Colorful Porch Makeover (On a Budget)

So many of us are spending more time outdoors these (quarantine) days, so I thought it'd be fun to share a fun porch makeover I worked on with my sister. The budget was $1000 and by golly we stuck to it! Oftentimes the tighter the budget, the more opportunity you have to be creative and resourceful.

The plan was to create a colorful, graphic, multi-purpose space with an area for adults as well as a space for young kids to play and enjoy.

The color palette we decided on was black and white, with pops of blue and yellow. She already had a blue outdoor rug from Target that she wanted to incorporate into the design, without committing to a predominantly blue color scheme. Other than the rug, we were starting from scratch with furniture. For $1000, purchasing furniture for an entire porch is definitely challenging. There are so many great options out there though, at retailers like IKEA and Target, as well as Facebook marketplace and letgo.

We also needed to work with the BRIGHT green, existing turf. It was in good condition and the budget didn't allow for new flooring. To make sure everything was cohesive we incorporated pops of green in some of the pillows and plants. Basically, we gave a nod to the green instead of fully inviting it to the party.

All sources are linked under the photos. Unfortunately some of the pieces are no longer available, so I did my best to find similar items.

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CONVERSATION AREA

Sources: Ikea Outdoor Sofa, World Market Coffee Table (Similar), Ikea Wicker Armchairs (Similar), Target Outdoor Rug (Similar), Garden Stool from HomeGoods (Similar), Coscto String Lights

Sources: IKEA Rattan Chair (Similar), HomeGoods Garden Stool (Similar), Target Rug (Similar), Pottery Barn Fringe Pillow

Pillow Sources: Pottery Barn Gray Striped Pillows, HomeGoods Blue Pillows (Similar), Etsy Palm Pillow, Black Polka Dot Lumbar pillow (Similar), Black Graphic Lumbar Pillow (Similar), Pottery Barn Fringed Gray Pillows

Sources: Plant pot (Similar), Aloe Vera

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KIDS AREA

Sources: Picnic table, Plant pot, Artificial Plant, Target Rug (Similar)

For $50, the kid's picnic table from Ikea is such a great find! I have one in my backyard and it is so practical for messy art projects, making mud pies and lunches outside. And as someone who likes thing to look pretty, I appreciate that it's not primary colored plastic.

And now for some primary colored plastic...

You can't win!

Sources: Slide

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What I love most about this space is how it truly reflects my sister's colorful, modern, eclectic design style, without costing an arm and a leg. AND, it's functional.

If you find yourself staring at your outdoor porch, patio, apartment balcony...etc, a lot more these days, I hope this inspires you to make the most of whatever space you have, creating an area you truly love to be in!

Photo Credit: Jenny Day