Porches — Page 2

Has To Get Worse Before It Gets Better

July 11, 2014 by Susan 63 Comments

That woman you see, the one walking around muttering and looking distracted...yeah, that's me. I know it has to get worse before it gets better but I still don't especially like it. The porch that normally looks like this... ...currently looks like this. I just keep reminding myself, chaos is a sign progress is being made. The porch has weathered well for the past six years despite being … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks

In The BNOTP Library: Sentimental Living From the Porch

June 17, 2014 by Susan 11 Comments

Sharing another one of my favorite porch books today. This one is chock full of wonderful ideas for decorating and entertaining on the porch. I noticed tonight that I purchased it from Amazon in December 2007. That's exactly when I was knee-deep in the middle of adding a screened-in porch and front porch to my home. In the BNOTP Library: Sentimental Living From The Porch: four seasons of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library, Porches Tagged With: DG Porches, Dining on Porches, Outdoor Decorating Ideas, Porch Decorating, Porch Entertaining, Porch Styles, Porch Wreaths, Southern Porches

In The BNOTP Library: Relaxing On The Porch

June 7, 2014 by Susan 21 Comments

I've been gone all day today, doing a little clothes/shoe shopping, something I rarely do. This warm weather has put me in the mood to update my summer wardrobe. I'm in love with Lilly Pulitzer dresses and skirts this summer. I didn't buy any today but it was fun looking at all the styles. I've just discovered Jack Rogers sandals. Did you know Jackie O wore Jack Rogers sandals? I didn't know that until … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library, Porches Tagged With: Back Porches, DG Porches, Front Porches, Modern Porches, Porch Decorating, Porch Design, Screened Porches, Southern Porches, Two-Story Porches

Tree Form Tardiva Hydrangea Adds Privacy and Screening To The Deck

May 28, 2014 by Susan 62 Comments

Every year I spruce up the deck a bit for the spring/summer season. I've delayed this year because I've been getting estimates for having the porch and decks pressure washed and painted and it didn't make sense to buy plants and fill up all the pots if they were all going to have to be moved, come painting time. Once plans for a Memorial Day cookout got underway, I threw caution to the wind and started … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Bottle Trees, Million Bells Petunias, Pagoda Umbrella, Tardiva Hydrangea, Tree Form Hibiscus, Tree Form Hydrangea

After The Party

May 26, 2014 by Susan 72 Comments

Welcome to the 278th Metamorphosis Monday! It's 4:00 on a Sunday afternoon. Three friends will be arriving for a cookout in one hour. Everything is ready. Somehow the party faeries have all conspired in my favor and I'm actually running ahead of schedule. There may even be time for a few minutes on the porch alone before the guests arrive. I open the refrigerator to pour myself a cold drink and OMG, I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks

In The BNOTP Library: The Conservatory Book

May 7, 2014 by Susan 5 Comments

I love the look and romance of a beautiful conservatory. Remember the one in the movie, Practical Magic? I loved that conservatory! The book I'm sharing today will have you dreaming of beautiful conservatories. In the BNOTP Library: The Conservatory Book Author: Peter Marston Hardcover: 160 pages Book size: 11.7 x 9.6 x 0.8 3 Things I Like About This Book: Pictures … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library, Porches Tagged With: Peter Marston, The Conservatory Book

Jazzing Up a Porch For Springtime Enjoyment

May 5, 2014 by Susan 41 Comments

Welcome to the 275th Metamorphosis Monday! I love, love, love how the days are getting longer. Okay, the days aren't really getting longer but you know what I mean. The daylight is staying with us more and more and I just love it! With more daylight hours for playing, it's time to get out there and spruce up our outdoor spaces and that's exactly what Mary and Dave from Front Porch Ideas and More did … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Porches Tagged With: Painting a Rug, Porch Cleaning, Porch Decor, Porch Decorating, Porch Rug

A Cure for Sagginess

April 28, 2014 by Susan 103 Comments

Welcome to the 274th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Hope it was grand! I spent much of my weekend pouring through One Man's Folly, a book I had pre-ordered and have been eagerly awaiting its arrival. I rarely pre-order a book but this one sounded like it was going to be amazing from the articles I had read online. Oh, my gosh...is it ever! Such a wonderful book! I have so enjoyed every … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage, DIY Repairs and Fixes, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: China Storage, Dish Storage, Hutch Repair, Porch Hutch, Porch Storage, Shelf Repair

The Summer Porch: Beach Cottage Decor

April 14, 2014 by Susan 94 Comments

Welcome to the 272nd Metamorphosis Monday! It's been beautiful here so I've been playing out on the porch. This is how the hutch normally looks during the spring and summer months. I usually have a variety of white pitchers displayed along the top and my fave porch dishware, Tabletops Unlimited. Ma Maison by Dario Farrucci, displayed on the shelves. I get a lot of comments and e-mails … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beachy Tablescapes, Before & After, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, Seasonal Decor

In the BNOTP Library: Garden Room Style

April 5, 2014 by Susan 4 Comments

I have a thing for conservatories, greenhouses and any room where you can bring the outdoors in. The cover of the book I'm sharing from the BNOTP library today, drew me in and it was not a disappointment. The rooms inside are just as beautiful, some even more so! In the BNOTP Library: Garden Room Style Author: Peter Marston Published: Rizzoli (September 15, 1998) Hardcover: 160 pages Book size: … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Porches Tagged With: Conservatories, Garden Rooms, Gardening, Greenhouses

Decorating the Porch for Spring

March 3, 2014 by Susan 93 Comments

Welcome to the 266th Metamorphosis Monday! This weekend was so nice here, especially Sunday. I threw open both doors to the porch and spent some time enjoying our 70+ degree weather. I did a little pre-spring cleaning, dusting off a few things in anticipation of the warm days to come. Recently, I came across this little bird feeder in Lowes. It has a rope attached and when … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: Porch Decorating, Screened-in Porch, Spring Porch, Springtime Porch, Springtime Screened Porch

