Welcome to my manufactured home porch makeover! There’s something about a front porch that whispers promises of slow mornings. But my porch remained an underutilized space for far too long – a blank canvas lacking curb appeal.
After dedicating so much time to remodeling the interior. I craved a welcoming entrance that reflected the warmth inside. This year, I embarked on a budget-friendly DIY project to transform our porch into a serene haven for relaxation. Let me share the journey!
![Cozy porch decorated for summer with blooming flowers and ferns.](https://erdtknyop8g.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Manufactured-Home-Porch-Makeover-4.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
Before
The wood porch lacked any finish, leaving it rough and prone to the elements. No furniture or decor adorned the space. It felt empty and uninviting, offering little in the way of ambiance.
There was nowhere to sit and enjoy a morning cup of coffee, no cozy corner to curl up with a good book. It was a purely functional space void of any personality or charm.
![Manufactured home porch before makeover: Bland and uninviting](https://erdtknyop8g.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Manufactured-Home-Porch-Makeover-17.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
![Manufactured home porch after makeover: Stylish and inviting outdoor space.](https://erdtknyop8g.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Manufactured-Home-Porch-Makeover-18.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
After
Now, stepping onto the porch feels like entering a warm embrace. The rich black stain on the deck and railing grounds the space creating a sense of intimacy.
A seating set beckons for relaxation, inviting you to sink in with a book or a steaming cup of coffee. Underfoot, a stylish outdoor rug adds another layer of comfort, while the twinkling string lights add a touch of magic, especially during evenings.
Manufactured Home Porch Makeover
It’s a complete transformation – this space now overflows with personality and warmth. Here is how I made it happen:
A Bold Transformation with Black Stain
Staining the wood deck boards and railing with a solid black stain was the most transformative step. It might seem like a bold choice, but trust me, it worked wonders!
The black instantly added a touch of modern farmhouse charm. But what truly surprised me was the unexpected sense of warmth and intimacy it created.
The black stain grounded the space, making it feel cozy and inviting.
Painting the Front Door
Creating a sense of visual flow was important. While the stained porch was a beautiful base, the existing front door color clashed with the feel I was aiming for.
Painting the door to match the black stain instantly tied the whole look together, creating a more cohesive and serene welcome for myself and any visitors.
Adding Planters
Since my porch gets ample sunshine, I knew incorporating planters would be key. I chose brushed slate outdoor planters, their natural tones complementing the black stain beautifully.
For the summer months, I planted a combination of cascading white flowers underneath hydrangeas. These blooms added a touch of delicate color without overwhelming the serene atmosphere.
Come fall, the hydrangeas will find a permanent home in the yard, and the planters will be refilled with blooms suited for the changing season.
Flanking my porch chairs are Kimberly Queen ferns in stylish planters. These beauties thrive in sunshine, unlike Boston ferns that prefer shade. Their easy care and elegant upright fronds make them a stunning addition to my porch.
I’ve arranged three planters to create a welcoming entrance next to the front door. For a touch of height, I’ve included a spice viburnum that will find a permanent home in my garden come fall.
Two smaller containers flank the viburnum, both overflowing with citronella geraniums, known for their bug-repelling properties and the trailing silvery strands of helichrysum.
Creating a Seating Area
When I was planning my manufactured home porch makeover, I envisioned a space that encouraged conversation and mindful moments. A place to gather with loved ones or soak in the quiet beauty of the day.
My new set comfortably accommodates four people, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Future plans include updating the cushions to a softer, more natural-colored, more stain-resistant option.
To further bring the space together, I added an outdoor rug to anchor the furniture. The rug’s simple yet stylish design complements the space perfectly, adding another layer of coziness.
Cozy String Lighting
String lights are a favorite touch of mine, and this porch makeover was no exception. They add a touch of magic to the space, especially during the evenings. The warm glow they cast creates a perfect ambiance for unwinding after a long day.
Unlike many porches, mine lacks posts or rafters for hanging lights. But that didn’t stop me! I got creative, using two shepherd’s hooks placed in the large planter containers flanking the porch sofa.
Securing them with dirt and attaching them to the railing for additional stability, I then hung a long string of lights, wrapping them to create the desired effect. Zip ties ensured the lights stayed securely fastened to the hooks.
Since these lights are plugged into a dusk-to-dawn sensor, I never have to worry about turning them on or off – they automatically come on at dusk and shut off at dawn.
This budget-friendly makeover transformed my once bland manufactured home porch into a warm and inviting space, an outdoor oasis for relaxing. It’s now the perfect spot to unwind and connect with loved ones.
So, if you’re considering a porch makeover, remember that you can create a beautiful outdoor living space with a little creativity.
Sources
I sourced some fantastic finds from a few places to bring my manufactured home porch makeover to life. Let me share the details:
- Solid Stain: I used Valspar’s Darkest Night Solid Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer.
- Outdoor Rug: Origin 21 Neutral Geo Stripe 5 X 7 (ft) Outdoor Stripe Area Rug
- Planters: allen + roth outdoor planter in brushed slate.
- String Lights: 48-ft Plug Black Outdoor String Light with 18 White LED Edison Bulbs
- Outdoor Timer: Dusk to Dawn Sensor Timer for Electrical Outlet, Weatherproof
- Furniture: 4 Piece Outdoor Acacia Wood Sofa Set
About the Author
Sarah Blankenship | Rocky Hedge FarmSarah is the author behind Rocky Hedge Farm. She is passionate about simple, healthy recipes, cast iron cooking, gardening, and remodeling her manufactured home. She shares her experiences and knowledge to inspire others. Go here to read her story, “Living a Life of Contentment and Joy: Simple Living at Rocky Hedge Farm.” If you want to message Sarah, visit her contact page here.
Such an inviting place. I love the dusk to dawn light idea. I’m going to give that a try. I so enjoy your posts, lots of ideas