Doin' That Front Porch Thang...

<em>With news of the devastation in Oklahoma, I want to say how very sad I am, as we all are, for those who have lost everything. Praying for some relief for everyone affected. </em><br /><br />Things are coming along here. Several days ago I posted ideas for decorating my front porch, which you can read <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/2013/05/front-porch-decor.html">HERE</a>. <br /><br />I am nowhere near finished, but have been making a start at the porch re-do. It has been somewhat hindered by our new tenants, the bees. Several phone calls and no one seems able to give us a quote on removing said bees. Therefore, I'm trying to garden and decorate, albeit a little jumpy as the bees get too friendly. Dive bombing bees can be disconcerting! So far I haven't been stung, so I carry on. <br /><br />Here are a few things I've been working on: <br /><br />The easiest quick fix I've done so far for the porch has been painting the pots. I've decided to go with black, although I'll probably add in some more colorful pots as the summer goes on. Funny how much difference a quick coat of paint can make.<br /><br />From YUK: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaysatTUFodKBRhlLbBf-GSggd18X8pV0XqjJU2gGprVBfW8RGeU4tHVGYAXp2rz7M12c8Uc2yiltfgUWukB43TA7_11LwSx1msUZJaCILPtyJ_NVGhh2EEx2M-sVuyymiofiBxYeL92E/s1600/5-21-13+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaysatTUFodKBRhlLbBf-GSggd18X8pV0XqjJU2gGprVBfW8RGeU4tHVGYAXp2rz7M12c8Uc2yiltfgUWukB43TA7_11LwSx1msUZJaCILPtyJ_NVGhh2EEx2M-sVuyymiofiBxYeL92E/s320/5-21-13+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><em></em><br />To NOT TOO SHABBY:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKXCYyd4V438S3I50ZDmDJbaPsllhEH35ydfspDp8IXUZPEOYOZFkyut8ytPEzdqdBn1poey9nNoTxSkq-srY2f98FZ942Gm8ObweWZIu7s7vG1TYGAD7lEmkHqlanIzU-9ceZGfCUgg/s1600/5-21-13+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKXCYyd4V438S3I50ZDmDJbaPsllhEH35ydfspDp8IXUZPEOYOZFkyut8ytPEzdqdBn1poey9nNoTxSkq-srY2f98FZ942Gm8ObweWZIu7s7vG1TYGAD7lEmkHqlanIzU-9ceZGfCUgg/s320/5-21-13+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><em></em><br />(Look how much more the details on the planter show up.) <br /><br />After I dusted the pots, making sure to rub off any chipping paint, it took two coats of black spray paint to give them a good cover.  I've got quite a few more to do, but need to make another trip to Home Depot to replenish my spray paint supply!<br /><br />A few weeks ago I made a wreath for the front door. It looked pretty cute for the beginning of Spring. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img class="CSS_LIGHTBOX_SCALED_IMAGE_IMG" closure_uid_754794670="19" height="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgYOcEj_oSWw1SB35vhpzwLuWyd1FNsn1rT85mAKd6zsk3UB_mhNsXG52rO3sMGMzYXE2QXIPO7HjMY29XsX_JNZUl_98xeR1EnDp6cpjYD74V10YZTD8jT-yOZY6N2Yuv_FjCKiE9lc/s1600/4-26-13+009.JPG" style="height: 592px; width: 394px;" width="1064" /></div><br />But I decided it should be in full bloom by now! Enter the glue gun and some more fake flowers from the dollar store:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQss-leFejR32K5SAPVQp2Vs9v17lkenEJfNsCbzd6y5J4pcvBMlCU3tFcQOgjZdCwmbYSASBKQAb59lNJ9stL2lfipW92ymp2Vm6NseWDT6uZlAXMDhiUkx9qrO6MWkRKpsMOehB0AAA/s1600/5-21-13+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQss-leFejR32K5SAPVQp2Vs9v17lkenEJfNsCbzd6y5J4pcvBMlCU3tFcQOgjZdCwmbYSASBKQAb59lNJ9stL2lfipW92ymp2Vm6NseWDT6uZlAXMDhiUkx9qrO6MWkRKpsMOehB0AAA/s320/5-21-13+022.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />Next up I bought some curtains. I found some sheer panels at Big Lots, which were on sale for $5. I was thinking of something more colorful, but now I'm pleased that I chose a more neutral light brown. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTKkkZHgNsN1fdR6zKRQEDHCzc0JB5sWAfam_M9luMlRx_E9NN4uKCI57FkXI4XFXivOdgmVEolr4JqCCSuRhZ_9sPHqPyWiYjFriHIPvvK6U8ERNgb82Uplyx5AarQKcmaYkESEutZA/s1600/5-21-13+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTKkkZHgNsN1fdR6zKRQEDHCzc0JB5sWAfam_M9luMlRx_E9NN4uKCI57FkXI4XFXivOdgmVEolr4JqCCSuRhZ_9sPHqPyWiYjFriHIPvvK6U8ERNgb82Uplyx5AarQKcmaYkESEutZA/s320/5-21-13+016.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaguv11e3n2RB7yN8NHvRwE8qN70uZtcH-2oYzD9MVdEy4IU6P3k0uKlBx_3i90A4-uzSLdgELy6aTmGw2pYCXsCJsFX8-wPPpUgTBm3D-9V_1LPj66dIN6iWRNV-SCIHb5Ojsk3OhIE/s1600/5-21-13+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaguv11e3n2RB7yN8NHvRwE8qN70uZtcH-2oYzD9MVdEy4IU6P3k0uKlBx_3i90A4-uzSLdgELy6aTmGw2pYCXsCJsFX8-wPPpUgTBm3D-9V_1LPj66dIN6iWRNV-SCIHb5Ojsk3OhIE/s320/5-21-13+018.