Sometimes increasing a home’s living space is as simple as tapping into unused square footage outdoors. When Katie and John Goldsworthy began renovating their 1904 Craftsman house in Spokane, Washington, they wanted more room for their family of nine to gather. Katie saw potential in the run-down front porch and started its overhaul by painting every surface. She used specially formulated porch enamel to create large stripes on the floor, opting for a lighter shade of her home’s gray exterior coupled with white so the pattern wouldn’t overwhelm. A fresh coat of yellow on the door kicked off the overall color scheme. To make the space feel like an indoor room, she loaded it up with seating. Katie used spray paint to freshen up faded outdoor furniture that the family already owned, re-covered existing cushions and pillows with yard-sale and scrap fabric, then accessorized with new lighting, textiles, and potted plants.
Now Katie, who blogs at creativelylivingblog.com, frequently receives compliments on the makeover from her neighbors, and her whole family loves hanging out in the comfortable open-air space. As she says, “It’s amazing what some paint and fresh flowers can do!”
The Project Tally:
Cleaned, scraped, and sanded the deck before painting large gray and white stripes on the wood floor, then gave the front door a coat of yellow $110
Spray-painted existing outdoor furniture and re-covered the cushions; moved a rolling stool outdoors for flexible additional seating $20
Purchased new plants for existing flower pots and planters $60
Scored a new outdoor rug on sale $80
Added extra lighting with candles, an outdoor chandelier, and a set of string lights she decorated with flags made of fabric scraps $16
Total: $286
