Is it odd to be posting about sprucing up my back porch when it’s almost winter outside? Probably so, but here in the South we can use our back porches almost year round, depending on the day of the week. Just this past weekend, Coach and I were sitting outside as Miss A played on her swing set in the back yard. I mean, sure, we had our jackets on, but it was a sunny 60 degree day and it was so nice!
We love this space out here and it’s slowly, but surely coming together to be a welcoming space when we have people over.
Here’s what it looked like for a couple of years after we moved in …
Our grill, some kid’s toys and lawn chairs were not very nice or welcoming. And then this is the progress we made two summers ago …
Ahh! Finally a nice place to sit. And I shared some of my wish list items 🙂 …
Recently I headed to my local Ace Hardware and picked up some new items on my wish list.
I loved the sturdy resin weave Hampton coffee table that looks great with my existing furniture. I love this type of furniture for the outdoors because it’s rust-resistant and so easy to clean. The glass top is a nice touch too. I was a little worried about having a glass top with a preschooler, but she doesn’t mess with it and I like the flat surface for decorating and sitting our drinks or other things on it.
I was soooo excited to get rid of the patio table we were using as a side table over there on the right side. (You can see it in one of the progress pictures above.) My intention was to build a side table and a coffee table, but I don’t know how long wood furniture would last out here. Probably a while since it’s a covered patio, but I didn’t want to deal with mold and mildew on the wood.
So, I loved the durable, yet light weight resin wicker side tables that are easy to move around where needed and the perfect size for our porch.
I also picked up this pretty entrance mat that not only makes this space look nicer, but keeps the dirt and leaves out of my kitchen! I love how big it is.
And I added a pop of color with some poinsettias, which I promptly brought inside after my photo shoot. I’ll fill this pretty hanging basket with some fun colorful flowers in the spring.
Over time I’ll add more to this space, but I think it’s turned out pretty well and ready to entertain some neighbors and friends whenever the time is right. I’m thinking bonfires with roasted marshmallows this winter. What do you think??
Do you use your outdoor space year round, or do you have to pack it all up for the winter?
Ace Hardware Gift Card Giveaway
Ace is offering a $100 gift card to one of my wonderful reader, so you can spruce up an entryway of your own! Or use it however you’d like. 🙂
Just follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck!
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Disclosure: I am a member of the Ace Bloggers Panel and Ace Hardware has provided me with the new back porch furniture and accessories supplies. They also compensated me for my time and this blog post. All opinions and positions expressed here are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of Ace Hardware.
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Annette says
December 29, 2014 at 11:34 pmMy entrances really do need sprucing up and I’d start with fresh paint, new mats, and new locks/handles.
courtney b says
December 29, 2014 at 10:51 pmI would put a couple really cute statues and maybe some flowers.
Thank you!
Rachel Traudt says
December 29, 2014 at 10:38 pmI would love a new front door, but even just painting it would spruce it up. Planters for the front would also be nice.
Becky Weber says
December 29, 2014 at 8:44 pmi would like to get some flower boxes and some new things to dress up the front porch’
Katie says
December 29, 2014 at 8:28 pmI’d fix my front porch which is basically falling apart from years of subsidence problems. If there was anything left after that I’d want to replace the bush that’s been damaged by the porch sinking.
Jenni T says
December 29, 2014 at 8:19 pmPaint, landscaping and some sweet accessories!
adina says
December 29, 2014 at 8:09 pmwould love some planters and some rugs/mats
Derrick Johnson says
December 29, 2014 at 7:28 pmI would get a new door. My backdoor looks rough. :-/
T Michelle Trump says
December 29, 2014 at 7:12 pmI would love some new plants and a fire pit!
Melanie Montgomery says
December 29, 2014 at 7:08 pmA nice wreath and maybe some wooden box planters.
Thomas Murphy says
December 29, 2014 at 7:05 pmI would paint and get some plants.
Amanda Sakovitz says
December 29, 2014 at 5:33 pmi like to put pots and plants
Emily @ The Small Stuff Counts says
December 29, 2014 at 4:12 pmWow! This looks great! I love seeing how easily a small space can be transformed. We just bought our first home and I’m anxious to get to work on making the small patio into a cozy space once the Iowa snow melts this spring. Thanks for the inspiration!
ellen casper says
December 29, 2014 at 3:41 pmLots of flowers in window boxes
Daniel Scott says
December 29, 2014 at 1:16 pmWe need to paint the front door. I would also like to build some planter boxes for the front entrance too.
Rebekah says
December 29, 2014 at 1:06 pmI need a storm door and some potted plants.
Courtney says
December 29, 2014 at 9:51 amCute porch. Love the resin tables! I could really use that Ace gift card to spruce up our front porch. We’ve been in our new house for 2 years and the front porch has not a single thing on it, so I need some outdoor furniture to fill up that space!