Screened-in Porch Decorated For Christmas

December 16, 2013 by Susan 136 Comments

Welcome to the 255th Metamorphosis Monday! This weekend I played out on the porch, decorating it for the Christmas season. The trees are all bare now, definitely looking like winter on the porch. A view from the other end... I used things I already had for the most part. The table was decorated simply with live greenery, a sweet glittery deer, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, The Holiday Home

Decorating the Front Porch for Christmas

December 9, 2013 by Susan 79 Comments

Welcome to the 254th Metamorphosis Monday! For this week's Met Monday, I'm sharing how I decided to decorate the porch for Christmas this year. But first, let's take a quick look at the previous three years. For Christmas, 2010 I purchased a fir wreath and pine garland and embellished both with magnolia leaves from the magnolia tree in my front yard. It was also the first year I decorated the columns … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Porches, The Holiday Home

Christmas Door Ideas: Decorate with Triple Wreaths

November 11, 2013 by Susan 55 Comments

Welcome to the 250th Metamorphosis Monday! So, I was thinking this weekend, what can I share with you for Met Monday? I'm working on a few things around here, but nothing really Met Monday worthy. Ummmm, what to do? I have this fat, bulging folder on my computer labeled "Post About." It's where pictures and ideas go to marinate, often forgotten but always patiently awaiting their day to shine. If … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Porches, The Holiday Home Tagged With: Christmas Decorating, Christmas Door Decorations, Christmas Porch

Ideas and Inspiration for Your Thanksgiving Celebration

November 8, 2013 by Susan 53 Comments

Happy Friday! Are you looking forward to the weekend? Any fun plans for a little leaf ogling or cider sipping? Have you finalized all your plans for Thanksgiving? If not, you're going to like today's post! I'm excited to be joining in a fun Thanksgiving party put together by Laura who blogs at Top This Top That. The other lovely ladies participating in today's "Better Late Than Never" … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Porches, Seasonal Decor, Thanksgiving Decor, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, The Holiday Home

Getting Stuff Done & It Feels Good!

November 5, 2013 by Susan 36 Comments

Doesn't it feel good to finally get "stuff" done that's been needing to be done for ages? I know, the list is always endless, but at least I can finally check a few things off. Yesterday, I left you with a painted screened door, but before it could be installed it needed to be re-screened. It just barely fit into the back of my SUV, but thankfully it did and off we went to the screening … [Read more...]

Filed Under: My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks

How to Paint Doors Like a Pro

November 4, 2013 by Susan 68 Comments

Welcome to the 249th Metamorphosis Monday! One of the most basic DIY jobs we face at one time or another is painting. We've all painted a room or two in our time, haven't we? Paint truly has the ability to transform a space taking it from so-so to sooo beautiful! I've never been afraid to paint walls but doors have always been a bit of a mystery for me. More than once I've painted a door to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks

The Witch is In!

October 14, 2013 by Susan 81 Comments

Welcome to the 246th Metamorphosis Monday! I last posted about the front porch when it got a good bath and was relieved of all that yucky mildew and dirt it had accumulated during the intense rains we had all summer. Afterwards, I dressed the door with a fall basket. With October almost half over, it was time to change out the basket for something with a bit more of a Halloween … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, Porches, The Holiday Home Tagged With: Front Porch Decorations, Halloween, Halloween Decorating

Beautiful Victorian Home Aglow for Halloween

October 8, 2013 by Susan 38 Comments

A couple of weeks ago we visited Marie's beautiful Victorian home to see how she had decorated for Halloween. The porch was festooned with lit garland and fun Halloween bunting. It was great seeing it in the daylight... ...because it gave us a chance to really see all the fun details awaiting guests and trick or treaters. But we wondered, "What does it look like at night?" Several of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, Porches, The Holiday Home

Goodbye Mildew and Mold, Hello Shiny Clean Porch!

October 7, 2013 by Susan 63 Comments

Welcome to the 245th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently I shared an update to the front porch area of my home when I added two boxwood topiaries on either side of the porch. From a distance the porch looked pretty clean in the photos. If you look closely though, you'll see grayish streaks on the columns and the molding around the door. This spring and summer has been the wettest I've ever known … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Porches

Fall Color for the Front Porch

September 24, 2013 by Susan 51 Comments

Still waiting for a bit cooler weather to transplant the Japanese maple and to landscape around the porch, but at least the porch is a happy place! Can't wait to get those shrubs in around it. It shouldn't be long now. We've been waiting for some cooler days and I think they are here. In the meantime, I'm trying to imagine the Georgia red clay splashed up onto the brick is a lovely fall accent. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, Seasonal Decor

Decorate Your Porch for Halloween

September 23, 2013 by Susan 64 Comments

Welcome to the 243rd Metamorphosis Monday! Thanks so much for sharing so many great "blue" colors for painting a porch ceiling "haint blue" in the comments on the recent haint blue post. I'll try to create a post soon sharing all the ones you named in the comments and on Facebook. That should come in handy for anyone trying to find the right shade of blue for a haint blue porch ceiling. My friend … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, Porches, The Holiday Home

Paint Your Porch Ceiling, Haint Blue

September 20, 2013 by Susan 92 Comments

When I added a screened porch onto the back of my home five years ago, I was very tempted to paint the ceiling haint blue. For years I had seen homes all over the south with porch ceilings painted a soft, sky blue. I ultimately decided it wouldn't work for my porch because of the gable ceiling. You may remember this home from our tour of Isle of Hope just outside Savannah Georgia. It's sporting a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Haint Blue, Haint Blue Paint, Paint For Porch Ceilings, Southern Traditions

Beautiful Front Porch Addition and Garden Oasis

September 16, 2013 by Susan 74 Comments

Welcome to the 242nd Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! How was your weekend? It was beautiful weather here and you can definitely tell fall is on its way. The temps were really mild, even kind of cool at times. It was perfect weather for getting some outdoor projects done. I'll be sharing those before too long. In the meantime I have a fabulous porch addition to share! Between Naps on the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Home Tours, Porches Tagged With: Front Porch Addition, Landscaping, Porch Addition, Porch renovation

