Spring is easily my favorite season, and it’s finally almost here in Richmond. This weekend we were able to finish a cosmetic makeover of our front porch and set up a fire pit in the backyard. I cannot wait to tell you more about these projects!
When we purchased the house, the previous owners gifted us a set of three plastic Adirondack chairs and a baby lawn chair. I also had a green plastic bistro table and chairs set from my previous apartment. When I moved, I simply dumped all the porch décor out front and decided to let it go until Spring. The porch looked cluttered but was not a priority since it was fall/ winter. After a few teases of spring weather, I knew I was ready to conquer the front porch.
First, we acquired hanging basket planters from Aldi. I love Aldi- simple $12 fix, that added some contrast to our green décor. From there, we found a free wicker settee on the Nextdoor app. This loveseat nearly fell out of the car on the ride home. We are fortunate that we did not get pulled over by the cops, as I am certain we broke several traffic laws. We also had a VERY good laugh on the drive home. The previous owners gave it to us for free, as the chair arms and backs were in rough shape. I went a little trigger happy with the glue gun, and an hour later, the wicker piece had a new lease on life.
Next, I upcycled a creepy chair I found in the attic. I simply unscrewed the back and seat cushions, and then used as a plant stand for our “Homeland plant.” Daniel and I are big fans of Homeland and I snagged this plant from the Habitat Restore once the show finished filming a couple weeks ago. It brings me great joy in knowing our houseplant probably provided some of the air Claire Danes breathed during filming!
Finally, we picked up new cushions and pillows for the settee. Together we settled on a floral pattern which repeated green tones from the bistro table, but also added reds, blues, and beige to the color palette. We grabbed a simple end table, to finish the space.
Total cost of the porch makeover: <$150. Not too bad!
Once the front porch was cleared, we moved the Adirondack chairs to the backyard on one of the flatter areas. We researched strategies to build a fire pit from pavers, but settled on purchasing a pre-assembled faux-stone fire pit. For a about the same price, we were able to finish the project in about an hour. It should be worth noting that a good 30 minutes of this project was picking up “gumballs,” so that our guests will not trip as they find their seats. Once the weather warms up, we will give the chairs a good hosing down, but for now they work just fine.
After we set up the backyard, we enjoyed sitting around the non-existent fire. We have reached the conclusion that we really have the perfect yard for introverts (like ourselves). The lull of the Powhite highway adds a heavy layer of white noise, and we have tons of critters that together make for excellent daydreaming. It really makes a great place to get lost in your thoughts.
There you have it, two projects in one weekend! Come on spring weather, we are SO ready for you!
XOXO,
Kari