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Deck Love: Top 5 Ways to Create a Cozy Porch

June 15, 2010 By Rhoda 94 Comments

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I’ve been working hard on getting that deck all whipped into shape and taking it back (literally) from the birds.  And I absolutely love it now.  With the addition of the new all-weather wicker, some comfy new cushions and shopping the house for accessories, it’s all coming together very well.  I had plenty of yardsale finds that were perfect for the space, so I didn’t buy anything extra for that part.

I did make some pretty cool shutters for the window that I’m really excited about.  Love them and I think you will too!  And they only cost about $10 to make for both of them.  Let’s look at where we started on this boring deck:
These plastic chairs were the only purchase I ever made for the deck, since I had plans for a screened porch that would utilize all my REAL wicker that is stored in the garage. But, since that is not going to happen, at least this year, I had to do something with this deck to make it nice and useful at the same time.  I don’t know about you, but my surroundings are very important to the way I feel and if I have a pretty space, it makes me happy.  You too?!   This, it ain’t so pretty!  Just a reminder that the umbrella was a recent yardsale find for $30, so that really got the ball rolling on this project and made me realize I could utilize this deck much better than I had. Walk with me out the door from the living room and this is what we see right outside.  I restained the deck floor, so it looks so much better with fresh stain and that freshened it up a lot.Coming out the backdoor, I added a Welcome sign I’ve had for years.  I just went around the house and found things to use out here that I didn’t need elsewhere.  That’s the good thing about collecting. 🙂 Turning to the right, here’s the whole new and improved space.  I just adore it and of course, will show you all the details.  I found the all-weather wicker at Big Lots and they price matched for me, so all 4 pieces were $250, which I thought was a great deal. I found this 8×10 outdoor rug at Old Time Pottery for $80.  Quite a good deal on a big rug like this. I loved the Greek key border and the cream and brown color was perfect for my porch.  All of the wicker pieces fit very nicely on the deck, with enough room to walk through to the stairs. I anchored the loveseat underneath the double window and you can get a glimpse of my homemade wooden shutters, made out of fence slats.  I’ll do a post showing how easy this was to do.  For about $10 in materials, they can’t be beat.  I think they are just THE cutest things!  This little bakers rack has been with me for more than 10 years and was an Old Time Pottery find years ago.  All the items on here were brought in from other parts of the house.  Of course, I had to have a bunny out here. I potted some plants to bring some color and greenery to the porch.  Those cushions were found at Homegoods and I mentioned that I won a $50 giftcard. That really came in handy and paid for most of the cushions.  They’re a pretty coral color.  When I found this graphic floral fabric at Old Time Pottery, I just knew I had to use it for pillows with my new cushions and it is perfect, I think.  I just love all the colors it brings in.  Oh, and I made these pillows.  As much as I’m NOT a good seamstress, I managed to make these and cover the throw pillows that came with this settee from Big Lots.   I’ll show you that later too, but really, if I can sew, anyone can.  I’m not so good with it at all, but after watching Grandma Eleanor sew up my slipcover and do all that cording, I tried my hand at it too and it worked out pretty good.  Just don’t examine them up close.  🙂   I had some leftover green fabric which was perfect for my cording. This is the little floral stem holder I found recently for $1 and it is a nice little accent here on the table.

That is a deck box I found last year yardsaling for $10 and I decided that a fresh coat of paint would make it look better with my stuff and it totally does.  I used a Hammered Brown finish on it and it looks so much better than the beige plastic it was.  The box holds all my cushions and pillows and keeps them out of the weather.  The wooden planter was a find for $2 and I need to get some small pots to go in there for further color.  Come back tomorrow and I’ll share the painting process and the shutter how-to. The two all-weather wicker chairs will be nice for company.  I can see myself sitting on this deck a LOT now.  I have been picking up little tables and plant stands like this for years, so these came in handy once again out here. This one was $5 years ago.  It had a gold finish and I used my hammered spray paint to freshen it up and make it blend better out here.  Perfect for a little side table between the chairs.  Literally, all the accents out here came from yardsales. The chair on the right and the birdie condo.  They are enjoying this big feeder and we enjoy watching them!  I am just going to bring my upright vacuum cleaner out here once a week and suck up all the sunflower seed shells. When we run out of what we have, we will get the hulled ones next time, so hopefully those shells won’t continue to be a problem. This is the old copper pot I found recently for $5 and it’s a great planter for this Angel’s wing begonia.  Another view of the shutters and plants on that side. That round green plastic tray was a $4 find from Walmart this year.  Perfect for sitting drinks and snacks on.  That wicker coffee table lid raises up too and I can store things in here if needed.