Decorate in White for Fall

September 10, 2013 by Susan 65 Comments

It's late summer and the temps are still warm here in the south, but in the evenings there's a hint of fall in the air. Yesterday I shared a new lamp I had just added to the porch. It's painted one of my fave colors, a soft green. I love the color combination of green and white. It feels so fresh and so alive. I have a hutch here on the porch and it's painted in the same pretty … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, Seasonal Decor, Thanksgiving Decor, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: Decorating in White, Fall Decorating, Halloween Decorating, Porch Decorating, Turkey Soup Tureens, White Pumpkins, White Turkeys

Porch Lighting: Create a Cozy Atmosphere with Lamps

September 9, 2013 by Susan 67 Comments

Welcome to the 241st Metamorphosis Monday! Five years ago when I replaced my seen-better-days-deck with a screened-in porch, I purchased white wicker furniture, including a wicker swing for this space. I couldn't really find any lamps I liked so I just decided to use lamps I already had thinking I'd eventually replace them with something better. It's only been in the last couple of years that I've … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Lighting, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks

A Brick Walkway Redesign

September 3, 2013 by Susan 63 Comments

In my front yard, there lives a Southern Magnolia, Grandiflora. And grand she is! I didn't place her here. Even with my limited knowledge of gardening, I know better than to plant a Southern Magnolia 10 feet out from a house. (Remember when the yard looked like this?) Let's take a little ride in my time machine. The year is 1989 and we are house hunting or "trying out houses" as Chip who … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding, Home Tours, In the Garden, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks

Boxwood Topiaries for a Traditional Landscape

September 2, 2013 by Susan 86 Comments

Welcome to the 240th Metamorphosis Monday! How's your Labor Day weekend going? I hope you're having a fun one! Well, it took some doing but I finally found a couple of matching boxwoods for the planters I purchased recently for the front porch area. Remember these large containers I purchased a couple of weeks ago? They replaced the too-small concrete pots that had been there for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks

Paint Your Front Door Heritage Red or Peacock Blue

August 7, 2013 by Susan 70 Comments

Recently, I had my front door freshened up with a new coat of paint. The final coat of paint went on day before yesterday. We ran into a little problem but finally found the solution...more on that in a sec. I stayed with my beloved, Benjamin Moore "Heritage Red." I still love that color for a front door. Since the front door was being repainted, I decided to make a few changes. I decided to remove … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Repairs and Fixes, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Blue Front Doors, Paint Colors for Front Doors, Red Front Doors

A Gardening “Before and After”

July 24, 2013 by Susan 29 Comments

Wow, crazy day! This post was suppose to be up hours ago but so much has happened today, I'm running way behind. I've decided to go ahead and sod the back yard at the same time the front yard is being done. Since the job has grown, we've decided to wait and start it on Monday. Monday will be prep day and Tuesday will be install day, barring no more rain. The sod farms can't cut sod when it's standing in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Container Plants, Deck Plantings, Geraniums, Petunias, Ponytail Fern, Sky Pencil Holly

Outdoor Outlet Switcheroo and A Brown Mulch Decision

July 23, 2013 by Susan 62 Comments

So, I have this outdoor outlet that's been bugging me. When ever I take pics of the front porch for zay blog, it always sticks out like the proverbial sore thumb. The outlet that was original to the house had quit working. When I purchased a new outlet, I thought a white outlet would be a nice change and look good with the white porch. Bad idea. I now realize I basically want the outlet to just … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Porches Tagged With: Electrical Outlet, Hiding Outlet

Decorate a Porch in Victorian Style

June 25, 2013 by Susan 46 Comments

Yesterday we saw how Amy completely transformed a little used patio into a fabulous screened in porch. Today I'm back with another wonderful patio to porch transformation, although this one was done with Victorian flair. Renee, a reader of BNOTP shared some lovely pictures of her porch addition. Is this not enchanting?! The lantern and the lovely silhouette draw you in. I want to follow that path and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Porches, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: Dollhouse, Porch Furniture, Porch Swing, Screened-in Porch, Victorian Screen Porch, Victorian Style Porch, White Wicker Porch Furniture

Screened-In Porch Addition: Patio Becomes Screened-In Porch

June 24, 2013 by Susan 56 Comments

Welcome to the 230th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently, I received an email from author, Amy Gamet. She shared some exciting news. Amy's husband had just completed work on their new screened in porch. In the picture below you can see how the back of their home looked before work had begun. Before: Construction was just getting underway in the picture below. The brick wall surrounding the patio … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Home Tours, Porches Tagged With: Building a Porch, Outdoor Carpet for Porch, Outdoor Speakers for Porch, Porch Dining, Porch Fans, Porch Furniture, Screened-in Porch, Screened-in Porch Addition

A Tabletop Greenhouse for Growing Herbs

June 3, 2013 by Susan 80 Comments

Welcome to the 227th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! Hope your weekend was wonderful! Today for Met Monday, I'm sharing a small update out on the porch. I don't often change things out here since I'm pretty happy with it, as is. If I make a change something else usually has to leave. A while back I made an update to the small oval table under the Summer Breeze sign. You may remember, it got … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding, Home Tours, In the Garden, My Nest, Nature, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: DG Porches, Greenhouses, Growing Herbs, Herbs, Screened Porchs, Tabletop Greenhouses, Terrariums

Beautiful Porch & Deck Additions: Amazing Transformation

May 13, 2013 by Susan 63 Comments

Welcome to the 225th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings! Hope your weekend was fabulous! Mine was relaxing, spent with good friends. Unfortunately, my son lives too far away for us to spend Mother's Day together but at least we were able to talk on the phone. I really should check into skyping, that would be better than just the phone. Do you Skype and if so, do you like it? HGTV Magazine and a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Home Tours, Porches Tagged With: Screened-in Porch

Fill Those Summer Pots and Planters Without Blowing the Budget

May 10, 2013 by Susan 89 Comments

This past Sunday I managed to get a little planting done before the rain started back. Most of the planting took place on the deck off to the right of the porch, the one with the bottle tree. Come spring, I'm always looking for ways to spruce up and add color and life to the deck without spending a whole bunch. Bottle trees are a great way to add color and liven things up and they require no … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Nature, Porches Tagged With: Bottle Tree, Bottle Trees, Container Gardening, Deck Plants, Foxt Tail Fern, Garden Seats, Geraniums, Ponytail Fern, Wave Petunias, Window Boxes

