the porch some major TLC.  It's been cleaned a bagillion times, the light fixtures and fan have been replaced, the door into the house has been replaced and I removed the {security???} chicken wire that surrounded the bottom portion of the space.

And as of last week, my dad painted the ceiling a bright white, my mom filled all the holes in the wood supports, painted all the supports to match the house and my dad painted the floor to match our shutters.










While the difference might not translate that well in pictures, I assure you...it looks a million times better.  And we still have several steps to go.  We need to replace the screening, add lattice to the bottom of the structure, replace the outside door, and have new {not rotten} steps built.  Plus, I'm thinking of doing some sort of stenciling the floor!!

Oh, and we'd loveeeeeeeeee to add a big stamped concrete patio to the area next to the porch.  That'd mean replacing that decaying grill outside, running the gas line to a more appropriate area where we want the grill and spending lots of money that we just don't have haaaaaa.  We had someone come give us an estimate for the work, and while his price is totally reasonable for what we'd get done, it's just not going to be in the cards for a few years.  We'll have to learn to embrace our weird, wonky backyard for now!

Anyone else planning and dreaming of outdoor makeovers?!?

21 comments:

  1. I am SO jealous! We basically have the same porch, but it's in shambles. No quick, inexpensive fix. We're planning on glassing it in and make it more like like the interior of the house next year ... to the tune of $5-$10K. Ouch. Enjoy your space!!!

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    1. Ohhhh, although pricey, that sounds soooo nice! Good luck with that project! :) We would love to close our porch in and make it a den in our house, but of course, we can't afford it. So for now....it's painting and re-screening {which is way more expensive then I thought it'd be...yikes!}.

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  2. So jealous of your porch! It's super cute! We really want to redo our patio with stamped concrete and some new landscaping, but I'm not sure when that's in the cards for us!

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    1. Thanks! I hear ya...making a patio in our backyard won't be for quite some time based on the estimate we received. Good things come to those who wait, right?!?! :)

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  3. What a fantastic space!! I can't wait to see what all you do with it. I love outdoor spaces and I've been a pinning fool here lately. Ours are finally starting to be built but now I'm wondering how we'll afford to furnish them! (I really want a hot tub..)

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    1. I'm anxious to see what I can do with it with our limited budget. I can't believe how expensive outdoor furnishings are!! It's crazy!! And I can't wait to see your spaces. :)

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  4. Great job on the landscaping and porch! Isn't it amazing what paint can do for a house? And speaking of paint...what great people you are to help your neighbors paint their home!! You and your family are restoring my faith in mankind! Do you think you can adopt me???? :)

    Wow! This is the "year of the house" for me. I've replaced all the windows, patio doors, a/c, repaired the sprinkler system...now on to window coverings, painting (inside & out), and updating the landscaping. Anytime you are in Houston, TX, stop by! I'm sure there will still be lots to do and I can always use another hand.

    I really enjoy your blog. Thanks for the updates and inspiration.

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    1. Thank you so much, Angela! Yea...paint can really work wonders on a place. Awww, thank you so much! Of course. ;)

      Wow! It sounds like you have done so much already...good luck with your future "to-do's"! If we ever travel through, I'd love to lend a hand. :)

      Thanks very much...means a lot!!

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  5. I am so jealous of this room! It would be so nice to have, and it looks great so far! I can't wait to see how you decorate it :)

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    1. I have to admit, I'm pretty excited to have an outdoor space to enjoy. I hope we can puuurty it up with our limited budget! ;)

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  6. It's looking so much better! I love that you tied in the shutters with painting the floor.

    Also, I'm jealous of this large, screened (stupid mosquitoes), outdoor space!

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    1. Thanks! I'm happy we have this space so we can be outside without being eaten alive. We have tons of mosiquitoes in our area too...they are SO annoying!!!

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  7. Your parents seriously are the best! It looks a million times better...I can see the life coming back into it! I know you'll make it super cute! :)

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    1. They really are...I love them to pieces! Thanks for the faith...I hope you're right! :)

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  8. the difference is amazing!! it just looks so much cleaner and fresher! love it!

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  9. I'm always amazed by the power of paint. It almost looks like you built a whole new porch. In the original pictures I hadn't even notice the detailing on the ceiling and totally thought the floor was like a concrete or something. But once it was freshly painted it all just pops and truly shines.

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    1. Me too...paint can work miracles sometimes! Thanks for the kind words! :)

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  10. I cannot agree more with Kala. The before pictures kinda made the porch look like a barn or shed (not offense they were the befores) and not the space is amazing. It is a full blown out door living room that I think I would spend every evening out in. I can just imagine a cushy chair or sofa, a good book and an ice cold beverage.

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    1. None taken! It was a TOTAL hot mess before!! I agree...I always day dream of being able to afford those comfy outdoor sets that I could curl up on with my kindle and a glass of wine. Ahhhhhhhh. :)

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  11. In my opinion, this is the best project you ever had. And just like you said, it really looks a million times better than before. Now I’m inspired to do a bit of renovating on our home as well. Thanks for sharing.

    Lynne Halloran @ Suburban Glass Service

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