Mary @ 120 Spring Street says
December 29, 2014 at 9:09 amYour porch looks great!
vera wilson says
December 29, 2014 at 5:07 amBefore Christmas make a nice 1/2 bushel basket with pine cones/holly and spray snow on them. Sit by the front door. Also hang a Fall Colors Wreath on the Door for Halloween thru Thanksiving.
Karin A. says
December 28, 2014 at 11:48 pmCan’t do much now until spring, but the house is in desperate need of paint.
Rochel S says
December 28, 2014 at 11:33 pmWith some manicured bushes
Wanda McHenry says
December 28, 2014 at 9:39 pmWe just moved here in July and have new patio furniture that we haven’t used yet. But, we need a new screen door for the sliding glass door and I want to create a tropical setting, but need to do some pinterest hunting.
Melissa Mazzur says
December 28, 2014 at 5:18 pmI would buy an outdoor area rug!
Deb K says
December 28, 2014 at 11:20 amI would get some new plants and lights!
Rachael Deaton says
December 28, 2014 at 1:29 amI am in desperate need of new patio furniture! I had to sell my old set during our last move (military). Finding quality things that last through frequent moves is hard.
Jennifer Marie says
December 27, 2014 at 8:23 pmI would love to get a new door.
Claire Quaile says
December 27, 2014 at 8:18 pmI’d do a bit of painting.. add some seasonal plants and a few hanging baskets and maybe a new porch mat
Susan Christy says
December 27, 2014 at 8:06 pmI would paint my front porch.
Birdiebee says
December 27, 2014 at 7:45 pmI need two new screen doors, add some plants and buy some new patio furniture.
Laura says
December 27, 2014 at 10:19 amOur driveway needs some serious paving!
tammigirl says
December 27, 2014 at 9:33 amWe need to get landscaping in order, but my heart’s desire is to have a portico at the front door stoop. And a gorgeous storm door.
Kris O says
December 26, 2014 at 8:33 pmLove your transformation! I would get new front entry lights and a new welcome mat. New landscaping is desperately needed, but no funds for it yet.
Melissa Teears says
December 26, 2014 at 5:50 pmI would add more bushes and potted plants
Heidi B says
December 26, 2014 at 4:39 pmI have so many things not sure where I would start.
Kim R says
December 25, 2014 at 6:51 pmI meant to say that I bought the rope at Ace. Shout out to the good folks at the Blue Ridge Georgia Ace Hardware!
Kim R says
December 25, 2014 at 6:49 pmI recently bought a heavy duty rope to suspend a hanging bed swing I purchased for mu porch. I would love to add a couple of plants and a side table. I really like your new tables!
e michelle says
December 24, 2014 at 3:58 amI would love to plant some roses in the flower beds under the windows. I would also like a new mat and to put some kind of tree in the front yard!
e michelle says
December 24, 2014 at 3:57 amI would love to plant some roses in the flower beds under the windows.
Barbara Montag says
December 23, 2014 at 11:57 pmI’d do some veggie planting in pots and add some of those neat banner flags.
thank you
Kim says
December 23, 2014 at 2:31 pmpaint my front door and shutters.
Claudia says
December 23, 2014 at 12:55 pmI would buy plants and paint , Thank you!
Stephanie Phelps says
December 23, 2014 at 8:35 amI would spruce mine up with lighting and new sitting as well as some nice flowers!
LinhC says
December 22, 2014 at 10:24 pmI would get pretty pillows for the chairs.
David says
December 22, 2014 at 3:50 pmI would add some landscaping rocks to our flower beds.
Linda F. says
December 22, 2014 at 1:26 pmI would re-paint the front door.
Shelley says
December 22, 2014 at 10:44 amI would paint the front door a pretty color and change the porch light 🙂
Sarah Hayes says
December 21, 2014 at 11:50 pmid like to paint our door
steve weber says
December 21, 2014 at 10:58 pmI would spruce up the outside by re-doing the walkway to the front door.
Kristen says
December 21, 2014 at 7:58 pmI’d love a little chair or a bench.
James Robert says
December 21, 2014 at 7:15 pmI would get a new railing for our porch, ours just broke so now it is not too safe
Cindy Trobaugh says
December 20, 2014 at 5:00 pmIts Beautiful! I would Spruces up My 3 Season Porch,It needs some Life breath into it.Thanks.Cindy….
Jessica To says
December 20, 2014 at 4:46 pmI need to add some flowers and mulch around my front door and back patio.
Pamela Smith says
December 20, 2014 at 12:14 pmOur back door definitely needs a facelift and we could use some good lighting too!
Sonya Morris says
December 20, 2014 at 11:01 amI would love to get a small table and put something pretty on it for my front porch.
Lauren says
December 20, 2014 at 11:00 amI would add outdoor pillows to our bench, a new welcome mat, and maybe some plants if I won. Thank you for the giveaway and the opportunity to win!