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-rJnX6eZKEgZ8l38eG8PV1JVwiNS1m5CpQ6Vw0nHZteEz84y3GMul6IDDYIgAXUf5yjbalGlG1ifA3X9mQ1jqEJEFNrdFo7zc2l7qH9f97Pcww3z9-WD974-uA1hYoNam7-9CRNzMAo/s1600/5-21-13+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>I used tension rods to hang the curtains. I'm not too happy with the "brass", so the rods will get a spray with white paint in the near future. I love the way the curtains flutter in the breeze. They really make the porch look cozy. In fact, I took them down to adjust, and when Big A walked out he commented how boring the porch looked without them. They just seem to fit the space. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQss-leFejR32K5SAPVQp2Vs9v17lkenEJfNsCbzd6y5J4pcvBMlCU3tFcQOgjZdCwmbYSASBKQAb59lNJ9stL2lfipW92ymp2Vm6NseWDT6uZlAXMDhiUkx9qrO6MWkRKpsMOehB0AAA/s1600/5-21-13+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDIs0dqw8HM718vqdxCdWnd2QuhZNAP4z1y9sRMv2z6wL8MSV77qG6z6C4-tk7vDVppOA8GN1NvFWuAbFUrjDzucmZxFIl_vH05knDcY2f9IebBgS6rvZyyLIsNW_Px7ySnu9Zt2HyJ0/s1600/5-21-13+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDIs0dqw8HM718vqdxCdWnd2QuhZNAP4z1y9sRMv2z6wL8MSV77qG6z6C4-tk7vDVppOA8GN1NvFWuAbFUrjDzucmZxFIl_vH05knDcY2f9IebBgS6rvZyyLIsNW_Px7ySnu9Zt2HyJ0/s320/5-21-13+025.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br /><br />Next up is painting the rockers. They have a matching little table, which I guinea pigged and painted an "espresso" brown. I wanted to make sure that I didn't prefer brown before I committed to painting the chairs. Now that I've painted the table, I'm certain I want them to be a glossy black as I originally thought. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaysatTUFodKBRhlLbBf-GSggd18X8pV0XqjJU2gGprVBfW8RGeU4tHVGYAXp2rz7M12c8Uc2yiltfgUWukB43TA7_11LwSx1msUZJaCILPtyJ_NVGhh2EEx2M-sVuyymiofiBxYeL92E/s1600/5-21-13+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4IpeFox5CpDJy1u_C6Lhz1lDHkjJJRB57NGGjMrotWM0N1k1JWJAApE9Dx6KthhmfZdHzAoi7cY0zJoIQ9hN7tV8wXUPBcKksLjMou6iu8Pe3hxjcwopEfRwhEepB9COVxPJPKpSwh4/s1600/5-21-13+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4IpeFox5CpDJy1u_C6Lhz1lDHkjJJRB57NGGjMrotWM0N1k1JWJAApE9Dx6KthhmfZdHzAoi7cY0zJoIQ9hN7tV8wXUPBcKksLjMou6iu8Pe3hxjcwopEfRwhEepB9COVxPJPKpSwh4/s320/5-21-13+023.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The brown looks a little too BLAH to me. Don't you think?  <img alt="" class="image pinImage pinme" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinimg.com/736x/e8/42/cd/e842cd6ebd6afb620b789962273284a8.jpg" style="height: 460px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 360px;" /></div>Now, just to keep it real, let me tell you about a little mishap I had. When I went to take the lid off the spray paint to paint some of the pots, I happened to pop off the little white spray nozzle. This happens once in a while.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZrHRBTpkwGVwraURtaKPmN-DXZ8BSNJel1yyq259HrgQVC_1rWBkSGO2IXDhd9GwnUTcZw6zL_5pxefKULYgepqgRW1mbxd6VyVAGIzPgovufNF9BwOw7NawOtPhCuw769FAJfEQAno/s1600/5-21-13+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZrHRBTpkwGVwraURtaKPmN-DXZ8BSNJel1yyq259HrgQVC_1rWBkSGO2IXDhd9GwnUTcZw6zL_5pxefKULYgepqgRW1mbxd6VyVAGIzPgovufNF9BwOw7NawOtPhCuw769FAJfEQAno/s320/5-21-13+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />And it's an easy fix. But in my infinite wisdom, I tried to push the little white spray thingy back on, and proceeded to spray myself full in the face. (Not so smart. And not so pretty. Spray paint does not double as eye-shadow as it turns out.)<br /><br />With my face painted and my eyes burning, I felt my way (arms out, eyes scrunched closed) up the cellar stairs and down the hall to the bathroom to wash my face. And I thought, <em>"Ooh, that's why they say to wear protective goggles".</em><br /><br />So, regardless of my mishap - the show must go on. I have to paint the chairs, find rugs, finish the pots, and then <em>PLANT</em>. I also plan to paint the front door black, but I need help from Big A on that one. I'm planning on having this done by Memorial Day. Yeah, next week. <br /><br />In the meantime, hopefully, I will manage to get rid of the bees. And keep the air-headedness to a minimum. <br /><br />So what about you? Do you have any outdoor projects going on? I'd love to see them! <br /><br /><br />Linking today:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">TUESDAY</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">One Project at a Time at A Bowl Full of Lemons</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.theironstonenest.