Solar Post Caps for the Decks

May 3, 2013 by Susan 66 Comments

Exhausted! That describes me today. Every year or two I have a company come out to pressure wash the decks and screened-in porch. The process is exhausting but everything always looks great once it's done. I had to take the sheers back down. I also covered up the outdoor speakers and the table since it was too large to really move anywhere. The outdoor wicker was moved onto the deck. Table … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Deck Lighting, Deck Post Caps, Solar Post Caps, Solar Powered Post Caps

Cover Metal Swing Chains for a Softer Look on the Porch

April 22, 2013 by Susan 77 Comments

Welcome to the 222nd Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? We had nice weather here and I decided it was time to get to work on priming the new screened door out of the porch. While I was priming it, I had a "uh-duh" moment. I wish it had been an "Ah-ha" moment, but unfortunately it wasn't. No, it was definitely an "uh-duh" moment. I suddenly realized in the midst of priming, there was … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Decks, DG Porches, Knock-out Roses, Porch Swings, Screened-in Porch, Topiary Roses

Summer Breeze Makes Me Feel Fine

April 17, 2013 by Susan 92 Comments

I couldn't stand it. It was a gorgeous day yesterday and the porch was calling, begging me to come out and play. Pollen, you are not the boss of me! I liked Lisa's idea from yesterday's post of just covering the seating areas with sheets during this high pollen season. Then when you want to enjoy the porch, you just remove the sheet and replace it when you're done. Sounds like a plan! The fans … [Read more...]

Filed Under: My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: IKEA pillows, Porch Decor, Porch Furniture, Screened Porches, Shamrocks, Sheers for the Porches, Shell Wreaths, Wicker Swings

The Attack of the Yellow Stuff

April 16, 2013 by Susan 122 Comments

I'm always getting questions about how I keep the porch looking so clean. Wellllll, it isn't always so clean. I think it just appears that way in pictures. Every spring around April, a monsoon of pollen hits. When I got home from the hospital on Friday, here's how I found the porch. Notice how the table seems to have a yellowish cast? It's all pollen and it's just getting started! You … [Read more...]

Filed Under: My Nest, Porches, Uncategorized

A New Screened Door for the Porch

April 15, 2013 by Susan 100 Comments

Welcome to the 221st Metamorphosis Monday! Thanks so much for all the wonderful comments you left on Friday's post. I'm so grateful for all your well wishes and prayers...please know that. I'm way behind in responding to e-mails so if you e-mailed me in the last week or so and haven't heard back, I hope to get caught up on my e-mail correspondence over the next few days. Each day I'm getting stronger and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks

Inching Toward Spring: An Update for the Porch

March 4, 2013 by Susan 112 Comments

Welcome to the 215th Metamorphosis Monday! For this Met Monday, I had planned to post a tutorial for the fun napkin fold I used in last week's St. Patrick's Day table setting. I know several folks asked for that and I promise that will go out in my very next post, which should be tomorrow. For this Met Monday, I have a little change out on the porch to share, one I've been needing to make for a long … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: DG Porches, Lamps, Outdoor Lighting, Porch Lamps, Porch lighting, Screened Porches, Shell Lighting

Screened-in Porches: How Much Do They Cost to Build?

February 12, 2013 by Susan 157 Comments

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is how much did it cost to build your screened porch? With spring just a couple of months away, I thought I'd share all the details, facts and figures, in hopes it will help answer some of the questions I know many folks have about adding a porch. Having a screened-in porch had always been a dream of mine. We had a small screened porch at our very first … [Read more...]

Filed Under: My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Deck and Porch Additions, Electrical Outlets for a Porch or Deck, Frog Fountain, Pergola, Porch Books, Porch Dining, Porch Furniture, Porch Swing, Screened-in Porch, Wicker Furniture

Decorating the Porch with Cedar Garland and a Snowflake Wreath

December 17, 2012 by Susan 100 Comments

Welcome to the 204th Metamorphosis Monday! For this Met Monday, I'm sharing my front porch decor for the holidays. Once again I used my Pottery Barn Knock-off Garland along with fresh cedar around the door. (Pottery Barn Knock-off Garland tutorial can be found here: Pottery Barn Inspired Garland Tutorial: Make Your Own for 1/3 the cost.) One change this year...the cedar garland has … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Porches, The Holiday Home Tagged With: Christmas Porch, Fur Muff with Hat, Ice Skates, Pottery Barn Christmas Garland, Snowflake Wreath, Vintage Sled

Make Pumpkin Topiaries for an Autumn Porch

October 15, 2012 by Susan 124 Comments

Welcome to the 195th Metamorphosis Monday! Right after I added a front porch onto my home around 4 years ago, I bought some faux topiaries from a local store here in Atlanta. I would have loved real topiaries on the porch, but I knew I'd never remember to keep them watered and they probably wouldn't survive in the shade of the porch. The faux topiaries turned out to be an expensive mistake. They … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: Autumn Decorating, Decorating for Fall with Corn Stalks, Fall Decorating, Front Porch Decorated for Fall, Indian Corn Door Decoration for Fall, Pumpkin Topiary, Scarecrow

A Fall Door Arrangement You Can Make in 5 Minutes (or less)

October 9, 2012 by Susan 36 Comments

Earlier in the fall I made this arrangement for my front door. It can be viewed in more detail in this post: An Autumn Basket for the Front Door For Halloween, there's some strange things happening on the front porch. The earlier fall arrangement just wasn't working anymore. It was a bit too dressy/formal for Halloween. I decided to create something a little more casual … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decorating, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, Porches, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: autumn door decoration, Decorate a door for fall, Fall decorating with Indian Corn, Indian corn