Linda says
December 20, 2014 at 10:25 amI don’t participate in giveaways, but I just wanted to say that your photos are lovely. Warm greetings from Montreal, Canada. 🙂
lyndsey says
December 20, 2014 at 7:58 amI would put some mini pine trees in cement pots and add some cool lanterns too!
Laura J says
December 20, 2014 at 1:18 amI would love to add some comfortable chairs to sit down on and a motion light! Make it look more homey!
Jennifer says
December 19, 2014 at 10:16 pmI actually am in the process of moving, like tomorrow! A long drive ahead, to an apartment that Ive only seen a few fuzzy pics of! So, who knows for sure? I have been told it “could use soom work ??????? Its a surprise! Happy Holidays to All!
jessica says
December 19, 2014 at 10:09 pmI would get a new light…and a new mat for my door…or one of those outdoor heaters! oh the possibilities! Thanks for the giveaway!! Have a wonderful weekend!
Jess
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom says
December 19, 2014 at 9:44 pmWe really need new patio furniture and I would love to get a vibrant rug to go under it all, too!
Cyndia Montgomery says
December 19, 2014 at 9:06 pmI live in the South too, and use my outdoor spaces at least three seasons a year. I finally got some really cool vintage iron garden furniture for the back yard, and am working on the front porch. I need a new swing, and lots of comfy pillows so I can chill out there and read!
Chelsea G. says
December 19, 2014 at 7:11 pmI would like to get a larger porch light!
Megan says
December 19, 2014 at 7:07 pmI live in Missouri so year round is not always an option, but I’d love to spruce up our front porch. It needs some TLC…
Elle P. says
December 19, 2014 at 4:56 pmI’d like to add nice lights to the walkway to the door.
Terri Hughes says
December 19, 2014 at 3:47 pmI could use some new chairs for the front porch. Thanks!
Gail McMurray says
December 19, 2014 at 1:17 pmI would buy new cushions for my chairs.
Cheryl Abdelnour says
December 19, 2014 at 1:00 pmI would add some planters and a wreath. I have also been wanting to get a sled to decorate at the entrance to our home.
MARTHA says
December 19, 2014 at 12:55 pmNeed some new potting plants spruced up and some pillows !!!! TY
lesley says
December 19, 2014 at 12:53 pmi would like a few more sago palms and to put some pretty new lights out front. we also need to repaint the patio floor.
Sara K. says
December 19, 2014 at 12:35 pmI sure could use it to spruce up my front porch area. We moved in 11 years ago and it still looks blah to me! Could paint our front door and spruce up the flowerbed area.
Beth says
December 19, 2014 at 11:42 amI would spruce up by redoing the flower beds around both porches, planting new flowers and shrubs.
HS says
December 19, 2014 at 11:25 amI’ll spruce up the outside entrances of my home with plants and flowers.
Nicole Dziedzic says
December 19, 2014 at 11:10 amI would use the gift card to add a new colorful outdoor rug, some fresh potted plants, and some new decorative pillows to my bench.
Cheryl ♔ CFoleysShop ♔ says
December 19, 2014 at 11:56 amSome new rugs and cushions would really look nice out there! It’s a bit tired looking right now 😛
Lisa Cooper says
December 19, 2014 at 10:39 amMy screened porch needs some sprucing up!
Sharon says
December 19, 2014 at 10:38 amI would add some lights and planters to the deck!
Elena says
December 19, 2014 at 10:30 amI would paint the backyard fence
Kerri KC says
December 19, 2014 at 11:10 amI would love to repaint the front door a cool color and restain the shutters!
Stacy says
December 19, 2014 at 9:56 amLittle by little I have been tackling our outside spaces, but I have not worked on our screened in porch or our outdoor deck. We live in New England, so it’s a bit harder to be outside year round. I love your patio furniture though!
Janet W. says
December 19, 2014 at 9:46 amI would love to add a solar fountain on our walkway area.
Donna Marie says
December 19, 2014 at 9:25 amI would redo my porch flooring and maybe get a new rug. I have a dog so it’s hard to decorate, but I manage to do some on the wall! Redoing the porch flooring would make it easier to sweep it and it would look better year round!!!
Mary says
December 19, 2014 at 9:21 amI would get some furniture like yours for our porch, ideally a sectional. And some cute string lights.
Ellen V says
December 19, 2014 at 8:38 amI could use some new planters. I have this same furniture.
Heather says
December 19, 2014 at 8:11 amFunny! I was JUST sitting on my back porch a few days ago thinking about how I want to change it up. It is cramped, messy, and needs a whole lof of everything…..especially since we are talking about relandscaping the back yard.
Mami2jcn says
December 19, 2014 at 7:49 amI would spruce up the porch with plants and maybe 2 rocking chairs.
Amanda says
December 19, 2014 at 6:42 amOOOOOh I hope I win this! I need some planters and cushions for my outdoor patio. And maybe some cute bug repellant containers for the summer!
Lisa Brown says
December 19, 2014 at 6:38 ami would plant flowers in pretty pots