My parent’s house was built in 1973. Not the best decade for home design, to be sure.
They have this little porch off the kitchen that has never been fixed up. They garden and come in and out of that porch with dirty shoes, which makes for a catch-all of sorts. You know the spot! It’s a place to put junk and they have never been too concerned about how it looks. As I’ve mentioned, my parents are simple folk. They do not demand luxuries in life, in fact are very content with what they have. Truth be told, I had to convince them that we needed to make over this porch, that it could really be enjoyed by all of us if it was only a brighter spot to hang out.
We sat down and talked about it and they agreed that it would be nice to have a space to sit and relax, with more seating and organization to hide some of the uglies.
Hehehe, just wait til I get my hands on it! They will be so convinced that hopefully I’ll be given free reign in a few more spots in the house. 🙂
I’ve always thought this space could look really inviting given some TLC and the time has arrived that it’s getting a makeover.
I did add those cute deer antlers on the wall. 🙂
I was contacted by American Express about a program that they have going on: Membership Rewards. They launched Membership Rewards 20 years ago as a first of its kind program that over time has continued to innovate through new partners, categories, and features. The program offers more than a million rewards from over 500 brands and millions of Card members have redeemed their points for a variety of merchandise and experiences, from movie tickets to trips to the world’s finest resorts.
Sounds fun, huh?
I don’t have an American Express card, but I have heard that these points are really great to cash in. Since most of us live and shop online now, it’s a great opportunity to use the card (wisely of course) and then store up those points for great items. 
American Express generously gave me 150,000 points to use to fix up my parent’s porch, along with telling you about their Membership Rewards program. What that means is this! I scoured their online site and found out that Home Depot is one of the vendors and that 5,000 points = $50 in Home Depot giftcards. That works for me! They asked me to use these points to spruce up a common space that could be used by our family during the summer months. I can get a lot of stuff at Home Depot with those points!
This was the perfect spot to redo! As you can see, it is hideously ugly, though a swan is dying to burst forth. 🙂
So, here’s what I would love to know.
What in the world would YOU do with this porch?
You know my blonde head is swirling with ideas already and I think I’ve got some ways figured out to fix up this ugly duckling once and for all, but I’d love to hear all of your ideas too.
What I love about the American Express Membership rewards program is that they have so many vendors to choose from, from Pottery Barn, to Restoration Hardware, Kohls, and Home Depot. What DIY lover wouldn’t find a ton of inspiration from these sites? Yes, you would, believe me!
So, let me have them! I’ll be sharing another post with you on my ideas later.
{Disclosure: I was given 150,000 points ($1500) to use to redecorate this porch for my parents. I did not receive any other monetary compensation and was allowed to pick my own products from their websites. The final post of this series when I show the finished porch, will host a giveaway for a $100 giftcard from Home Depot! Woohoo for one of YOU!)
Find out more about American Express Membership rewards and visit their Facebook page.
Rhoda, I’m so glad for you and for your parents! Amex was smart to choose you for this program. 🙂
I’d stain or paint those concrete floors in a heartbeat. I’d paint the walls, for sure. . . but maybe I’d add beadboard or board and batten of some kind first. I might even add beadboard (or your beautiful beadboard wallpaper!) to the ceiling, and I’d consider painting it an old-fashioned greyish-blue, like veranda ceilings always used to be! I’d add some kind of built in organization–maybe a window seat with storage beneath the bench and cabinets at each end? And I probably wouldn’t want to put anything over the windows–I’d want to maximize light in a porchy setting–but I’d do something to dress them! Maybe some pretty valances? Maybe more of your homemade shutters? And of course I’d add some fun fabrics–throw pillows on the rockers, at least–because your mom is a great seamstress, right?
Oh, gosh, isn’t it fun to brainstorm about this? I’ll look forward to seeing what you actually do–I know it’ll be beautiful.
How about staining the floor? I’m thinking about doing that with the breezeway of our home and don’t know where to start! I can’t wait to see what you do with this area! Also, lots of plants, a dining area and a reading nook!
How exciting! Yeah, American Express! I know you will do a great job. I hope you will make it feel like your parents. Make sure to keep those beautiful African violets. Perhaps they can be put in new pots. Rhoda, your parents sound like such good people; there is much to be said for being content with what your have.
Dove grey walls, blue and white acessories and fabric, white shutters, round table covered in turkey red and cream print fabric, wooden strat chairs painted green with ikat slipcovered seats, paint rockers green with ikat slipcovered seats piped in the turkey and cream print used on the cloth. Built in cupboard for tools, shoes etc., you’ll find the just right wall accessories at the flea.
Ooooh, you lucky girl! If it’s possible to turn the indoor into an outdoor…could I suggest knocking down some walls, adding flooring over the concrete and creating a space that would offer some awesome outdoor living? The rockers in the picture gave me the idea. It would be a big ol’ change. Paint the porch floor a deep grey, with a light grey on the walls…then have bright yellow and white accents (maybe a yellow porch swing?). Of course, this is with my imaginary limited budget. Otherwise, I’d keep that color scheme the same and add maybe one other (like a grass green or a cobalt) indoors, add some white ceramic art? I’m so excited for you!
