I have always heard that since the foyer is where your guests make their first impressions of your home, you should take care to ensure it is just as lovely as the rest of your home. Well let’s face it, that impression is made to some extent long before guests come in your home, on your front porch. And if your front porch tells visitors who you are, then my city front porch told my visitors to run while they still had a chance to make it out alive.
My plants were sad-looking after being neglected most of the winter, the flower arrangement on the front door was faded, and the door mat was coming apart.
And (I’m not done yet) the cushions on my wicker settee said, “Don’t sit here in white pants.” I had to trash the pillows to this settee last year when a squirrel torn them up and left the filling all over my front yard. It looks like it snowed in March. I am not kidding; if you want to see the pictures, you can click here. I made my daughter take some photos of the mess, before I made her clean it up. Oh yes, I did. Why should I clean it up? It wasn’t my mess, hee hee!!
Then the tired old door mat was replaced. It’s a little small but I’m keeping it. If I get a bigger one for my front door, I’ll move this cute small one to the back door. I found this cutie at Target on sale.
Next, I tackled the wicker settee. I used 4 cans of off-white satin finish spray paint on it. Much better!!
Then, I got rid of the old cushions, yuck!! The new ones coordinate better with the color of the shutters.
The table next to the settee has been there, but I just wanted you to see the wonderful detail on it. And see the rusty finish? That’s the real deal people, not just paint that makes it look rusty. This kind of rust only comes from years of neglect.
The blue table I had redone last summer.
I painted it with ASCP (Annie Sloan Chalk Paint) in Louis Blue. Click here to see more.
I bought some new plants for my planters, keeping the ones that survived the winter. This planter needed more potting soil, and to keep it in the planter, I had to add some moss to the sides.
I just noticed my clock has the wrong time, so I guess it’s time to change the batteries.
I have to be careful what I plant here, since my front porch only gets direct sunlight in the morning. I would love to plant flowers here, but most of them require lots of sun. IF I keep them watered, these plants will do well all year (that’s a big “IF” though.)
I just had to share a few photos of the azaleas in my front yard, since they are in bloom right now.
These were small changes that did not cost an arm and a leg, but they made a big difference. I can’t tell you how much better I felt when I was finished. It had really been bugging me that my front porch looked so bad. I’m embarrassed to admit how long it looked so terrible. Considering how little money it cost and how little time it took, I wonder why I waited so long to do this.
So the changes were small, but now at least my front porch says, “Come on in,” instead of “crack house”!
I really love all the changes and I adore that little rusty table with all the great detail. So French chic looking!
Anita your front looks BEAUTIFUL and so welcoming! LOVE that little table and all it’s rustiness!
LOL, I don’t think it ever said “crack house,” but the new improvements are lovely!
Just beautiful!!! I need to spruce up my own stoop….it isn’t very inviting right now! LOL
~Des
Much better! You did a great job.
Betty
Oh so lovely! Especially the blue bistro table & chairs.
xox
“This kind of rust only comes from years of neglect.” Love it! And I appreciated the “crack house” comment as well. Ha.
I’ve been forever in search of the perfect furniture for my front porch. It’s a small porch and has all of the other necessary adornments but nowhere to sit except the steps. Gaining inspiration from your post, I’m going to search for a wicker chair and old side table. I think they would be just the right thing for my little spot.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v259/girl1der/home001.jpg
Robyn
Your front porch looks great! That is what I am doing now. Painting porch railing and front door! Anything looks so much better once there is a new coat of paint!
Love your bistro set.
Mine is in the same sorry state. Yours turned out great. The only thing missing is a little sign by the settee that says No Squirrels Allowed.
~Bliss~
Beautiful. I love your front porch. Mine needs a redo this year.. Big Time!! You’ve given some inspiration and I love it. It’s pretty warm here in Maine..81 degrees today.. funny how the weather has been this year. So, with the warm weather, it’s time to get outdoors and get moving on clean up!
Too funny about the crack house. Your entryway does look wonderful, clean, fresh and welcoming.
Be right over..okay?
Nice, especially the blue and the rust. Thanks for the tour. Your home looks welcoming and cheery and we’ve only gotten to the front door.
I love that table, and the new porch look is fabulous. You’re too funny about the plants, I never water either even though I have really good intentions. Plants see me and run in the other direction! You are so not alone in the front porch neglect category. I’m right there with you sister!
xoxo
Kathleen
I love that table, and the new porch look is fabulous. You’re too funny about the plants, I never water either even though I have really good intentions. Plants see me and run in the other direction! You are so not alone in the front porch neglect category. I’m right there with you sister!
xoxo
Kathleen
That last sentence really did make me laugh out loud! I like the changes you have made, and it does look very inviting.
It looks so welcoming, Anita.
It looks lovely! You have a great sense of humor. You made me laugh while describing the mess in your yard. The transformation is awesome!
You “crack” me up! It didn’t look that bad, but it didn’t look like the rest of your house once you crossed the threshold! Looks lovely.
Your “new” porch is so lovely and welcoming! May I suggest impatiens for that beautiful 3 tiered planter?
blessings, k
Anita,
Love all the changes.I need to get outside and do so fluffing too.I have been busy on the inside.
You did a great job Anita!
I love the white settee-
Were those photos taken with your new camera?
Laura
So much better, Anita. Your settee looks wonderful and I love your door arrangement! Your table and chair set is amazing too! I love it all!
How pretty! Your azaleas are just beautiful! I have two varieties that my Mom shipped to me from NC. One will bloom in April and the other in May. You made me laugh out loud with your last comment! As well as made me realize I really need to get some flowers planted soon! I just have a bunch of empty pots! Not very welcoming at all!
You are too funny! Your front porch looks spiffy now. I really want to attack my back deck. It’s not giving the best impression right now.
Your front porch looks so pretty and inviting, Anita. I really like the arrangement on your door.
Anita, you did a fabulous job sprucing up your entry. I love the color of your door which is so nice as a background for the flowers. Your yard looks beautiful, too. Our azaleas will be blooming soon and then I will believe spring is here. Have a great weekend enjoying the warm weather!– Shannon
Your blog post was not only good inspiration for me (to get my rear in gear) but funny too! I love the bench cushion saying “Don’t sit on me in white pants.”. Your azaleas are so pretty!
Hi Anita,
I need to do the same thing. It’s so warm here in Texas right now that I feel like it’s June. And with all the pollen- ugh! Everything is covered in yellow pollen, but it’s a beautiful sight to see everything so green again.
I’d better get with it before it’s too hot to care! haha
Have a good weekend,
T.
you definetly make an awesome first impression and have inspired me to make a great impression as well come see what I shared at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
Anita,
WoW…amazing how a little can go a long way in revitilizing one’s look! Your arangement on the front door is gorgeous!!! Loved every detail…
Fondly,
Pat