We’re excited to share the reveal of our front porch makeover, completed as part of the 48-Hour Challenge with Better Homes & Gardens and Home Depot. With a $500 gift card and a clear plan, we transformed a dull, neglected porch into a welcoming outdoor living space that’s functional, comfortable, and budget-friendly. Below is the plain starting point we began with:
And now for the after—the refreshed porch that invites us to linger:
Our makeover focused on four main areas: painting, building, sewing, and hanging decor—each intended to make the porch feel like an outdoor room. We started by painting the dark-planked floor with wide tan and cream stripes for an instant lift. The lighter palette creates a breezy, cohesive connection with our interior and instantly brightened the space. We also used some leftover cream paint to update our square planters, which refreshed their look without extra cost.
Next we assembled a glider bench and improvised a small side table by sealing and painting a large planter with a terra cotta saucer turned tabletop. It now holds a book, a drink, or snacks—small, practical touches that increase usability.
For comfy seating on the floor, we repurposed a green paisley lounge cushion. By cutting and resewing it into two all-weather floor pillows, we created cozy spots for lounging—especially loved by our dog, Burger.
Burger’s new lounge is a highlight—he now sprawls happily on the porch and watches the world go by. To keep him safe while still giving him freedom to explore, we installed a simple leash hook and carabiner system that keeps him from bolting into the street. We always use an extra-long leash so he has plenty of room, and we never leave him unattended while secured.
We also built a small raised feeding station from a piece of wood, glue, and repurposed molding for legs, then painted it to match the porch palette. It keeps food and water at an accessible height and blends in with the overall design.
To add greenery and soft division without blocking views, we hung two feathery ferns. Affordable and low-effort, they help define the seating area and contribute to the “outdoor room” feel. A neutral tan doormat complements the striped floor and the bright red door, and matching tones between the bench and mat create a balanced, cohesive look.
We added green and cream planters to flank the bench along with plush outdoor pillows for comfort. One of the pillows was a clearance find, proving you can create high-impact styling without overspending.
For evening ambiance, we made hanging candle holders using sturdy ribbed glass covers from the lighting section and wire. The durable glass has already stood up to heavy rain, and the soft candlelight adds a cozy glow at night.
As the sun sets and the porch lights glow, the space feels complete—a comfortable porch perfect for morning coffee, evening drinks, or just watching the neighborhood go by. We’ll be sharing step-by-step tutorials for key projects like the striped porch painting, the planter side table, and the dog feeding station soon.
Budget breakdown (approximate):
- Glider Bench: $200
- Porch & Floor Paint: $45
- Planter-Turned-Side-Table: $40
- Planters & Plants to Flank Bench: $80
- Bench Pillows (two): $25
- Lounge Cushion Converted to Two Floor Pillows: $25
- Dog Feeding Station: $10
- Leash Hook & Carabiner: $2
- Hanging Candle Holders (three): $20
- Hanging Ferns (two): $18
- Doormat: $15
- Misc. Supplies (brushes, hooks, etc.): $18
- Grand Total: $498
We couldn’t be happier with how the porch turned out. It’s now a practical, stylish outdoor retreat that fits our lifestyle and budget. Thanks to Better Homes & Gardens and Home Depot for the opportunity to take on this challenge—we’re already enjoying many more moments on our refreshed front porch.