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Small Porch Transformation—Before & After

Collage: horizontal deckbox, planter with flowers, table with storage, chairs with storage and table with storageCollage: horizontal deckbox, planter with flowers, table with storage, chairs with storage and table with storage

Do you have a small outdoor space that’s underutilized? Maybe it’s an odd-shaped space, in a bit of disrepair, or cluttered with items that don’t have a proper home. Check out how this  homeowner used three simple tips to solve for these issues on their back porch, creating a more functional space that feels like an extension of the home.


Step 1: Define a Purpose
What should this space do? What is its role in the home? In this case, the porch is used to store bicycles, outdoor games, and other items the homeowner needs easy access to. Beyond storage, it’s also used to sit and relax (after a long bike ride, presumably) and enjoy some afternoon shade.

"Before". Shaded porch with two chairs and a small table between."Before". Shaded porch with two chairs and a small table between.

The homeowner decided on a layout that would flow with the space and create opportunities for storage to keep things tidy. They decided to keep the seating area close to the grill for easy lounging while cooking, while keeping the more substantial storage on the other side of the doorway to delineate the space. 

Pro top: Think about your travel path taken from other areas of your home to the space in question. Make sure you don't obstruct that travel path with furniture or storage that will inhibit the space's flow.Pro top: Think about your travel path taken from other areas of your home to the space in question. Make sure you don't obstruct that travel path with furniture or storage that will inhibit the space's flow.

Step 2: Clear and Clean Up
Now that they had a plan, it was time to get to work. They cleared and power-washed the space to start with a clean slate. A few weeds needed pulling and they installed some decorative stone to freshen things up. After hanging a pair of solar lamps to bookend the space, it was ready for the next step.

Collage: Wall-mounted hanging lantern-style porch light; powerwashing the porch floor; front door floormatCollage: Wall-mounted hanging lantern-style porch light; powerwashing the porch floor; front door floormat

Step 3: Add Seating and Storage
On to the fun part! For this space, they chose a horizontal shed to store bicycles and other items that need to be kept safe from the elements, as well as a pair of comfortable club chairs and an end table. With a small space it’s important to make sure every piece has a purpose, so the extra storage space in the chairs and end table means this lounge set is doing double duty! Storage-a-plenty with good looks that can be dressed up to suit any style. Finally, the homeowner brought life to the party by adding some traditional décor touches and four 16-inch planters filled with beautiful blooms.

Collage: horizontal shed with bikes, pillow on chair with storage, planter with flowersCollage: horizontal shed with bikes, pillow on chair with storage, planter with flowers

Underutilized outdoor space? Not anymore! This back porch transformation was simple, easy, and fun. Looking for a weekend project for your home? Why not transform a small outdoor space of your own!

After: entirety of the small porch. Left-to-right: table with storage between chairs with storage, planter, horizontal shedAfter: entirety of the small porch. Left-to-right: table with storage between chairs with storage, planter, horizontal shed

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