A $1,200 Makeover Rescues a Moldy Screened-In Porch from 1953
The summer is a great time for DIY projects at home — perhaps especially for artist and art teacher Emily Majeski (@emilyamajesky). Emily spends a lot of time on her screened-in porch in the summers, and she wanted to make it a more relaxing place to be, “an oasis,” in her own words.
However, the 1953 cottage’s screened-in area left a lot to be desired. “When I moved here, the floor was covered with an old brown outdoor carpet from the ’80s, which was moldy and torn,” she says.
Apartment Therapy Before & After Survey:
- Name: Emily Majesky
- Social media: @emilyamajeski
- Approximately how big is this space? 168 square feet
Describe what this space looked like before.
My house is a 1953 brick mid-century cottage, and the screened-in porch was something that really made me fall in love with it. When I moved here, the floor was covered with an old brown outdoor carpet from the ’80s, which was moldy and torn. However, the space had potential with its lovely ceiling beams, and I could imagine creating an oasis where I’d spend a lot of time.
Why did you decide to make a change?
As an artist and art teacher, expressing myself through my surroundings is very important to me. Since I am home a lot during summer break, I wanted a relaxing place to unwind and enjoy caring for my plants while drinking coffee and listening to music.
I also live in a neighborhood where the houses are close together, so it was important to me to create a sense of privacy and tranquility.
What were the important steps in the project?
Once I found the rug, I really had a sense of what type of table and chairs I wanted, style-wise. First, I chose a dining table and chairs that were big enough to accommodate lunch with friends or spreading out my art materials. I loved the combination of the teak and zinc trestle table with the slight mid-century vibe of the chairs, which are comfy enough to lounge in, too.
I waited a year to find any type of sofa arrangement because everything I saw was too large and bulky or not the look I wanted — until one day at the flea market when I stumbled upon a wide hand-built garden bench for $28! I went to Target and found cushions for it immediately, which happened to be the perfect dimensions. Two weeks later, I went back to the flea market, and there was another identical bench sitting at the same stall! I made it into an L-shaped sectional, and it fits the space perfectly.
Is there anything you did for this project that was a home improvement “first” for you?
Well I’d never painted a floor before. I found a very durable paint that said “porch paint” on it, so I figured that was a good place to start! I actually painted the floor orange first. It was a vibe, but ultimately limiting in decor options for me, so I found a sort of “wet cement” color that wouldn’t showcase the dirt as much.
What did you learn in doing this project?
I always knew that I was good at creating something from practically nothing, but I really had to learn patience with the process. I had a tight budget, and we all know how easy it is to get caught up in this feeling of wanting to buy new things when you move, but most of us just can not buy everything we want all at once. It takes time, and I think a home looks more natural when it evolves slowly. It was really a two-year process of putting this porch together, and every year, I add or change something.
Is there any part of your project you can call out as a particularly budget-friendly solution?
Yes, my sectional is two wide garden benches put together in an L shape with cushions added to it. I couldn’t find an affordable lounge that fit the space properly, so this solution was cost-effective, as the whole setup cost only $198! I made my own throw pillows to add to it later, which cost only $30 in fabric, and that tied the look together in a budget-friendly way.
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