I found this planter which someone had painted green at a yardsale and at another sale, the hens & chicks succulents and this plant has done so well for me.  All that green paint is chipping off the clay pot, but I don’t mind it.

This cute little fairy sign was a House Parts find a few years ago.

I added an iron piece I had to the top of the window. And some zinnias in this planter add color. Here’s a full shot of the 2 shutters, which is hard to get.  They are 6′ tall, I think and I’ll show you all the details on how I made them.  So easy!  Yes, you can see me in the window in my workout clothes.  🙂I do love how much they add to the deck now and the color really is vibrant.  I’ll share that with you too.  I used spray paint! I was trying to figure out where to put those black metal candle sconces and finally decided they just need to go right on the shutters and I love them here.  Another $5 find from long ago for both of them.  Added the dark red candles and I hope they don’t melt in this heat.  I’m definitely going to try them out one evening. The deck box holds it all out of the weather.  I’ll be storing these away every night to keep them looking nice.  Once summer is over, I’m going to find some covers for my chairs and settee too, to keep them dry during the winter months, but otherwise, I think everything out here will weather pretty well, since it’s made for outdoor use. Here’s a shot from below looking up.  I think I’m going to enjoy my new deck space SO much now that I won’t even be concerned about trying to waterproof the underneath patio now. I’ll sill sit in my swing, but that top space is going to be my new hangout place now.

It has a great feel to it now and I’m so happy I finally got it looking pretty.

You can bet this is where you’ll find me morning, noon, and evening.  That settee is even big enough for a decent nap. 🙂  That’s one of the pottery bowls I made in pottery class that I just got back.  I’ll show you all 3 pieces, they turned out really cute.

Here’s my recap on the Top 5 ways to create a cozy porch:

  1. Add some all weather furniture with cushy and colorful pillows and cushions.  If you have a window, frame it with some shutters, homemade or from the store.
  2. A huge umbrella or something overhead to block the sun is a must-have for an open deck or porch.  Extra points for a strong fan to help push the humid air around.
  3. A soft rug underfoot is a perfect way to add a real-room feel to a porch and make sure it is an outdoor rug for maximum weather wear.
  4. To keep pillows and cushions within easy reach, yet out of the weather, a deck box comes in very handy and you won’t mind putting them away at the end of the day.
  5. Bring in some potted plants and flowers to your space for color and a garden feel and don’t forget the garden accessories that look right at home on a porch.  Candle holders are a great accessory for the porch to add some extra ambiance when dusk falls.

So, do you have space that needs sprucing up?  I hope this will inspire you to get busy and pretty it up, so that you can actually enjoy and use it! I’m just thrilled with my new porch, but I’m definitely adding a portable fan out there!  It’s way too hot already.

Shared on Melissa’s Inspired Friday.

******************************************************

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Filed Under: Decorating Ideas, Gardens and Flowers 94 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. robyn says

    June 16, 2010 at 3:58 pm

    Rhoda, I’m SO glad you popped by my blog to tell me I missed the reveal! It’s GORGEOUS! I’m LOVIN’ your spurts of green here and there with the brown and tan…I ADORE your furniture and those shutters, TDF! Thanks again!

    Also, thanks so much for your sweet compliment on my blog about my built in nook. I really appreciate them!

    Reply
  2. robyn says

    June 16, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    BTW, I’d SO be taking a nap out there!

    Reply
  3. Kathy :) says

    June 16, 2010 at 4:12 pm

    I love that rug……great job Rhoda 🙂 It came out so nicely…..

