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Our Summer Porch Haven

Transform Your Outdoor Oasis: A DIY Back Porch Makeover on a Budget

There’s a certain satisfaction that comes with transforming a space in your home. Sometimes, it’s a whirlwind, one-month project where you stick to a rigid plan and execute it with swift precision. Other times, it’s a journey, a labor of love that unfolds slowly, one thoughtful step at a time. This story is about the latter – our beloved back porch, a space that truly tested our patience and creativity, but ultimately became the breezy summer retreat we always dreamed of.

Our back porch began its life with us as a diamond in the rough. When we first toured our home, this expansive outdoor area was one of the key features that captivated us, offering immense potential for creating an inviting outdoor living space. It had good bones, a generous size, and a promising view, but it was far from functional or aesthetically pleasing. Initially, we simply dragged out a mismatched collection of leftover patio furniture from our previous home’s patio, and to be frank, the space quickly devolved into a rather uninspiring jumble. It lacked cohesion, comfort, and the charm we envisioned for our family’s outdoor haven.

Before shot of a neglected back porch with old furniture

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The journey to transform this space was a gradual one, a testament to the power of tackling a large project “one bite at a time.” We chipped away at it piece by piece, focusing on impact-driven DIY home improvement projects and smart budget decorating solutions. Each step brought us closer to our goal of a functional, beautiful, and relaxing summer retreat.

Cluttered back porch before the makeover with mismatched furniture

Phase 1: Setting the Foundation with Color and Comfort

Our initial focus was on two key elements that would dramatically alter the porch’s atmosphere: the ceiling and the lighting. We started last summer by painting the porch ceiling a beautiful shade of Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue. This choice wasn’t arbitrary; it was a nod to the cherished Southern tradition of “haint blue” porch ceilings. This serene blue is believed to ward off evil spirits and insects, but more importantly for us, it creates a calming, sky-like illusion, making the porch feel larger and more open. The transformation was immediate and profound, setting a tranquil tone for the entire space.

Complementing this fresh ceiling, we addressed the outdated ceiling fans. Old, inefficient fans not only detract from aesthetics but also fail to provide adequate airflow on hot summer days. We thoughtfully replaced them with new models that were much more aligned with our modern farmhouse style, offering both improved functionality and a significant visual upgrade. These early changes laid a solid foundation for the subsequent decorative layers.

Back porch with a newly painted haint blue ceiling and updated ceiling fans

Phase 2: Exterior Enhancements and Architectural Harmony

Over the winter, our back porch makeover expanded to include the entire exterior of our home, creating a cohesive and polished look. We embarked on a significant project to limewash our exterior brick. This traditional technique not only brightened the entire facade but also bestowed a timeless, soft, and subtly textured finish that instantly elevated our home’s curb appeal. The limewashed brick provides a beautiful, muted backdrop for the vibrant blues and natural textures of the porch decor.

To further refine the exterior, we updated the trim color from a yellowy cream to a crisp Behr Ultra Pure White, offering a clean contrast against the limewash. Our doors received a sophisticated coat of Behr Cracked Pepper, a deep charcoal hue that seamlessly connects the exterior to our interior design scheme, where we’ve embraced dark, dramatic doors. These architectural updates were crucial; they transformed the entire exterior into a unified and inviting presentation, making the back porch feel like an integrated extension of our home rather than an afterthought.

Limewashed brick back porch with haint blue ceiling and black doors

Phase 3: Budget Decorating for Functional Zones and Breezy Comfort

With the major structural and exterior work completed, the focus shifted to the fun part: decorating and furnishing. Our approach was always centered on maximizing impact while minimizing cost, embracing clever DIY solutions and strategic budget finds. The goal was to create distinct functional zones – a comfortable lounging area and an inviting dining space – all while ensuring a breezy, bug-free summer experience.

Breezy summer back porch with seating and dining areas

Back porch with a haint blue ceiling in Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue and string lights

Reusing and Refreshing Existing Furniture

A cornerstone of our budget-friendly strategy was to make the most of what we already owned. Our old bench and chairs from our previous patio, originally purchased from World Market three years prior, were still structurally sound. Instead of buying new, we gave them a thorough cleaning. Using a simple yet effective solution to remove accumulated dirt and grime from the cushions and frames, we brought them back to life. This quick refresh saved us hundreds of dollars and proved that sometimes, a little elbow grease is all you need. (While our specific furniture pieces are discontinued, we’ve linked a similar outdoor bench and armchair for inspiration).

Creating a Versatile Conversation Nook

To define the lounging area, we incorporated a round outdoor rug that I had admired after using this particular rug on my parents’ porch makeover last spring. Its pattern and texture added visual interest while remaining a neutral foundation. Complementing the bench and chairs, we added two versatile garden stools, discovered at TJ Maxx. These stools are incredibly practical; they serve as makeshift coffee tables or end tables when separated, and effortlessly transform into extra seating for larger gatherings, ensuring everyone has a comfortable spot in our conversation circle.

