Front Porch Makeover: Transforming Our Outdoor Space with Paint

Welcome to our front porch transformation journey! We’re thrilled to share how we revitalized our outdoor space, turning it from a neglected area into a cozy and inviting extension of our home. Our secret weapon? Paint! As passionate DIY enthusiasts, we believe in the transformative power of a fresh coat of paint. This project was inspired by the desire to create a welcoming and functional porch where we could relax, entertain, and enjoy the beautiful seasons.

Before: Our neglected front porch — This is what our porch used to look like. Seriously.

Our porch, once a forgotten space, has become our favorite “bonus room.” Imagine soft summer breezes, cool fall nights with friends, and vibrant sunsets over city streets. That’s the magic of a porch, and we wanted to unlock its full potential. Join us as we unveil the steps we took to transform our Curbly House front porch into a delightful outdoor haven.

From Forgotten Space to Outdoor Oasis

The Curbly House porch started as a haven for unwelcome guests (squirrels!) and a repository for discarded items. During our initial home renovations, it unfortunately became a temporary storage area for construction debris and later, seasonal items like sleds and strollers. It was far from the relaxing space we envisioned.

After: Our transformed front porch — Now that’s what I’m talking about. Summer Sunday crossword puzzle in this room? Count me in.

We knew it was time for a change. We were determined to restore the porch to its former glory, creating a welcoming extension of our indoor living space. The transformation began with a thorough cleaning and a commitment to reclaiming the space.

The Demolition and Prep Work: Unearthing Potential

Our makeover started with removing the old, soggy carpeting. This revealed a layer of stubborn carpet adhesive that required a combination of chemical stripper and a lot of elbow grease. After applying the chemical stripper, we spent four days sanding away the adhesive residue with an orbital sander. Looking back, the hardest part was removing the adhesive! Our persistence paid off, revealing the potential of the original porch flooring.

During: Our porch during the construction debris phase — Our Porch: During its housing construction debris phase.

During: Our porch during the storage phase — Our Porch: During its housing-all-the-things-that-we-can’t-put-in-the-basement-or-garage phase.

Important Note: We later learned that the orbital sander we rented was faulty! Your sanding experience should be significantly shorter and less strenuous. Be sure to check your equipment before starting your project.

Restoring the Foundation: Repairing and Refinishing the Floor

With the adhesive gone, we tackled the damaged floorboards, which had deteriorated over time. We replaced the damaged planks with new fir planks, carefully matching the existing wood. Once the repairs were complete, we applied several coats of clear polyurethane to protect the wood and enhance its natural beauty.

Damaged floorboards before repair — Damaged floorboards were only the beginning of our porch woes.

The polyurethane not only provided a durable finish but also highlighted the grain of the wood, adding warmth and character to the space. This step was crucial in creating a solid foundation for our porch makeover.

The Magic of Paint: Choosing the Perfect Palette

With the floor restored, it was time to focus on paint. We carefully selected a color palette that would complement our home’s exterior and create a welcoming atmosphere. We opted for Sherwin-Williams’ Duration Exterior paint, known for its durability and weather resistance. For the stucco walls, we chose Dovetail, a sophisticated gray that provides a neutral backdrop for our furniture and decor. For the wood trim, we selected Kestrel White, a crisp, clean white that brightens the space and highlights the architectural details.

Sherwin Williams Color to Go paint samples — Sherwin Williams Color to Go sample size paint buckets make testing out colors easy.

Painting Stucco: A Learning Experience

Painting the stucco was a unique challenge. We used an acrylic latex paint, which is recommended for stucco because it allows the walls to breathe and prevents moisture buildup. We started with a roller to cover the majority of the surface, followed by a brush to get into the crevices and textured areas. Finally, we used a sprayer to achieve a smooth, even finish. Painting stucco definitely tested our patience and skills, but the results were worth the effort.

Painting Stucco: Hand Brushing, Splotchy Results, Airbrushing — Hand Brushing // Splotchy Results // Airbrushing

Before painting the woodwork, we meticulously sanded and primed every square inch. This step was essential for ensuring proper adhesion and a smooth, flawless finish. Although it was a time-consuming task, it made the painting process much easier and more enjoyable.

Creating a Cozy Atmosphere: Decor and Design Elements

Once the paint was dry, we began to personalize the space with furniture and decor. Our goal was to create a comfortable, functional, and visually appealing porch that would seamlessly blend the indoor and outdoor environments.

To define the seating area, we layered rugs. We started with a simple jute rug to provide a natural base and then added a striped outdoor rug from Dash and Albert for color and texture. Layering rugs is a simple yet effective way to add depth and dimension to any space.

We incorporated natural fibers and textures throughout the porch to create an organic feel. We chose jute and hemp for the rug and lantern, and we added bronze metallics to our planters to bring more depth and visual interest.

Greenery was another essential element in our porch makeover. We used wall planters and inexpensive vases from Goodwill to showcase our favorite plants. We also added a few sculptural candle holders to create a warm and inviting ambiance.

While the overall color palette remained neutral, we added a pop of color with our aqua-colored front door, painted in Sherwin-Williams Halycon Green SW 6213. This vibrant hue adds a touch of whimsy and personality to the space.

Testing color samples on the front door — Trying out color samples. That yellow didn’t make the cut.

The Finished Product: A Porch We Love

The result of our hard work is a front porch that we absolutely love. It has become our favorite spot for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. We’ve created a welcoming and functional space that reflects our personal style and enhances our home’s curb appeal.

We are enjoying an early spring in the Midwest and we are taking advantage of the long sun-filled evenings on our pleasant porch.

Source List: Get the Look!

For those interested in recreating our porch makeover, here’s a source list of the products we used:

Wall Color: Sherwin-Williams’ Dovetail (SW 7018)
Trim Color: Sherwin-Williams Kestrel White (SW 7516)
Accent Color (On Trim): Sherwin-Williams’ Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019)
Door Color: Sherwin-Williams’ Halcyon Green (SW 6213)
Jute Rug: Overstock (5×8)
Striped Rug: Dash & Albert Trimaran Striped Navy Indoor/Outdoor Rug (4×6)
Coffee Table: Made by Alicia’s dear, old dad! Here’s a similar one.
Wicker Chairs: CraigsList lucky find ($30 for a complete set!). Here’s a similar option.
Couch: Target’s Smith & Hawken Brooks Island Patio Love Seat (slipcovered)
Planters, Vases, Catch-all Dishes: Goodwill (all under $10)
Jute Lantern: DIYed, but here’s a similar one.
Wall Planters: Arcadia Round Wall Planter
Bench: Crate & Barrel (past season). Here’s a similar one.
Toss Pillows: Bali Set & Geometric Links Set

Conclusion: Creating Your Dream Porch

Our front porch makeover was a labor of love, but it was worth every moment. By carefully planning, selecting the right materials, and adding our personal touch, we transformed a neglected space into a beautiful and functional outdoor oasis. We hope our story inspires you to tackle your own porch makeover and create a space you’ll love for years to come.

Remember, the key to a successful porch makeover is to focus on creating a space that reflects your personal style and meets your needs. Whether you’re looking for a cozy reading nook, an outdoor dining area, or a place to entertain friends and family, with a little creativity and effort, you can transform your porch into the outdoor haven of your dreams.

Looking for more front porch ideas? Check out our 7 Sensational Front Porch Additions.