Oh happy day! We finally get to share our front porch makeover, completed as part of the 48-Hour Challenge with Better Homes & Gardens and Home Depot. The goal was simple: transform a tired porch into a beautiful, functional outdoor space on a $500 Home Depot gift card and a bit of creativity. Below is the boring blank-slate before we started with:
But enough of the past—here are the after photos!
We grouped the makeover into four main tasks: painting, building, sewing, and hanging. First, we brightened the dark-planked porch with tan and cream stripes for an instant facelift—we wanted the porch to feel light and airy to match the interior. We used a touch of leftover cream paint to lighten old black square planters too; those had been painted black recently, so this was a happy correction.
We assembled a glider bench and improvised a small side table by turning a large planter and terracotta saucer into a sealed, painted tabletop. It’s perfect for a book, a drink, or a plate of barbecue.
We also repurposed a green paisley lounge cushion by cutting it in half and resewing the pieces to create two all-weather floor pillows—perfect for relaxing on the porch. And yes, our dog Burger approves.
It’s a cozy spot for Burger to unwind after a day of chasing bugs. He loves lounging on his new floor pillows and often waits at the door until we let him out to bask in the sunshine.
To give Burger freedom on the porch while keeping him safe, we installed a simple hook and carabiner setup for his leash. It cost only about $2 and lets him roam the porch without chasing squirrels into the street. Safety note: we use a long leash so he can move around freely without risk of hanging, and we never leave him unattended outdoors. We do not recommend recreating this setup if you plan to leave your pet alone.
We also built a small food and water station using a piece of wood, wood glue, and four molding pieces as legs. A coat of green paint made it blend with the porch decor, and Burger enjoys easy access to snacks and water whenever he wants.
To add greenery and texture affordably, we hung two feathery ferns as soft dividers. At about $9 each, they help create an enveloping “outdoor room” feel without blocking the view.
We added a tan doormat that complements the striped floor and the cheerful red door, and we arranged green and cream planters to frame the bench. A few plush outdoor pillows finished the look—one medallion pillow was a clearance find at just $6.
For extra ambiance, we made hanging candle holders from inexpensive ribbed glass bulb covers from the lighting department and some wire. We chose sturdy glass so they withstand outdoor weather—they’ve already survived a few heavy rains.
At night the lanterns give a warm glow that makes the porch feel cozy and inviting.
As the sun sets, the porch becomes a quiet spot to relax. We’ll share step-by-step tutorials soon for each project—from the striped porch painting to the dog feeding station—so stay tuned.
Here’s the approximate budget breakdown:
- 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
- Burger’s Leash Hook: $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 feels inviting, cohesive, and more connected to the home. Big thanks to Home Depot and Better Homes & Gardens for the challenge—we’ve been stepping out the front door a lot more these days, in every kind of weather. Air kisses all around!