A sun porch makeover...

Like some of the other rooms in our home, the sun porch has gone through a few changes over the past couple of years. The porch is on the front of the house and is enclosed in glass windows, which open to screens when the weather is warm like it is now. We have also installed a ceiling fan out there, and there is usually a bit of a breeze coming in from the side, so it’s really a great space to sit and talk the night away. 

When we first moved back a couple of years ago and began the whole redecorating process, one of the first things I changed was the color of the porch floor. As you can see below, it was orange. But I’m not an orange person. I painted it a nice neutral oatmeal color and added some new rugs, accessories, flowers and furniture. Since it’s a popular spot for visitors, I need as much seating as I can get.

Here’s the before photo:

And below is the porch with the floor repainted and some additional furniture. It stayed like this until only recently, when I changed out and added a few things.

Here is the porch now, with the addition of a new rug, accessories and plants and my bird canvases mounted on old window frames that were just lying about.

I originally bought the bird canvases for the dining room, but they just weren’t quite formal enough. I absolutely love them, though, so they came to live on the porch, where they are perfectly at home. I love it when things like that work out.

With the arrival of the bird canvases also came an injection of color. I added teal and purple and more yellow to the mix. It makes the porch feel fun and welcoming and a bit eclectic.

The canvases hung up like that also provide a bit of privacy while still letting light through. And the purple and gold rug, which was originally in the hall before I switched it for a round light-colored flower rug, provides a wonderful burst of color while being a whole lot more comfortable to sit on or walk on in your bare feet than my old sisal rug. It’s also more forgiving if someone charges in with dirty feet. (I love the look of sisal rugs but if they ever get stained or dirty, you’re never getting them clean again. After a number of cleaning attempts over a period of months, I finally gave up on mine.) Even Miss Emily approves of the new rug.

There is one part of the porch you have not seen ~ it’s the view from the table looking in the opposite direction. That’s because I have something rather fabulous up my sleeve that I can’t wait to show you. But first, I must finish it. Otherwise, what do you think of the transformation? It’s amazing what a bit of color can do, isn’t it?

I am linking to:
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House
Blue Monday at Smiling Sally

Photos by The Art of Living Beautifully