Decorating the Screened Porch for Fall & Halloween

October 1, 2012 by Susan 97 Comments

Welcome to the 193rd Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings! How was your weekend? If you follow BNOTP on Facebook, you know what I was up to this weekend and WOW, am I tired! It's a good tired, though. I spent much of the weekend decorating the porches for fall and Halloween. For this Met Monday, I'm sharing some fun changes I made to my favorite "room" in the house, the screened-in porch. It was … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, Porches Tagged With: Crows, Decorating for Fall, decorating for Halloween, DG Porches, Halloween, Mercury, Screened-in Porches

Greet Your Guests with an Autumn Basket

September 10, 2012 by Susan 80 Comments

Welcome to the 190th Metamorphosis Monday! Ever since I came across this picture of Mary Carol Garrity's front door with this eye-catching, unusually long basket, I've been hooked on decorating doors with a basket of flowers. This photo is from the book, Nell Hill's Decorating Secrets and it is an excellent book. I think I have every book she's written and I love them all. Highly recommend … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: Autumn Basket for Door, Fall Wreath, Floral Basket for Front Door

Paint a Rug on Your Deck

July 25, 2012 by Susan 9 Comments

If you read my earlier post today, you know I have fun day planned today! I'll be posting six (6) times today and each post will feature a wonderful "Before and After" project I've spotted during a previous Met Monday or from my travels around the Blogsphere. Instead of lumping all the projects into one big post, I've created 6 small posts that will go up throughout the day at the following times: 7:00 … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Porches Tagged With: Deck Makeover, Paint a Rug on a Deck

Drop Cloth Curtains Add Privacy and Sun Control to Outdoor Spaces

July 16, 2012 by Susan 81 Comments

Welcome to the 182nd Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Hope it was relaxing and fun! I attended an outdoor concert/dinner with friends...I have a funny picture to share soon. In the meantime, I'm excited to share a fabulous porch makeover. Lori, a reader of BNOTP knows how much this girl loves a great porch. She sent some pictures of her beautiful home with its fabulous wrap-around porch … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Porches Tagged With: Add Curtains to a Wrap-around Porch, Create Privacy for a Porch with Curtains, Curtains for a Porch, Curtains Give Privacy and Sun Protection on Porch, DIY Curtains for Porch, Drop Cloth Curtains, Outdoor Curtains, Porch with Curtains

A New Lamp for the Porch

July 13, 2012 by Susan 57 Comments

I love lamp lighting. Actually, I'm pretty obsessed over lighting in general. I never use overhead lighting, unless I'm just turning it on for a few seconds to find something I've dropped. One exception is a chandelier on a dimmer switch...those can really create a nice mood in a room. Pretty early on in the process of decorating/furnishing the rooms in my home, I discovered how lamp lighting … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Home Tours, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Lamp, Lamp with wicker or cane design, Lamplighting, Outdoor Lighting, Porch Lamp, Porch lighting, White lamp

A Dramatic Porch Renovation

July 2, 2012 by Susan 42 Comments

Welcome to the 180th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings! I hope you came through this scorcher of a weekend okay. The temps reached 108 in Atlanta! Going outside felt just like stepping into an oven. Let's distract ourselves from this unbelievably hot weather with a wonderful porch renovation. Michael, author of several books including A Teeny Bit of Trouble, blogs at Rattlebridge Farm. When not … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Porches Tagged With: Front Porch Renovation, Herringbone brick porch floor, Herringbone Porch Floor, Painting Brick, Porch renovation

Sunroom and Candlelit Patio in Gotland, Sweden

June 19, 2012 by Susan 7 Comments

I love when readers share their wonderful pictures with me. Recently, I opened my e-mail to find a deslightful surprise awaiting. Linn, who blogs at The Home Project, shared beautiful pictures of her Mom's sunroom and patio area. Linn said, "I'm currently visiting my mom who lives at Gotland, which is the largest island off the mainland in Sweden. She lives in a beyond-charming house a bit on the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Porches Tagged With: Patio, Sunroom, Swedish Design

A Shell Wreath for the Summer Porch

June 11, 2012 by Susan 80 Comments

Welcome to the 177th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings! I'm excited to share a small change on the porch for this Metamorphosis Monday. Recently, while shopping in HomeGoods I came across a wreath I have been hoping to make for a couple of years now. It all started when I saw this shell wreath online a couple of summers ago. I really wanted to make one since I have lots of nice, big … [Read more...]

Filed Under: My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: Beach Decor, DG Porches, Porch Decorating, Screened-in Porch, Shell Crafts, Shell Wreath, Spring summer wreath, Summer Decor, Summer Decorating, Summer Door Wreath, Summer House, Summer Porch

A Beautiful Mosaic Planter for the Front Porch

June 8, 2012 by Susan 38 Comments

Moving a blog is a lot like moving in real life. Do you remember the last time you moved? You know it's going to be a big job but you really don't know how big until you are in the thick of it. And while in the midst of it, you probably think to yourself, "I'll never do this again." Once you're all settled in your new home, you're happy you did it. I'm not quite to the happy stage, but I'm getting … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, Home Tours, In the Garden, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Front Porch Decor, Mosaic Planter

Springtime Means Porch Time: Answers to Your Most FAQs

May 9, 2012 by Susan 49 Comments

Now that spring has arrived and I'm using and posting more about the porch and decks, I've been getting a good many questions about the porch lately regarding its construction and furniture, so today I'm posting some of the most frequently asked questions along with three new pics of the porch during construction. Hope you find this information helpful...here goes. Q. What size is … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks

A Garden Seat for the Porch

April 21, 2012 by Susan 24 Comments

When I last left you I had purchased this cute little garden seat for the screened-in porch. That was the plan. Well, you know what they say about "best laid plans." Once I brought it upstairs... And tried it out as a little side table for this reading corner in the guest room, I didn't want to take it away. I really, really liked how it looked here. So … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Guest Room), Before & After, Blue & White Design & Decor, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Ceramic Garden Seat, Ceramic Garden Stool, Porch Decor

