Back Porch Redecorated for $300

by Dillon Widder

From homeowners to professionals, we received some great entries for our 2011 “Decorating on a Dime” contest, and we’re excited to share each of them here on our blog. We will reveal the professional and non-professional winners after each entry has been posted, and their projects will be featured in our February 2012 issue. Prepare to be inspired!

Kevin Zschach surprised even his wife when he transformed their back porch, which was being used for storage and as a play area, into an outdoor living space complete with a dining and seating area. What’s more, he did it on a very small budget.

Before

How did Kevin accomplish such a task? Resourcefulness was key. He used leftover wood from other home improvement projects to build the dining table and upcycled plantation shutters to add flair to the porch screen.

After

Spending less than $300, Kevin outfitted the back porch with new club chairs, a teak table, water fountain, table linens, pillows, an outdoor area rug and other decor. The value of the added living space and surprising his wife? Priceless.

Sign up to receive our new e-newsletter for more decor inspiration.