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Transformation Tuesday at The Ironstone Nest</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://cedarhill-ranch.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">The Scoop at Cedar Hill Ranch</span></span></a><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://cupcakesandcrinoline.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Project Inspired{d}at Cupcakes and Crinoline</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">You're Gonna Love It at Kathe with an E</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Transformed Tuesdays at PJH Designs</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://cozylittlehouse.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://sugarbeecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Take a Look Tuesday at Sugar Bee Crafts</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://elizabethandco.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Be Inspired at Elizabeth and Co</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://twelveoeight.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Pretty Things Link Party at twelveOeight</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://adiamondinthestuff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Time to Shine at A Diamond in the Stuff</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Too Cute Tuesday at Funky Polkadot Giraffe</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://domestically-speaking.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">The Power of Paint Party at Domestically Speaking</span></span></a><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://therusticpig.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Creatively Tuesday at The Rustic Pig</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Show Me What You Got at Not Just a Housewife</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://thewinthropchronicles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Share It Link Party at The Winthrop Chronicles</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://naptimecreations.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Tasteful Tuesday at Naptime Creations</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.flusterbuster.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff7755;"><span style="color: black;">Fluster's Creative Muster Party at Fluster Buster</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.cleanandscentsible.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff7755;"><span style="color: black;">The Creative Spark at Clean and Scentsible</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.madetobeamomma.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff7755;"><span style="color: black;">Homemade by You at Made to be a Momma</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.sweetlittlegals.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff7755;"><span style="color: black;">Trendy Tuesday at Sweet Little Gals</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Savvy Southern Style</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"></span><a href="http://www.lovegrowswild.com/2013/04/time-to-sparkle-link-party-6.html#comment-form"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Love Grows Wild</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"></span><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Coastal Charm</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"></span><a href="http://www.adventuresofadiymom.com/"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Adventures of a DIY Mom</span></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"></span><a href="http://romanceonadime.com/take-it-on-tuesday/take-it-on-tuesday-tiot-blog-hop-76/"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Take It On Tuesday</span></span></a><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"></span><a href="http://ifitsnotbaroquedesignblog.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">If It's Not Baroque</span></span></a><br /><a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/tuesdays-treasures-131/"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">My Uncommon Slice</span></span></a><a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/tuesdays-treasures-131/"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> of Suburbia</span></span></a></div>