Garden Seat, So Versatile for the Home or Garden

April 17, 2012 by Susan 33 Comments

As the years pass things wear out, my ideas for a room in my home may change, or I find something better for a space than what's currently there. Does that happen in your home, too? It gives us an opportunity to "freshen up" and revive our rooms, giving them new life. A while back, just for fun, I created a "wish list" board at Pinterest. It's a virtual pin board where I can store a picture or idea … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Guest Room), Blue & White Design & Decor, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Living Room/Bonus (Upstairs), My Nest, Nature, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Ceramic Garden Seats, Garden Stools

A Beautiful Front Porch Renovation

April 16, 2012 by Susan 42 Comments

Welcome to the 169th Metamorphosis Monday! Michael blogs at the wonderful blog, Rattlebridge Farm, and recently she bought a new home. She's currently in the middle of several renovations, both inside and out. For this Metamorphosis Monday I'm excited to share the front porch transformation that's underway. This is how the exterior of Michael's home looked when she first purchased it. She … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Home Tours, Porches Tagged With: Front Porch Addition, Porch renovation

Wake Up the Porch & Decks for Spring

April 9, 2012 by Susan 53 Comments

Welcome to the 168th Metamorphosis Monday! Preparing the Porch and Decks for Spring: Cleaning and Planting At the start of this past winter, I decided to try something new. Instead of tossing the big geranium that lives all summer on the porch, and the three smaller ones visible behind this summer table setting below, I tucked them all away in my garage for the winter. Amazingly, they lived. They … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Garden, Gardening & Birding, Home Tours, In the Garden, My Nest, Nature, Porches, Porches & Decks, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: Decks, Geraniums, Plants for the Deck and Porch, Porch, Screened-in Porch, Spring Cleaning on the Decks and Po, Spring Planting, wintering over geraniums

Beautiful Curbside Transformations on a Budget

March 26, 2012 by Susan 63 Comments

Welcome to the 166th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings! Hope you had a fabulous weekend! I spent most of mine indoors with brief forays onto the porch. The pollen has been crazy here but we got a little rain two days in a row which seems to have helped calm down the attack of the yellow stuff. This week, for Metamorphosis Monday, I'm sharing three amazing exterior transformations. If you are living … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Porches Tagged With: Before and Afters, Curb Appeal, Exterior Home Renovations, Front Porch Update, Landscape Transformation, Landscaping, Porch Renovations, Ranch Home Transformation, Update Home Exterior, Victorian Home Renovation

Porch Fever

March 21, 2012 by Susan 40 Comments

Springtime = Porch Fever, and I have the cure. Just one question...screened-in or open today? You decide. Oh, and could you pass me a lemon for my sweet tea? Just feel those breezes! Source This is one of my very favorite houses in Grant Park in Atlanta. It has multiple porches...as in porches on ALL. FOUR. SIDES! Love! There are three porches just on the front of the home...enough to make this … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Porches Tagged With: Great Porches

Porches for Sleeping

February 22, 2012 by Susan 24 Comments

From time to time I visit a section of the Atlanta Journal & Constitution called "Private Quarters." They highlight homes of all types and give mini tours. Recently this home was featured. You can see the full tour HERE. My favorite "room" shown in the tour was the porch. I know that comes as no surprise since I have a thing for porches. This little piece of heaven especially caught my eye. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Home Tours, Porches, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: DG Porches, Outdoor Rooms, Porch Beds, Porch Swings, Sleeping Porches, Southern Decor, Southern Style

Christmas Porch with Triple Wreaths

December 12, 2011 by Susan 70 Comments

Welcome to the 151st Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Holidays! Hope your weekend has been grand! I've been busy finishing the last bit of Christmas decorating for the front porch. Come a bit closer and check it out. I usually use pine garland around the door for Christmas, but last year I had to buy enough to go around the door twice because it was sort of skimpy looking. So this year I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, DIY, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Porches, The Holiday Home Tagged With: Christmas Decorating, Christmas Front Door Decoration, Decorate Front Porch for Christmas, Decorating with Wreaths, Grandinroad Knock-off, Pottery Barn Inspired Garland

Front Porch Decorated for Halloween

November 1, 2011 by Susan 40 Comments

Wow, what a fun night! I love, love, love Halloween. I have so many wonderful memories from my childhood of trick-or-treating with friends, so Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. I decorated the porch pretty simply for Halloween this year. I covered the front door with the "creepy cloth" used as a tablecloth in THIS previous Halloween tablescape. (You can see the door minus the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, Porches, The Holiday Home Tagged With: Front Porch Decorated for Halloween, Halloween Decor

Autumn Comes to the Porch

October 18, 2011 by Susan 74 Comments

I've been playing outside today, bringing a little fall to the porch. During the summer it looks something like this Because the porch is all white (for the most part) it's a blank slate for anything you can dream up. For the 4th of July, it looked like this. (4th of July porch can be viewed here: Porch Decorated For the 4th of July) It was time to add a little fall to the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Home Tours, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, Seasonal Decor, Thanksgiving Decor, Thanksgiving Holiday Home Tagged With: A Fall Porch, Decorating for Autumn, Decorating for the Seasons, Porch Decorated for Autumn

Warming Up on the Porch

October 6, 2011 by Susan 55 Comments

Welcome the the 163rd Tablescape Thursday! Cool fall nights are perfect for hot chocolate out on the porch. Where would you like to sit? How about on the swing? There's a soft, warm blanket to keep you warm and a great book awaits. The late afternoon sun is so wonderful streaming in across the porch. The evening breeze carries the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, Seasonal Tablescapes, Tables for Two, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, Thanksgiving Decor, Thanksgiving Holiday Home Tagged With: autumn table setting, Autumn Table Settings, autumn tablescape, Decorating with Acorns, Fall Decorating, fall table setting, Fall Tablescape, Fall Tablescapes, Hot Chocolate on a Fall Porch, Porch Dining, Tablescape Thursday, Warming up the Porch for Winter