Oh girl, you no I have no ideas for decorating! I just wanted to say how much “joy” I hear in your post. You’re so good at this and I know your parents will be pleased. Can’t wait to see the final project.
Oh, you are going to do this room proud! Please keep the rockers – maybe paint them? Also, it needs a rug. How about a ceiling fan? And curtains for the windows? Maybe make the frames thicker – more wood? Not sure how to phrase that! Oh, just read someone suggestion of white shutters! Love! 🙂
Have fun. Can’t wait for the unveiling of the new porch! 🙂
I love the Am Ex rewards program. I’ve been saving points for years. I finally cashed in some of my points for Home Depot cards when my oldest son bought his first home.
Paint the concrete floor using tape to make it look like tile. Keep the rockers and the African violets. Find a nice storage cabinet with doors to hold gardening items and keep them out of sight. Decorate with old watering cans and other metal containers. Add more plants.
I can’t wait, I can’t wait, I can’t wait… until you get this porch done!!!! I am lovin’ your blog… I still am praying for you!
Rhoda, it is going to be fun seeing how the “ugly porch “turns out. I think about you often
Hi Rhoda!
I’ve been following you blog for a while now but have not had the courage to comment before! 🙂
The first thing I thought of when I saw the last picture of the window and the door was “what a perfect wall for banquette seating!” I can see your family out there on those lazy summer nights playing cards at the table with a swing arm lamp coming from the wall decorated with a little wainscotting and some soft colors. Plus think of the storage beneath the seating!
I like the idea of a sisal rug or a painted floor and keeping the rockers at the other end where the deer antlers are with a table between them for tall glasses of iced tea or a crossword puzzle.
Thanks for the chance to inspire! 🙂
I would paint the floor a nice blue color. Add your famous beadboard wallpaper to the bottom half of the walls and paint the top a nice yellow. I would also add a nice indoor/outdoor rug and keep the rocking chairs. I’d also add more storage and seating. I know whatever you do it will look BEAUTIFUL and your parents will be proud!!
How fun!! I think it would be awesome to paint a pattern on the floor. I’m assuming it’s concrete?? I know HD has some great concrete paint. We’ve used it before in our garage. A diamond motif would be cute. I’m also picturing fresh cut flowers, and some sort of a focal light fixture or fan on the ceiling. I know you’re going to make it beautiful, and welcoming. Can’t wait to follow this project along. Good luck!
I think I would do high-quality laminate floor instead of tile because it wouldn’t be such a pain to clean if there’s dirt and mud from the garden, esp. if your parents are older. Laminate can take a beating and looks great. I would definitely have storage cubbies to cut the visual clutter. I like the mini-frig. idea someone else had, too. Good luck!
What fun! Here are some of my ideas. I’d keep the rocking chairs & add a comfy little couch or bench. I’d also add some kind of cupboard with doors to store all the garden stuff they keep there. Some shoe storage for garden shoes would be good too & somewhere to hang hats. At least one central table or a small one between the rockers & something by the couch for drinks or books to sit on while you’re lounging.
A pretty ceiling fan would make it more comfortable for summer relaxing. Does the window go into the kitchen? It might be nice to add a ledge there for a pass through for drinks & snacks. Pull it all together with bright paint & a fresh rug.
Fun!
First of all let me say, WOOHOO for $1500 bucks!! GO AMEX!
Second of all, if that is the junk room your parents are the biggest anti-hoarders on the planet! It’s so neat and clean and un-junky for a junk room.
Man, I would whip that space into the greatest gardening / potting shed EVER. I’m seeing board and batten or some of your famous beadboard wallpaper (washable?), a pretty blue/green/gray above it (Sea Salt?). Then fill er up with functional and sturdy rustic cabinets, a big farmhouse sink, lots of shelving and built-ins all around for storage. Stain the concrete floor and leave it bare except for a rug near the house entrance. Pretty much this! I adore this space so much! http://pinterest.com/pin/8429606/
Yeah… I need to do this in my house! AMEX? Rhoda? Layla? Anyone? 🙂
Can’t wait to see what you do with it!
I would start with your Mum and Dad’s favourite colour and work from there. Keep it simple and cheerful. I think a pretty yellow and white with darker floors?? Can’t wait to see what you come up with especially with all the advise from all of us (hehe)…….B:)
Too fun! You have to use the rockers …. oh and paint it a relaxing color! I can’t wait to see what you come up with!!!! 🙂
Yayyyyy Rhoda! This is going to look FAB when you’re done – I can’t wait to see it!!
My ideas for the porch would be:
board & batten
“built in” look for a storage area near the door: for hats, shoes & jackets
paint… possibly a nice silvery/blue/gray that would pop against white board & batten
rip up carpet – paint/add sisal rug
add small table or better yet… nesting tables: need some where to put lemonade while relaxing
cute accessories, candles, artwork
I personally would add a bunny or 2 in there somewhere 🙂
What fun for you and your family. I know you will make it fabulous! My parents are in their eighties and tend to “make do” with what they have. That said, there is no need to apoligize for your parents’ ’70’s home or call this functional room an “ugly porch.” Our homes mean so much to us and I think we need to respect that places where people live are a part of them. Many of us live with things that aren’t stylish or up-to-date, often because we don’t have the skills, time or money to change them. I love that you are doing a “real life” make-over!