Wednesday, April 13, 2011

My Mission: A Pretty Southern Front Porch

Other than painting the exterior doors, sprucing up the outside of the house in Hooterville has taken a backseat to other, more pressing projects.

IMG_3043 (C&E)

Across the front of the house is a nice size covered porch.

IMG_3039 (C&E)

Although I still have a million and one projects left to do inside the house and there are still more moving boxes that need to be unpacked, I’ve got a bee in my bonnet to start fixing up the front of the house, especially the porch area.

This is my inspiration photo.  Love this!

source unknown via savvysouthernstyle.blogspot original photo source unknown

I see  several definite similarities between my porch and the one in my inspiration photo....long and narrow, brick house,  shutters, and columns… so I think it would be relatively easily achieve the same type of look. 

IMG_3038 (C&E)

The heck with all the unfinished inside projects.  I’m a woman on a mission!   I’ve decided that starting this weekend, my current projects include:

  • a whole lot of pressure washing
  • painting the porch ceiling a pretty shade of light blue  (Did you know blue porch ceilings are an old Southern tradition?  There are numerous theories as to why...  fooling spiders and wasps into thinking the ceiling is the sky, to blue being a color of good luck, to the color extending daylight, to scaring away evil spirits.)
  • painting the shutters black
  • a fresh coat of white paint on the columns
  • stain or paint the concrete floor
  • find pretty wicker furniture and cushions
  • a new outdoor ceiling fan
  • plants and flowers

Hopefully, we will be enjoying our hot summer evenings with a cool drink on a pretty, Southern-inspired front porch.  What is your favorite way to spend a summer evening?

15 comments:

Diane said...

When I was young I loved to sit with my Grandpa and listen to him whistle to the Bob Whites and them answer him back. I don't whistle so I like to sit and listen to the crickets and frogs and birds. We have a friendly owl that hoots most evenings.

Anonymous said...

Hi Shari! Oh, you can do it! You amaze me with all the energy you have. You spiff things really good and your inspiration porch is gorgeous.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Jocelyn said...

Shari, this will be so beautiful and inviting! I would love to know where you find white wicker furniture. I've looked for my back porch, but have not been successful, at least in my area.

Jocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

Donna said...

Great project. I love the inspiration picture, too. Good luck.
D

Cindy said...

It will be beautiful, Sherri,
I love your inspiration photo and you are very good at duplicating something when you are on a mission to do so. Good luck on it!
Hugs, Cindy

Marilyn said...

Great inspiration picture and I can't wait to see your version. ♥♫

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Hi Shari,
I have a back porch like yours, it's to early here in Pa. to start on it but you sure made me think about what I'll do out there when the time comes♥

Rondell

Kim said...

I can't wait to see how your porch turns out....love the inspiration picture!!

Betty said...

Sounds like you are going to be one little busy bee this weekend.

Please tell us how you do your porch floor. I am debating about painting or staining too this year.

We love to sit on the porch, drink a cold glass of tea and watch the Sun set most evenings, weather permitting that is.

Adrienne said...

Oh, I want a porch! Yours is wonderful and I can't wait to see what you do. Your inspiration photo is perfect and I know you can do it! I only wish I lived close enough to sit on your porch and chat with you!
~Adrienne~

Pink Roses and Teacups said...

Hi Shari,

Oh I love this inspiration picture! yes, I am sure you can do that! Can't wait to see how it turns out.

Debbie

Lottie said...

Oh, I can't wait for this makeover! I know it is going to be a beautiful transformation if you do it! Love the inspiration picture!

deb said...

Can't wait to see it!!

Carol said...

I love your inspiration picture! Can't wait to see your finished porch, I know it will be beautiful.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Hope you make it up to Dade City soon, there are so many wonderful antique shops and restaurants there, it makes for a wonderful day.
Carol

Bring Pretty Back said...

I can not wait to see your porch project completed! Your inspiration porch is gorgeous! Can't you just see yourself having a cup of coffee out there in the morning!
Please keep us updated!
Have a pretty day!
Kristin