I’m still slowly working my way through the To-Do Lists in the house (Living, Dining, and Family Rooms), but with the weather so nice, I’m turning my attention outside, too. The front porch has been neglected for several months, so it was time for a spruce-up this weekend! After a few simple DIY projects, we are ready to welcome guests again.
I’m still crazy about this monogrammed coir mat (from Ballard), but after a full year outside in the elements, it was really faded and tired.
Instead of investing in a new one, I followed Freckles Chick’s lead, and painted it! Using black Patio Paint (found at craft stores), I brushed and dabbed it over the existing letter and border.
Keep reading to see the mat makeover, and how to rejuvenate tired old door hardware.
Such a simple project, even my helper pitched in. It took us about 30 minutes, and after curing for 72 hours, the paint is weather-resistant and self-sealing.
Looks brand new, right?!
Next up was the sad-looking door hardware. I’d love new door knobs and locks, but those things are ex-pen-sive! I’m not really interested in dropping hundreds of dollars for a freaking door knob?! Not to mention, we’d probably destroy the door trying to get these old ones out.
Just like this project and this mirror, Rub ‘n’ Buff gold leaf came to the rescue! Now the knobs have a new, polished brass look. I used a q-tip for the hard to reach nooks and crannies. TWSS
After that, I gave the doors a good washing, and planted a couple of ferns. Kimberly Queens are my favorite…they stand tall and don’t grow too wide or get droopsy.
What kind of a good Southern girl would I be if I didn’t have ferns on my porch?!
I had a hankering to re-paint the door a new color, but got lazy decided I liked how it coordinated with the red accents we’ve got going on inside (I’m talking you, red ceiling.).
Here’s a little Before & After for you junkies.
Look at that hardware and doormat shine!
Have you scraped the Winter off your porch yet? What’s your favorite front porch plant? You’re totally eying your old door hardware now, aren’t you?!
I am obsessed with red front doors. OBSESSED! I love the new hardware and the spruced up mat. Fabulous!
It looks so crisp and clean! I love the update Cassie. I posted my to-do list yesterday and feel overwhelmed. But you've inspired me that it usually doesn't take long at all to tick those things one by one off our list. Great job!
oh wow, such simple fixes make such an impact. now I have no excuse for the condition of my front porch!
I am loving your front porch, the spruce up was just what it needed!
Love it, looks great. How does rub and buff hold up to the elements? Our deck door knobs look terrible, but are totally uncovered. Thanks for all of the great ideas.
Thanks Greta! Our porch is covered, so the knobs won't get direct exposure. But considering Rub n Buff is oil based, I think it will hold up well. Even if it chips or wears, that's easily fixed…and looks better than what I started with! 🙂
Hope this helps!
Bought it yesterday, going to give it a try this weekend. Will at least get us through the graduation party!
Turned out great Cassie! Love how simple and inexpensive it was.
I did the same thing with my ferns too cassie! I was so tired of planting annuals in our pots outside, so I just plopped up some ferns and I couldn' be more pleased! I still have to buff up my door fixtures, mine are in terrible condition! Love your porch and I think your little helper is a real doll!
I'm so glad you didn't repaint! You know I love those red doors. Genius move on the r&b for the hardware!
I really need to get my act together and work on our front porch. It needs some color and love!
Cutest little helper, ever! Can I borrow her? Thanks for the link love, girl!! Your mat looks amazing.
LOVE how you spruced up the porch for pennies & it looks like a million bucks!! I wish stores carried Kimberly ferns around here–mine are droopified. Saggier than Quinn with a full diaper. So glad you're keeping the red doors, I freaking LOVE 'em….especially now w/ the rub n buff handles. GENIUS. #rubnbuffhehehehe
xoxo
The porch looks beautiful! Do you know the paint color for your front doors?
Thanks Anon!!! I went back to my original post where I painted it, and I didn't list the color! #badblogger So I'm sorry, but I don't recall the name. I'm quite positive it was a Martha Stewart for Home Depot color.
Looks great, Cassie! I would never have thought about painting a doormat–genius! I'm so unmotivated to work on our curb appeal bc hardly anyone ever sees the front of our house. It's not visible from the road, and even visitors usually come in the back. Maybe this will give me the motivation I need to get my butt in gear! 😉 Hope you're having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
your porch is looking real nice
oooo! So fresh and shiny! My porch does NOT look like this yet… it's on the list!
pretty pretty pretty 🙂
Beautiful! I especially can't get over those door handles! WOW!!!
How did your outdoor patio paint hold up? Did you have to spray it with any water resistant spray?
Much better than I’d expected!!! We didn’t treat it at all.