    Kathy 🙂

    Reply
  4. Jillian says

    June 16, 2010 at 8:08 pm

    Hi Rhoda- I have a deck staining project in my future and I’d love any tips,tricks, stain recommendations, etc. Doug built our deck and it’s just the treated wood color. I think he perhaps waterproof/stained part of the deck as some of the trellis siding looks a different shade. It’s a huge project and will be the major thing I get done this summer (or do you think it’s better to wait til fall with less humidity)? And I suppose I should pressure wash it first? Thanks so much for any help. You’re the best. PS – I’ve hidden my blog for the time being. Revamping it and I’ve been getting lots of Chinese spam comments.

    Reply
  5. [email protected] says

    June 16, 2010 at 11:26 pm

    Rhoda, your deck looks fabulous! Yes, I’m a day late and just reading this post. Ack! Did you use the new Canon on these pictures? They look great!

    (Sorry if that was already mentioned, I didn’t read all of the comments)

    Reply
  6. Barbara says

    June 16, 2010 at 11:46 pm

    Rhoda – your deck is such an inspiration – I love it! The shutters are totally amazing, I’m going to try making some for our patio, hope they turn out as cute as yours did!

    Reply
  7. Heather says

    June 17, 2010 at 9:19 am

    what a great place to hangout and relax in the summer. can’t wait for the shutters post 🙂

    Reply
  8. Ms. Childfree Chic says

    June 18, 2010 at 11:50 am

    Your deck looks fabulous! I must admit I have a fetish for outdoor porches, especially those with comfy seating and swings. I judge a house by its porch or deck. 😉

    Reply
  9. Sarah says

    June 18, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    Love everything! You pulled it together so well. We just built a big back covered porch, but I will definitely keep in mind about painting a deck box. They are so tacky but yours turned out great! Now let’s just hope I can get one at a yard sale like you did 🙂

    Reply
  10. Julia @ Hooked on Houses says

    June 18, 2010 at 4:02 pm

    What a fun idea to hang those shutters back there! I never would’ve thought to do that, but they add so much. Love it!

    Reply
  11. Traci says

    June 20, 2010 at 9:32 pm

    Rhoda, Your deck looks amazing!!! I love what you did with that space. Such a huge difference. I know you must really be enjoying it. I am still working on my patio, but it is going to take me a while. I am working full time this summer and I don’t have as much time to do projects or blog right now.
    When I do come up with some time, I am hoping to make some pillows for my patio furniture. I love your cushions. I am hoping to go with the red, tan and green colors for mine too.
    Hope you are doing well!
    Blessings!
    Traci

    Reply
  12. Katie, The Design Apprentice says

    June 22, 2010 at 4:35 pm

    Rhoda, you absolutely did an incredible job on your porch. I love how you utilized the space underneath your deck for additional living space and the swing, beautiful!

    Reply
  13. Michelle @ Sweet Something says

    July 6, 2010 at 11:17 am

    Great job Rhoda! Love all the details and the shutters look fantastic!

    Reply
  14. Tru says

    July 6, 2010 at 2:04 pm

    I love it. Can’t wait to see your shutter tute.

    Reply
  15. Morgane says

    July 6, 2010 at 3:45 pm

    it looks great, I am inspired to imrpove my patio….may be more pillows!
    the shutters are a nice addition!

    Reply
  16. Diann @ The Thrifty Groove says

    July 6, 2010 at 4:14 pm

    It turned out very pretty. Nicely done!

    Reply
  17. Melissa @ Keep Calm and Decorate says

    July 6, 2010 at 5:28 pm

    I love the makeover and all the different pops of color. Those shutters are also amazing!

    Reply
  18. [email protected] says

    July 6, 2010 at 6:18 pm

    Your back porch is amazing! I think my favorite thing may be the painted deck box though! We have an old one on our back patio that could really use a coat of paint. Thanks for the great idea!

    Reply
  19. Sixty fifth avenue says

    July 6, 2010 at 6:21 pm

    Wonderful makeover! Your porch is cozy and welcoming, I would love to sit and sip something cold out there.
    Londen

    Reply
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    July 9, 2010 at 1:19 am

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Thanks for stopping by! I’m Rhoda, from Atlanta, GA and I love decorating and DIY projects. Decorating a home doesn’t have to cost a fortune and I’ve spent years thrifting at antiques markets and yard sales, finding those treasures that make a home unique. I’m here to inspire and encourage other women to find their own inner creativity. Won’t you join me?

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