This summer I've made some progress on my screened-in porch. It's been so slow that I almost didn't notice it. About this time last year I decided to create a sitting area on my porch. I did that on a shoestring, and I was happy with the result. But things were still very much unfinished. The bench looked like it had seen better days (which was true), and I wanted a coffee table or ottoman or something for the seating area. My budget for further work on the porch? $25. I knew I didn't need to spend more than that.
So I painted the bench black using some paint I already had on hand. Then I made some new pillows using $7.99/yard fabric I found at my local discount fabric store. So far, so good, and I'd only spent $8.
Then I made an ottoman from a styrofoam cooler, using foam and fabric I had on hand. I did spend $13 to purchase molding corner rosettes that I fashioned into feet for the ottoman. You can read about that project here.
Now my sitting area is looking pretty good, and I've spent only $21. That's progress, and I'm grateful to Amanda for reminding me that progress is worth celebrating!
such an adorable sitting area! I read about your ottoman idea and LOVE it...off to rethink my front porch. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou got a lot of bang for $21!! I would love sitting out on that porch. I hope your family is getting a lot of enjoyment from it this summer.
ReplyDeleteJust lovely! I love that bench! :-)
ReplyDeleteOh wow! What a difference a little paint makes! That looks GREAT! Love the fabric on the pillows too! That ottoman is too cute too! Aren't you smart to use a styrofoam cooler?!?! What a fabulous idea! Great job!
ReplyDeleteYay!!! You summed up the idea of the party perfectly--I couldn't have said it better. :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE the bench in black. What a simple change that makes a big difference. Pretty pillows too. I love that you had a budget and stuck to it. Now you have just enough left over to treat yourself to something at Starbucks. ;)
Thanks so much for linking up!
I like this whole idea of showing the progress. It always seem like I have half done projects. Amazing what you've done for that price.
ReplyDeleteYou decorate on my kind of budget with such beautiful style, lady!!! I love what you have accomplished. I am very curious about how you managed the ottoman...I must check that out. I could use one in our living room just like that!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and celebrating with me too...you are so sweet!
Just love Amanda's party idea too!!! I am all about celebrate progress along the journey...after all, when we think about it...isn't all of life a journey? :-)
P.S....I am your newest follower! I love what you are doing here and must read more!!! :-)
ReplyDeletewow - it looks so much more sophisticated with the dark colors. im loving it. awesome job. im here thru serenity now and am ur newest follower :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks amazing, I love the bench now, and that ottoman is just so neat how you made that. I'd like to try and make two of them for my game room so I can put a tray on there or put our feet up... but alas, I'm being frugal and cutting back spending, so it will be a while before I can try it.
ReplyDeleteLOVE it! You go, you frugal girl! : )
ReplyDeleteHello! I found your blog through Faithful Bloggers and I absolutely love it. I already feel so welcomed and hope gleam from all you have to share. Beautiful front porch by the way!
ReplyDeleteWow! This is fantastic...and all for under $25! The bench looks so much better with a fresh coat of black and the pillows are adorable. I am definitely going to try that ottoman idea.
ReplyDeleteThis special spot looks so inviting and cozy. I enjoy being a follower. Karen@placesofmyheart
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