Wondering how to decorate a front porch for under $185? I created this fabulous front porch plan over a two-month period. My former self would have run out and purchased a bunch of stuff in a week. Stuff that I’d outgrow within a few months. I swear my Curious personality (ENFP) is always craving something new. It’s why I end up buying a bunch of new stuff, and within a week or so, I’m like, No. Wanting something new leads to compulsiveness which is part of my personality, I’m working on accepting and evolving. Instead of compulsiveness, I’m trying to get better at thinking things through. I gotta say I’m pretty proud of myself. The front porch renovation project was a great start.
Affordable Decorating Ideas
A few tried and true tips to keep porch renovations affordable are to use and recycle what you already have. Talk to your friends about the project. Friends always seem willing to give you a few odds-and-ends their not using. The funny thing is their odds-and-ends are typically a perfect fit. Of course, I’m an estate sale nerd. Antiques have so much character, and the details of old-world craftsmanship fascinate me. I just love it. Also, when shopping retail, if it’s not on sale, I pass, and coupons are a must.
The Breakdown
Here’s a quick breakdown of how I managed to pull off a front porch renovation for under $200:
- The gorgeous wicker couch was picked up at an estate sale for only $60. (The cushions are spring cushions – yeah, it’s that well made. The lady I purchased it from said it was her mother’s from the 1930s. Her mother had been using it to watch the boats come and go on Mobile Bay.)
- The small wicker table that holds the Hydrangea was also picked up at the estate sale for $20.
- The throw was purchased online at Steinmart for $7.
- The large pillows found on the couch and chairs were an Amazon buy $35 (I had the pillow inserts)
- The lumbar pillow was my big splurge again at Steinmart for $18.99.
- Wicker waste paper receptacle found at Old Time Pottery $6.99.
- The curtain was also purchased at Old Time Pottery for $9.99 (could have done better on that but with what’s happening I left it be.)
- Doormat was found at Old Time Pottery for $9.99.
- The hanging, shade-tolerant jasmine, was $12.99 at a local nursery.
- My neighbors contributed the fern, the hanging basket, and the long bench, which I use as a table. I found a gorgeous wicker basket curbside and painted it white. Here are a few more places to find great affordable stuff; Facebook Marketplace, Estatesales.net, Geebo, LetGo, Backpage, Mercari, and others.
- What I had on hand were two turquoise metal chairs, the seat cushions, the metal table, the throw rug, the grapevine leaf wreath, the metal birdcage, and a wall sconce. Plus, I used the stuffings from other pillows for the new ones I purchased. The glass bottle that holds the Hydrangea was an apricot brandy bottle. I loved the shape and saved it for just this reason, to keep one-stem, fresh flowers.
Total: $181.00
Why the Front Porch Decoration Was Important
The front porch renovation was a necessity because I treat this space as my Zen Den. The porch overlooks 200-year-old oak trees, trees that provide homes for woodpeckers, cardinals, blue jays, hawks, and of course, the squirrels who believe them to be their playhouse. They kinda are. These majestic oaks bring shade and breezes even on the hottest of days. And since I don’t have a backyard and a minimal front yard, this space is my connection to nature, which is vital for me. It’s a place where the writing flows, effortlessly. Call me crazy, but I believe the flow is my connection to these gorgeous trees that majestically line the streets here in midtown Mobile, Alabama
On the Front Porch
So many of us living in the south, find our front porch to be a place of relaxation and peace. I was tickled pink to see how many people in Mobile, actually use their front porch. I moved here from Florida, and I can’t ever remember seeing people on their front porch. It was always a mystery to me. But here in Midtown Mobile, everyone’s out on their front porch; spring, summer, and fall. I even like to go out in the dead of winter with a cup of hot cocoa, there’s something about the brisk air that makes me come alive.
A Gathering Place
A front porch is a gathering place. I know for me when friends come over, we talk about life, and current events, remember funny times, and cry about our hardships and what we’re facing. When it’s hot, we enjoy a popsicle or two and drink ice tea, while fall is a lovely time for mulled ciders and wines. Gathering with friends is one of life’s simple pleasures. It’s about sharing, connecting, learning, and growing. There’s something about a porch that harkens back to simpler times. Times when talking, lingering, and just listening were an art form vs. today’s hi-tech – low-touch world.
On the Front Porch With Nina Zapala
Lastly, I want to introduce you to a podcast idea I’m working on entitled on the front porch with Nina Zapala. It’s going to be about fun things to do on the porch; food, drinkies, and what’s near and dear to my heart and soul, conversations about the human spirit. The front porch seems like the perfect place to get the conversation rolling on what personality typing really is. How it can work in your life to inspire a spiritual journey, and how it can help you come to terms with your authentic self.
Deep discussions. Interviews to happen. Lots of learning, and it’s my hope, awakenings, and aha moments. I promise it won’t be dull. I’m a wack-a-doodle so dull isn’t in my vocabulary. For now, it’s back to the front porch for some holiday R&R! It’s summertime, enjoy the simple moments. Hell, that’s why I wanted to share how to renovate a front porch for under $185 so you could do the same.
How To Decorate a Front Porch for Under $185.
It’s always my intention to help you discover the simple pleasures in life. It’s one of the reasons I wrote how to decorate a front porch for under $185. I want you to enjoy unique aspects of yourself, that you may not even recognize. Sometimes doing something different reveals aspects of yourself just waiting to be found.
Every day is a gift. You’re a gift, a gift with great potential. That’s why the Universe assigned you a distinct personality type and embellished your soul with your own brilliant DNA blueprint. You’re here to remember and share your beautiful self with the world. We are all different. After a ten-year tsunami and years of reflection and learning, I now know, on a soul level, that spirituality doesn’t come in a pre-labeled box. It comes from your higher self. What many don’t realize is that your personality dictates your spiritual approach to life, just like it dictates your travel style, lifestyle, and career- and now my front PORCH!
Make Understanding Your Personality Type a Priority. It’s the best relationship you can cultivate in this lifetime.
Make understanding your personality type a priority. It’s the best relationship you can cultivate in this lifetime. Of course, with all good things in life, if you do the work, take responsibility, and make personality typing with a spiritual understanding, a daily ceremony, you’ll reap the rewards. Once you do, you’ll realize the only way for your higher self to express itself is through a healthy persona – the two can’t exist without each other.
It’s a profound awakening, moving you closer to your truth, unshackling you from a purposeless existence into a new reality of unlimited possibilities. You’ll be ready for any occasion, situation, or event – travel, relationships, career, and most importantly, a meaningful life.
I know this to be true because this is precisely how it works in my life.
Join The Movement
Will you join me on this journey? I believe spiritual personality typing is Divinely timed. It’s a relevant new tool to assist those who aspire to ascend during the great awakening we are all experiencing. So let me ask, are you ready to learn more about who you really are to illuminate your soul Self?
Then please subscribe to Nina’s Newsletter. You’ll get front-row seats to my upcoming book, my new membership portal, and monthly tips for positive mental health! It’s shenanigans on steroids.
xoxo 🙋🏼♀️
photo: Nina Zapala