Doin' That Front Porch Thang...

With news of the devastation in Oklahoma, I want to say how very sad I am, as we all are, for those who have lost everything. Praying for so...

Read more »

Front Porch Decor

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello There! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a rainy day, so I'll be honest, my job for today is scouring Pinterest and the HGTV website for ideas and inspiration for our front porch. It's working! I feel inspired and excited. Here's my conclusion: With a little bit of work, a few bucks, and some sunshine, we're going to have a comfy front porch this year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are a couple of pictures of our house and front porch (they're old pix, and don't show the foundation garden we put in last year, but I'm not going out in the rain to take a new picture for you - I might melt).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGCdJcvXXihftBKzZaQhnKBCRvhAkFgGXxlzQRTcNIhsENKejwg48vdPL39t-SlpHuYWa3O4fXsM-G_S9VJNpzs_yBHwQ6OLTNqHusTu9Uf0-xg8xcIKYUdobBwA7_6MStKgtgiWuG4E/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUA7piXgl-3JfKOl5o2X6gLWlaD8j6jlfkDG5fvcFRp1WD6GyUkbUhTdS4rYI4ge-tEJ3ydQ50EXJrPJc7dCa31Y-qFEDQuE8zfkPrruo7nx4GijjCOhvRbF016LrvRAF8YMAxqUeMus0/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUA7piXgl-3JfKOl5o2X6gLWlaD8j6jlfkDG5fvcFRp1WD6GyUkbUhTdS4rYI4ge-tEJ3ydQ50EXJrPJc7dCa31Y-qFEDQuE8zfkPrruo7nx4GijjCOhvRbF016LrvRAF8YMAxqUeMus0/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>As you can see the lattice is black, as are the shutters. (It's funny, in these pictures it looks like we could be in a development, but we're actually in the middle of nowhere land, with trees all around us!) <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ2SbBQzg0sP1704K03QaL1jKpvd-UAbpyp1xw49azh4wA6__EWl839VQZRtU5LFx-7E3rU7HRK46Yjt79qB_gHYFTbXG0qGtzpXiSMMjNGYXwP5BP8ZJMsavqUcM1DJrvrAj8m_iGn4/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ2SbBQzg0sP1704K03QaL1jKpvd-UAbpyp1xw49azh4wA6__EWl839VQZRtU5LFx-7E3rU7HRK46Yjt79qB_gHYFTbXG0qGtzpXiSMMjNGYXwP5BP8ZJMsavqUcM1DJrvrAj8m_iGn4/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See, this is my front yard! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5bf1OvPGn_NYQ-Rtp29Gk6C260M-DvWDPMlDe1oSSnFZQJxS1Nb6CWFtX4qh6XjH7aJNxabrkjYfDceH2lGg3VoSZD_rHhpxSsSdLtTlKn5LcIx2t-DAqbSoks37pm_HyBr1dLd-Tis/s1600/IMG_1291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5bf1OvPGn_NYQ-Rtp29Gk6C260M-DvWDPMlDe1oSSnFZQJxS1Nb6CWFtX4qh6XjH7aJNxabrkjYfDceH2lGg3VoSZD_rHhpxSsSdLtTlKn5LcIx2t-DAqbSoks37pm_HyBr1dLd-Tis/s320/IMG_1291.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>Sorry, I get sidetracked.  So, the porch is pretty long and skinny, therefore, my seating options are somewhat limited. Either side of the front door there is room for a small cafe table, or a few rockers. <br /><br />The first thing I want is a couple of runner sized indoor/outdoor rugs. That's about the only size rug I can fit.  I did search around various blogs and Pinterest for tutorials on making my own rugs. A drop cloth rug may be something I could do, but with all I have goiong on this summer (weddings, birthdays, graduations) - I'm hoping to buy a rug or two.  I feel kind of guilty, but, here's one I love. Yellow is my favorite color, and I think it would look great on either side of the porch. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8K0N9i6KqXDH_NEMG0dxe3dDEYZGHuygrl3ylljjIX9okqSi3uujqNFqnAFRBClHtfr3CBeuzNnj9etqTJj5AlglTyma2izwMlb3SweH_EK41suqTdvzfXAKv9y18UzpzXeZW7tGRu-U/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="main-image" rel="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31iKeXjqZPL.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></div><br />This porch below is about the shape and width of our porch.  I am loving the curtains. I am going to hang curtains on the far ends (not along the front). I want something breezy and colorful. I'm making my own, using fabric from the fabric store. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.front-porch-ideas-and-more.com/image-files/porch-curtains-lnl3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Handmade curtain panels by Lori Lawson" border="0" height="525" hspace="12" src="http://www.front-porch-ideas-and-more.com/image-files/porch-curtains-lnl3.jpg" width="394" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I look at our front porch all I can see is the white front door. Look at me, I'm boing! (That's what it's saying to me - or maybe that's just the voices again). Anyway, my hubby, Big A, agrees that the door looks boring, and we're painting it black. