Our front porch makeover has evolved over time including replacing the double front doors, installing a brass doorbell, adding faux planters and making the lights a visual impact to the space.
It’s a pinch-me moment over here. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but our front porch is finally done! I’m a HUGE believer in upgrading dated hardware, doors and lighting and in this space we needed to do all of those things. After each new piece was installed, we got closer and closer to a space that I loved. To be honest, I love adding a piece here and there over time, because I appreciate it that much more.
Let’s take a look at where we are and then I’ll explain some of the upgrades, why we did what we did and what I’d highly recommend!
Modern Front Porch Makeover
Isn’t it beautiful? Let me help you really see how beautiful it is compared to where we started five years ago!
Here’s the BEFORE Front Porch:
When we first moved in, there were storm doors over the double wood front doors. They were broke and didn’t add any visual interest, so I quickly took them off. After that, I tried to improve the space by adding decor (an outdoor DIY rug and some plants!).
A few months later, I made some plywood house numbers, DIY planters to flank the doors and added a few other pieces (like the bench and wall decor).
As you can see from this pulled back picture, the landscape was out of control, the doors looked ok from far away but the handles were installed incorrectly and, overall, the space just looked dated.
The covered front porch stayed at this stage for a few years.
Two years ago, we decided to replace the front doors. We debated trying to save them but, ultimately, they were unable to be saved and modernized. The fresh new look of the glass and the dark doors, made the front so much more inviting! Plus, it added some much-needed light in our entryway.
As you can see here, the space got updated a bit with decor as well. As much as I loved those plants by the front door, they just didn’t last. We have so many squirrels and chipmunks around here (and deer too – we live by a lake) that everyday, I would go outside and those plants would be dug up and on the ground.
After repotting them, covering the soil with rocks, etc., I finally gave up and replaced the plants with fake ones! Our Fall Front Porch is pretty much how the space looked for another six months or so!
Christmas rolled around again, and I found a better style for my porch. You can see more sources of the Modern Christmas Front Porch in the blog post last year if you are curious!
Spring rolled around again (2018) and I decided to update the doorbell button. This was the easiest and cheapest project and I LOVE it!
Finally, there was only one last thing to update (minus decor which is always changing) and that is the lights! A few of you loved the lights; and although they are very high quality and unusual, they just didn’t speak to me!
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I was able to partner with Lumens to replace the lights and boy, do the new ones shine!
Porter Outdoor Wall Sconce | Metal Planter Pots | Faux Boxwood
As I replaced the lights, I decided to replace the old planters that I made as well as upgrading to larger faux plants for the new planter pots that I bought. It all came together so well! One thing that I really kept in mind for the front porch makeover was making sure to choose items that would go with all seasons! The wreaths on the front door will, of course, change when it warms up a bit as Spring comes and the pillows will change as well. Other than that, the rest of the items are timeless.
As I’ve gotten more and more into the house renovation projects, I know my style is a balance between modern and classic traditional. I love to find the balance and, although sometimes it can be hard, I think the porch is a perfect balance of how my style and the house aesthetic come together.
Can you spot the one ugly piece here? It’s not *technically* on the front porch, but it’s close! Ha! Our exterior lighting around the house will all eventually be getting upgraded. I took down the shutters this past year and updated some of the landscaping. Maybe this year, it’s the year to update more landscaping and the rest of the exterior lighting. We shall see what this year brings, but for now I’m soaking in the transformation of the front porch.
Shop The Front Porch Makeover
Front Porch Before and After
BEFORE:
AFTER:
I thought I would leave you with a few ideas that might help you get started on thinking about how to update your dated front porch!
Front Porch Makeover Ideas
- Replace or upgrade your front doors
- Install a New Doorbell Button that matches your aesthetic
- Consider replacing your lights
- Consider decor purchases that will work for all seasons
- ie. My black mirror
- ie. My white bench
- Fake Bushes
- Wreaths that will work for all seasons (this is a great macrame wreath DIY)
I hope the evolution of my front porch space inspires you to make small steps towards working on a space in your home and appreciating it as each new phase happens. Renovations don’t happen overnight and the best thing you can do is stay encouraged by being excited about each new thing as it happens.
Ashley, your porch looks 100x better. I love that you show the progression over time. And those new lights are gorgeous!!
Thanks Angie! It always feels great to look back over the progress!
Your porch is stunning, what a difference from the beginning. I really like the statement lights, they add so much character to your space.
Thanks Sarah! I hoped they would add character and you are right, they totally do!
Ashley, Those doors and those lights are GORGEOUS!!! They make such an impact on the overall space…think when you work on a space for a period of time, instead of all at once, you are more likely to get it right! And you surely got it right on this porch.
Well done my friend!
hugs, Lynn
Thanks Lynn! I’m a slow decision maker when it comes to design so for me, the longer it takes… usually the better it ends up! Thanks!!!
What a difference! I think the lights really make a huge difference. That is next on my list to do for my front steps. I think the lighting is original to the house.
Thanks Michelle! Our lighting was original as well! It makes such a difference to upgrade the lighting (it’s my favorite thing to do on both the inside and the outside).
Wow! You’ve done amazing things with your front porch, Ashely! I love all the finishes you’ve chosen. Your taste is
Thank Robin! I was going for timeless finishes that could go with different style and I think we got there!
Hi Ashley, I saw your porch photo on Lumens and it looks GREAT!!! My decorator had recommended the Porter lights for our home. She recommended the 29″ but I haven’t seen them in person and it makes me anxious to order them that large. What size are the lights that you have in this photo? They appear to be either 25″ or 29″. Thank you!
Hi! Thank you. The front door lights are the 29”. We went with the 25” on the front of the exterior around the house and they feel like the right size but I wanted the front porch one’s to feel substantial. If I were you, I’d definitely go with the 29” … they’ll have an impact but not feel overwhelming.
Here’s the example of the 29” by the door and the 25” on the front of the house: http://liketk.it/3ee7Q
Thank you SO much for the quick response! You have no idea how much I’ve been stressing about this. When I saw your front door, I knew that would be the perfect size. I REALLY appreciate your help with this! I’ll be ordering them today. 🙂