This “Disgusting” 83-Year-Old Porch Transformed into the Coziest Multi-Season Oasis

Written by

Sarah EverettAssistant Editor of Home Projects at Apartment Therapy
Sarah EverettAssistant Editor of Home Projects at Apartment Therapy
I’m from Columbia, Missouri, a journalism town (okay, technically a college town with a big journalism school). It’s also home to one of my favorite things: True/False Film Fest, an international documentary festival. So I’ve been inspired by journalism/journalists/nonfiction…read more
published Jul 24, 2024
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About this before & after
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Rental Friendly

An outdoor space that’ll last you most of the months of the year is pretty much the dream — and there are lots of ways to make your space suitable for all the seasons, from fire pits to mosquito-repelling candles to chic umbrellas, and more. 

Townhouse renter Victoria Fox (@victoriafoxcaab) and her fiance, Connor, had a goal for their screened-in porch: to be able to use it three out of the four seasons. The previous tenants used the porch as a home gym of sorts — with weights and a bench to boot — but Victoria and Connor envisioned it as a living space. “I wanted to make this space an extension of our home,” Victoria says. She especially liked the paint color, the exposed brick, and the natural light. Here’s how Connor revived the space with a deep clean, a new patio set, and decor — all for about $1,100.

Credit: Victoria Fox
Credit: Victoria Fox

Apartment Therapy Before & After Survey

  • Name: Victoria Fox
  • Social media: @victoriafoxcaab
  • Who do you share your space with, if anyone? My fiance, Connor, and our pup, Molly
  • Approximately how big is this space? 230 square feet  

Describe what this space looked like before.

The people who lived here before were two grad school students, so not much time was spent in the house and within the spaces itself. This space was used as a gym — so weights, bench all that — which totally works! But not for us! I loved the windows … The only thing in this space I did not like was the flooring, which I covered up with a gorgeous jute-style rug. 

What were the important steps in the project?

We started by cleaning this space deeply! It was disgusting — so many years of neglect and renters in and out! I knew it needed a really good deep clean to assess what we needed to do in this space! 

After a deep clean, I was able to determine we needed to string some lights out here and to include some new porch pieces.

Credit: Victoria Fox
Credit: Victoria Fox

Is there anything you did for this project that was a home improvement “first” for you?

Probably taking apart windows to clean them (again, years of neglect). We had to take the panes apart and clean, scrub, and wipe to get them to fully clean! We then had to reinstall them.  

Were there any setbacks or surprises along the way?

The hardest part was envisioning what would work in the space —  making a small space feel like a big space for us! 

What do you love about the space now?

I love that we can have people over to hang out! I also love that we put our garden and herb pots right off the porch, so we can grab whatever we need when we need it! We also installed a blackstone back there, so it’s nice that we can make dinner, sit down in that space, and enjoy a meal! 

Credit: Victoria Fox
Credit: Victoria Fox

What did you learn in doing this project?

I learned that you can do so much with a space. You aren’t limited with what you can do! And you really can make a space your own! 

Did you use any budget-friendly tricks?

I knew I wanted a nice porch set, and I was able to find it during Prime Days and on major sale. I was able to get a price match, too, which made it so much better! 

Inspired? Submit your own project here.