Outdoor bench conversation set on back porch with garden stools

Adding Personality with Textiles and Smart Solutions

No outdoor space is complete without cozy accents. We found a charming pillow during a Pier 1 store-closing sale. Though not specifically designed for outdoor use, its irresistible price tag and design were too good to pass up. A simple application of Scotchgard weather protector was our secret weapon, providing a layer of defense against the elements. It’s a fantastic trick for bringing indoor comfort outdoors without the hefty price tag of specialized outdoor cushions. Despite a missing pom-pom – a detail easily overlooked at 70% off – it adds a pop of color and personality.

Summer outdoor decor on back porch with a throw pillow on a bench

Back porch summer decorating with garden stools and a potted plant

An Affordable Outdoor Dining Experience

The quest for an outdoor dining set that was both budget-friendly and compatible with our existing furniture proved successful. We discovered this dining table and these chairs for an incredible $170 for the entire set! Its compact size was perfect, preventing the space from feeling overcrowded while still comfortably accommodating a family meal. We anchored this area with this outdoor rug from Target, chosen for its appealing pattern and texture, as well as its neutral tone, which allows for future color experimentation with seasonal decor.

Back porch summer outdoor dining table with chairs

Outdoor dining table on back porch with haint blue ceiling and ceiling fan

This new dining setup has already become a beloved feature. We celebrated Father’s Day dinner here by the pool, savoring charcoal-grilled burgers in the comfortable shade. It’s clear this will be our primary dining spot until the colder months arrive.

Outdoor dining table set for a meal on the back porch

Outdoor dining table on back porch with plates and goblets

Ambiance and Pest Control: The Ultimate Combo

For magical evenings, we strung our old string lights across the porch, instantly infusing the space with a warm, inviting glow. These lights, which have faithfully served us for three years, provide the perfect ambient lighting for summer nights. And because summer evenings often bring unwelcome guests, our mosquito net curtains are a game-changer. These inexpensive, breezy curtains can be drawn closed to create a barrier against bugs, allowing us to enjoy the evening breeze without interruption. They also add a wonderful sense of privacy and softness to the overall aesthetic.

Back porch outdoor dining table with breezy sheer curtains and string lights

Summer back porch with comfortable seating and string lights

Summer back porch with mosquito net curtains creating a screened effect

Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Seasonal Touches

While the porch has undergone a dramatic transformation, our work here isn’t entirely finished. We recently removed an outdoor TV and mini-fridge from the other end of the porch to make way for exciting future plans. We envision building an outdoor fireplace with an electric insert, providing warmth and ambiance during the chilly months. Once that’s complete, the outdoor TV will find its permanent home there, creating another dedicated zone for entertainment.

For now, as we gear up for July 4th celebrations, we’ve added a patriotic touch with our DIY yardstick flag art. We also plan to install shelves in the small cubby area to hold towels and sunscreen, making it convenient for our Independence Day pool party. Though I might be missing a refreshing mojito by the pool this summer (#pregnancyproblems), enjoying my morning coffee in this revitalized space is an equally delightful experience. This back porch makeover truly exemplifies how patience, a DIY spirit, and smart budget choices can create a remarkable outdoor oasis.

Back porch decorated for July 4th with a DIY yardstick flag

Summer decor on back porch with garden stools and an outdoor bench, perfect for morning coffee

Sources and Materials for Our Back Porch Makeover:

  • Ceiling color: Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue
  • Trim color: Behr Ultra Pure White
  • Door color: Behr Cracked Pepper
  • Limewashed brick tutorial and details
  • Outdoor ceiling fans
  • Round outdoor rug (used in the lounging area)
  • Rectangular outdoor rug (used under the dining table)
  • Outdoor bench (similar style linked, original is discontinued)
  • Outdoor armchairs (similar style linked, original is discontinued)
  • Garden stools (similar style linked, original from TJ Maxx)
  • Outdoor string lights (durable, with a box of spare bulbs on hand)
  • Lumbar pillow (similar style, original was a clearance find)
  • Nautical rope pillows
  • Outdoor dining table
  • Outdoor dining chairs
  • Napkins (similar style, original from Homegoods)
  • Plastic goblets
  • White melamine plates
  • Mosquito net curtains DIY tutorial
  • Yardstick flag art DIY tutorial

This transformation has created a truly inviting and functional outdoor living area. We anticipate spending countless evenings here, well into the fall, enjoying the ambiance and comfort of our thoughtfully designed back porch.

Nighttime back porch with string lights illuminating the space

Back porch with string lights in summer creating a cozy atmosphere

Summer night back porch with string lights and dining area

It’s truly astonishing to reflect on how different our backyard looks compared to just a year ago. The power of a vision, combined with diligent DIY work and smart choices, has allowed us to create a gorgeous and functional extension of our home.

Before shot of the backyard exterior with the original brick and porch

Limewashed brick house exterior backyard with porch string lights, after makeover

Transformed back porch with string lights in the backyard, showcasing the finished space

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