How to create outdoor living space on your front porch

With today's housing market and economy, it makes sense to "work with what you've got". If you have a front porch on your home, follow these guidelines for jazzing it up. Not only will you improve curb appeal, but you will create an inviting extra room to your home!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A porch! (or other outdoor area you'd like to upgrade)
• Some extra cash. You can make big changes for as little as 30$, but the sky's the limit if you have a bigger budget to work with
• Paint supplies if upgrading furniture.

1. Shop it! Shop the garage sales. I got the buy of a lifetime when I found a wicker outdoor furniture set for 20$. You may not be as lucky, but keep your eye open for plant pots, outdoor furniture, old milk cans or other decorative items that can be used outdoors.
2. Plant it! Plants and flowers automatically add curb appeal. You can buy huge hanging Boston Fern plants for as little as 10$ each at Walmart. Not only are they gorgeous, but they are worth the investment. They are big enough to create privacy when hanging on your porch and you can take them indoors at the end of the season to pretty up a room in your home. That is really getting bang for your buck!
3. Paint it! A fresh coat of paint does wonders. Prime and paint a rocking chair, wicker set or side table you no longer use indoors. There is nothing prettier or more inviting on a front porch than an nice chair to rest and enjoy the weather!