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ2SbBQzg0sP1704K03QaL1jKpvd-UAbpyp1xw49azh4wA6__EWl839VQZRtU5LFx-7E3rU7HRK46Yjt79qB_gHYFTbXG0qGtzpXiSMMjNGYXwP5BP8ZJMsavqUcM1DJrvrAj8m_iGn4/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ2SbBQzg0sP1704K03QaL1jKpvd-UAbpyp1xw49azh4wA6__EWl839VQZRtU5LFx-7E3rU7HRK46Yjt79qB_gHYFTbXG0qGtzpXiSMMjNGYXwP5BP8ZJMsavqUcM1DJrvrAj8m_iGn4/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, I did a little research, and found a tutorial on painting the front door. Sounds easy enough. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theidearoom.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/painted-black-door-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="painted-black-door " border="0" class="aligncenter" height="604" src="http://www.theidearoom.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/painted-black-door-2_thumb.png" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="how-to-paint-a-front-door" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How to paint your front door <a href="http://www.theidearoom.net/2012/06/how-to-paint-a-door.html">HERE.</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Another easy fix for the porch is to paint all of the pots. Whether they're plastic or ceramic, a coat of fresh paint (spray paint works), is an easy upgrade. Just remember it's important to use paint that will withstand the elements outdoors. <br /><br />I've been checking out the local garden centers. All of the different colored pots are beautiful. I'm especially drawn to the gold, but I have to admit, gold wont work for our home. Not this year anyway. Everything is so new, (we built our home just 2 years ago), the gardens are a work in progress, and the grass hasn't fully grown in yet.  <br /><br />I'm thinking the gold might be "making a silk purse out of a sows ear", as my great-grandmother used to say. I don't really know what that means, but gold would be too fancy for our home. I think black for the larger pots and some colorful little guys, would look a lot better. <br /><br />The pot below is great - just paint a large pot and put our house numbers on it. I can do that!<br /><br /><img alt="" class="image pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d8/b0/1d/d8b01d4a4e117b74a70588c841919dc7.jpg" style="height: 981px; width: 736px;" /><br /><br /><br />We have two rockers, similar to the one below, which were a gift from my parents. They're natural wood, and unfortunately, they were attacked by the dog.  Hey, it's hard to tell the differece between a chair and an intruder. <em>SO</em>, the chairs get a makeover - wood fill for the chew marks, and a new coat of paint too. I think they'll look gorgeous painted black. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="image pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinimg.com/736x/e8/42/cd/e842cd6ebd6afb620b789962273284a8.jpg" style="height: 460px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 360px;" /></div>To match the yellow rug, I'm thinking some yellow patterned pillows for the black rockers.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="image pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/26/02/aa/2602aabbd615e72fed07d4f96f608b35.jpg" style="height: 640px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 480px;" /></div>I like the stripes and patterns above.  I'll make my own <em>DIY No Sew Pillows.</em> (All I'm going to do is use two tea towels, glue gun the edges and fill with fluffy stuff.) <br /><br />My favorite idea, is one I used at our old house. I am going to put Hostas and Coleus in the long window box planters, and put them along the front railings. As the plants grow they create some height and natural privacy. Plus, they're pretty easy to grow, and very colorful. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="image pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinimg.com/736x/4b/86/87/4b8687b54cc62b81c070794a5f8db7f1.jpg" style="height: 552px; width: 736px;" /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="image pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/736x/8e/e5/5e/8ee55ee2c6a67634329a431bbf2740d8.jpg" style="height: 350px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 350px;" /></div>To hang them along the railing, I use the brackets below:<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000LNTXUE&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><br />They hook over the railing, and they adjust to the width of the planter, which is handy. <br /><br />Now, in case Big A, wasn't paying attention, this is the rug I want. What? I'm just giving him ideas for my birthday! <br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=fymoho-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BBM5I3A" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00BBM5I3A&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><br />So what are you doing for your porches. Got any cool ideas?

Front Porch Decor

 Hello There!   It's a rainy day, so I'll be honest, my job for today is scouring Pinterest and the HGTV website for ideas and insp...

Read more »