Screen In Your Deck Easily & Inexpensively

August 8, 2011 by Susan 47 Comments

Welcome to the 133rd Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Did you spend any time outdoors grilling or just sitting on your porch, patio or deck? Would you spend more time outside if you didn't have to cope with the bugs and that hot summer sun? I'm so excited about the metamorphosis I'll be sharing today. Recently, Terry who blogs at La Bella Vie, shared a few pics of her answer to enjoying … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Porches Tagged With: Instant Screened-in Porch, Screen in a Deck Inexpensively and Quickly

Pressure Washing the House and Porch

July 20, 2011 by Susan 20 Comments

On your last visit to the porch, it looked like this... All decorated for the 4th. Today it looks like this... And this. Stripped down...no cushions. The view out the breakfast window... The view from the office. So, that's what color the pergola really is. Clean and shiny! … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Home Tours, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Cleaning the Decks, Cleaning the Pergola, Cleaning the Porch, Pressure Washing

Patriotic Porch for the 4th of July

July 4, 2011 by Susan 115 Comments

Welcome to the 128th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Independence Day weekend! Hope your weekend has been going great! I'm having a little cookout tomorrow so I've been busy with preparations. Did you already have your 4th of July celebration or will you be celebrating tomorrow? I'm excited to share big changes I've made out on the porch over the last week. I've been busting to decorate the porch in a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Home Tours, Independence Day Decor, Independence Day Holiday Home, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, The Holiday Home Tagged With: 4th of July Porch, Before and After Porch, Decorating in Red, Metamorphosis Monday, Patriotic Porch, Porch Makeover, Porch Makeover for Independence Day, Screened-in Porches, White and Blue

Historic Cottage Restoration, Part V

June 27, 2011 by Susan 51 Comments

Welcome to the 127th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Metamorphosis Monday! For this Met Monday, I'm excited to share another update on the historic Tyson-Stedham home in Adel, Georgia. This beautiful Arts and Crafts home will be turning 100 years old next year. Wow! Unfortunately over the past 99 years, previous owners had made renovations that were not in keeping with the original style of the home. Dustin, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Historic Homes, Home Tours, Porches Tagged With: Historic Home Restoration, Metamorphosis Monday, Porch Restoration

Historic Home Restoration, Part IV

May 30, 2011 by Susan 32 Comments

Wecome to the 123rd Metamorphosis Monday! Hope your Memorial Day weekend has been relaxing. I've been busy scrubbing labels off colorful bottles...ummm, what might that be about? :) I'll share this little project soon but today I want to bring you a fabulous update on the Tyson-Stedham house. When we last left this historic home, Dustin of Van der Fleet Designs and Restoration, along with his crew, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Historic Homes, Home Tours, Porches Tagged With: Historic Home Restoration, Porch Restoration, Tyson-Stedham Home Renovation

A Kitty Cat Rail for the Porch

May 3, 2011 by Susan 19 Comments

While we continue enjoying all the fabulous "Before and Afters" linked for yesterday's Met Monday, I wanted to share a little addition you may want to consider adding or building into a screened-in porch if you have kitties living in your household. Recently I received an e-mail from Marcy who shared a fun feature she and her husband added to their porch: a kitty cat rail. Marcy told me, "The post … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Porches Tagged With: DG Porches, Living with Cats

9 Great Features For Your Screened Porch

April 26, 2011 by Susan 119 Comments

A little over three years ago I was faced with a big decision. I had a badly deteriorating deck and I knew if I didn't replace it then, I would surely have to replace it before I ever listed my home to sell it one day. How often do we do that--wait until it's time to move before we fix things or make improvements we've dreamed of for years? Then it's the next homeowner who gets to enjoy our hard work. If … [Read more...]

Filed Under: My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Building a Screened-in Porch, Deck and Porch Additions, Great Porch Features, Must Haves for a Porch, Porch Addition, Porch Dining, Porch Fans, Porch Furniture, Porch Outlets, Porch Swing, Screened-in Porch

A New Market Umbrella for the Deck

April 19, 2011 by Susan 60 Comments

It's that time of year--the time when we go outside, look around and take stock. Mother Nature has a way of taking her toll on our outdoor furniture and my green market umbrella had definitely seen better days. When I first bought this huge, 9-ft umbrella for my patio furniture, I was so proud of it I never left it outside. Back then the deck wasn't a very fun place to entertain or to spend any time. The … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Home Tours, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Deck Umbrella, Market Umbrella, Outdoor Umbrella

Candy’s Beautiful Porch Addition

April 6, 2011 by Susan 35 Comments

One of the best parts of blogging is receiving e-mails and photos from readers of BNOTP. Candy e-mailed back in September to let me know she had been so inspired after seeing my screened in porch, she decided to add a screened-in porch on to the back of her home. Along with the photos of her porch, she wrote: "It is truly a work in progress. Thank you for your blog; if it wasn't for your porch, I would … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Porches

Candlelier Silhouetted Against a Blue Hour Sky

March 22, 2011 by Susan 25 Comments

From time to time I've shared this deck that's located to the left of the screened-in porch. This deck area is underneath a pergola and has a large candlelier hanging above. I really love this outdoor fixture. I bought it right after I added the porch and decks HERE a few years ago. It came from a store (Smith & Hawken) that has unfortunately gone out of business. You can still buy some of their … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Photography, Home Tours, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Blue Hour Photographer, candelier, Pergola

Spring Sprucing on the Porch

March 21, 2011 by Susan 87 Comments

Welcome to the 113th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings! Hope your weekend was fabulous! I had plans to start working on the walls in the office, sanding and patching, sanding and more patching. But Mr. Max had other plans. I couldn't get him to abandon his perch on the desk and I don't think sanding while he's in the room would be such a great idea. Tomorrow, I'll try again and I may have to just lock him … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Home Tours, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: Porch Seasonal Decorating, Seasonal Decor Changes

Porch Hutch from Fall to Spring

February 28, 2011 by Susan 50 Comments

Welcome to the 10th Metamorphosis Monday! I gave myself a break this week from working on my home office. Instead, I've been playing out on the screened-in porch. I couldn't resist since it's been in the 60's all this past week and actually hit 75 degrees here today! I know this warm weather isn't going to last, but I had to play a little since it was so pretty. I decided to make a few changes to the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Porches, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: Fall to Spring Decorating, Porch Seasonal Decorating

