Porch Renovation: From Rancher to French Country Cottage

When Krystol sent her remarkable before-and-after exterior photos, we had to share the transformation. Her thoughtful renovation turned a simple rancher into a charming French country–inspired cottage. Below is the note she sent describing the process and choices that made the makeover so successful.

I love your blog and I thought you might like our recent porch renovation. We’re trying to take our rancher to a French country cottage. First, we removed the porch railings and moved the posts a bit further apart. One of the posts was right in front of the door, which felt unwelcoming, so shifting the posts immediately improved the entry flow.

Next we sheathed the existing posts in rough-cut oak, which added warmth and a handcrafted feel. We also installed a second set of posts to give the front door more presence. One of the most striking additions was a pair of arches—each carved from a single curved tree trunk section by my husband—bringing an organic, custom look that complements the cottage vibe.

For the siding, we applied a limewash instead of paint. Limewash is made by mixing agricultural lime with water and applying it to brick. Unlike paint, limewash allows the brick to breathe rather than sealing in moisture. It gradually wears away over time, creating a soft, weathered patina that enhances the aged, cottage aesthetic. The process is eco-friendly and inexpensive: a bag of lime costs about $10, and we used eight bags for our house—so roughly $80 for materials—while a full paint job would have been far more expensive.

The trim was painted in Farrow & Ball’s French Grey, which harmonizes beautifully with the limed brick. We replaced the original front door with a secondhand door from Habitat ReStore, then updated the hardware with Emtek pieces for a polished finish. To complete the porch, we added seagrass rugs from World Market to bring texture and a welcoming feel underfoot.

I love your blog—it’s an inspiration to DIYers everywhere. I hope you enjoy the front photos. – Krystol

Below are the visual stages of the project. First, what the house looked like before the renovation:

Next, the house during the limewash process, showing how the lime softens the brick and introduces that classic, aged character:

Finally, the finished porch with new oak-clad posts, carved arches, the replaced front door, and coordinated furnishings that complete the French country cottage look:

The results are truly dramatic. The house now reads as a cohesive, welcoming cottage rather than a typical ranch entry. The combination of limewash, rough oak posts, and custom-carved arches creates texture, warmth, and an architectural focal point at the front door. Liming the brick was a smart, budget-friendly choice that delivers character while allowing the structure to breathe—an advantage over traditional exterior paint in many situations.

This renovation also demonstrates how small, well-chosen changes can have outsized impact: repositioning a single post, adding a second set of posts, and swapping in a different door and hardware all worked together to alter the home’s curb appeal. The carved arches are a standout detail, showcasing craftsmanship that feels authentic and timeless.

What stands out most depends on your tastes—some will love the carved arches for their artistry, while others will be drawn to the soft, aged look of the limed brick. Either way, Krystol’s project is a great example of how affordable materials, a clear design vision, and a bit of DIY effort can transform a home’s exterior.

Thanks to Krystol for sharing the before-and-after photos and for describing her process. If you’re planning an exterior update, consider limewash for a breathable finish, reclaimed or thrifted doors for character, and natural wood details to add warmth and personality to your entryway.