Snowbound

January 11, 2011 by Susan 56 Comments

Snow so high I couldn't even open the screened doors to go out on the decks to take pics...so these were taken through the screens. Before: After: Decorating by Mother Nature... Before: After: The swing cushion has never even gotten wet when we've had tornado rains. It was a blooming blizzard, y'all! Before: After: Before: After: Don't worry … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Porches, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: Snow in Georgia, Snowbound

The Southern Living Idea House in Senoia Georgia: Tour the Outdoor "Rooms"

January 8, 2011 by Susan 29 Comments

Hi Everyone! Hope your weekend is off to a great start! I mentioned in my last post that I'm getting ready to take my son's old room apart and turn it into an office space for me. It's an emotional renovation and will be difficult in the beginning, but once all the furniture is out of the room and safely stored, the hardest part will be over. When he graduated from high school and went off to UGA, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Porches Tagged With: DG Porches, Gardening Bench, Outdoor Rooms, Outdoor Spaces, Patios, Porch Swings, Potting Bench, Senoia Georgia, Southern Living Idea House, Southern Style

Decorate Your Porch for Christmas

December 6, 2010 by Susan 109 Comments

Welcome to our Deck the Halls party and the 98th Metamorphosis Monday! I can't wait to see all the wonderful holiday decorating you've been doing in your home! A couple of weeks ago, I shared a Pottery Barn hack where I made and decorated my porch columns in garland very much like the PB ornament garland, but for less than half the price. (You can read that post HERE and you'll find the tutorial to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, The Holiday Home Tagged With: Christmas Decorating, Exterior Christmas Decorating, Lantern Decorated for Christmas, Mantel Decorated for Christmas, Porch Decorated for Christmas, Traditional Christmas Decorating

Pottery Barn Inspired Garland Tutorial-Make Your Own!

November 23, 2010 by Susan 102 Comments

For Metamorphosis Monday, I shared this wonderful photo from a Pottery Barn Catalog and a little info about how I was inspired to re-create a similar look for my front porch for less than half the price of the PB Garland. As promised, I'm back today with a tutorial on everything you need to know to make this ornament-covered garland for your home. Before we get started, let me torture you with a couple … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Porches Tagged With: Christmas Garland, Make Your Own Pottery Barn Christmas Garland, Pottery Barn Christmas Garland, Pottery Barn Christmas Garland Tutorial, Pottery Barn Knockoff

Update to Autumn Basket

September 29, 2010 by Susan 19 Comments

My Fall Basket: Well, I took everyone's combined advice and I: 1. Decided to keep the fall basket on the door since most of you liked it. I made it taller and skinner so I think it looks much better...less wide and overwhelming on the door. And 2. I cut the whiter flowers off the bunch of sunflowers they were attached to. I dispersed them throughout the arrangement. For some reason, they looked … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Home Tours, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: Decorating for Autumn, Fall Basket for the Front Door, Seasonal Front Door Decoration

An Autumn Basket for the Front Door

September 26, 2010 by Susan 127 Comments

Welcome to the 89th Metamorphosis Monday! I need your help today...I can't see the forest for the trees, so tell me what you think. I have a pretty fall wreath I sometimes place on my door...but this year I thought I'd try a basket instead. Here's how my front door has looked all summer. Nice, but time to put this look away and welcome in the fall season... I found this large basket … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Home Tours, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, Seasonal Decor, Thanksgiving Decor, Thanksgiving Holiday Home Tagged With: Decorate Porch for Fall, Decorating for Autumn, Fall Basket for the Front Door, Fall Florals

Cleaning and Staining Decks

May 24, 2010 by Susan 70 Comments

Welcome to the 71st Metamorphosis Monday! A few Met Mondays back, I shared this blue hour pic showing a candelier that hangs from a pergola over one of the decks off the porch. Well, something got ticked off with me and decided to take it out on my candelier. I've been bringing in the bird feeder that hangs off this deck area because something cleans it out every single night. And apparently, something … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Cleaning and Staining a Deck, Raccoon Damage

Knock-out Roses, Just in Time for Mother’s Day

May 8, 2010 by Susan 41 Comments

I've planted pink Knock-out Roses in tall urns on my deck. I've been using hibiscus here for the past two summers, but the squirrels tip-toe onto the deck...yes, they tip-toe, they know they are doing a bad thing...and they completely strip off all the leaves on my hibiscus. After two summers in a row of that nonsense, it was time to try something new. So, this year, it's Knock-out Roses...and these … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Knockout Roses, Topiaries

Hiding Ugly Swing Chains

April 26, 2010 by Susan 97 Comments

Welcome to the 67th Metamorphosis Monday! Metamorphosis Monday: I don't have anything dramatic to share this week for Met Monday, but I thought I would show you some of the spring fluffing I've been doing out on the porch. A couple of weeks ago, I took the swing chain covers off the swing, tossed them into the hand wash basket of my ancient GE washing machine, poured in a smidgen of bleach and gave … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Decorating, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Hide Metal Swing Chains

Decorating the Porch for Halloween

October 11, 2009 by Susan 82 Comments

Welcome to the 39th Metamorphosis Monday! For this Met Monday, I thought I'd share the transformation my front porch goes through each year around Halloween. Normally it looks something like this... But, then.................... On a dark and shadowy All Hallows Eve, a ghost, a witch, and a goblin cast long, dark shadows as they glide past the open flame of a lit gas lantern. The … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, Porches, The Holiday Home Tagged With: decorating for Halloween, Halloween Holiday Home, Metamorphosis Monday

Front Door Decoration to Welcome Guests

July 22, 2009 by Susan 98 Comments

A couple of weeks ago I shared a sweet metamorphosis that was happening out on my front porch. right down here inside the basket of flowers on my front door. Remember these sweet babies...little house finches newly hatched. Well, I'm happy to report they grew up big and strong and flew the coop to do little birdie things. Some of you guys left comments on that post that had me a bit … [Read more...]

Filed Under: My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: Front Door Basket, Front Door Decoration, Spring Decoration for Front Door

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