Have you ever had plans to change something in your home that was pretty simple, like maybe a new lamp, and before you knew it that new lamp just didn’t look right with the old stuff and you just had to get a new table, a new rug and maybe a new sofa too?
Yeah, me too.
Here’s the porch before getting started. Several years ago I took a workshop and made the cocktail table and side table. I’m thinking of replacing the cocktail table with something that doesn’t show as much dust and eliminating the side table completely. We don’t need it and I want to keep this area as clutter free as possible so the floors are easier to get to for cleaning. You’ll see why in a nano second.
I wanted to give the wood furniture a power wash, so we brought everything to the side of the yard and I got to work, but I wanted to show you how dirty the porch floor was! OMG!
I ask you, have you ever seen anything so disgusting??
Didn’t think so.
You’re probably thinking we’re the world’s dirtiest people and haven’t cleaned the floors in months, or even years, right? Well, it’s true we don’t clean it as often as we should, but this is the result of just a few weeks of neglect. This area gets super dirty real fast!
So after removing all the furniture to the side yard, I decided to power wash the floors. Then I decided I wanted to paint them too. See what I mean? One thing leads to another.
So off to Home Depot we went and we picked up some paint that’s a slightly brighter red than what we had. I figured it fades pretty quickly so I wanted to get something slightly brighter than what I will ultimately be happy with.
It’s recommended to use a primer first, and we asked the sales associate how long it takes to dry and he said an hour. After power washing on Saturday, this is what it looked like Sunday morning at 5 a.m. (Yeah, I was up pretty much all night).
I wiped it dry as best I could and got to work on the primer, which is a bubble gum pink color. I started at 6 a.m., and finished at 7:30 a.m. I only worked on the enclosed section of the porch. This is what it looked like right after I was done.
This is what it looked like 5 hours later. Still sticky. So much for ‘one hour dry time’. It was just too darn humid!
Around 3 p.m. on Sunday it was dry enough for the top coat, but we had to go home so we’ll just have to pick up where we left off this weekend when we get back there. If anyone stops by in the meantime, they’ll for sure think we lost our minds.
Now for the fun part.
I spent some time looking for outdoor rugs online today and I’ve narrowed it down to these three:
Pottery Barn
UHomeStores
I like all of them, but I think the first one is the safest option. I’m concerned the second one might have too much orange in it, and the third one might be a bit too formal, but I haven’t made up my mind. I may call about the second one and see if I can reach a live person and maybe they can guide me, because I think that is my favorite design.
I’m also going to consider getting a slipcover for the sofa. Something that can be washed will be the way to go. I found a source called UglySofa that has unbelievable prices for slipcovers. Apparently, a lot of what they sell are products that have been returned to them by customers, but they are still in new condition. Here’s a snap shot of the style I’m considering:
It’s only $30.00!! You truly cannot beat that price for a slipcover! I’m keeping this on my short list of ‘things to buy’. I thought about getting a red slipcover, but they don’t have that color and besides, if I’m doing a red rug it’s very difficult to match reds so it might be safer to go with a cream or even a honey color.
I’m going to try to keep the porch as clutter free as possible. I want it to be easy to clean so it never gets as nasty as you’ve just seen again. How embarassing!!
Diane Massey, Broker/Realtor, Berkshires & Hilltowns says
Go for the third carpet!
ingrid@nowathomemom says
wow! I can’t believe how pink they look Doreen but I’m sure next weekend when you will work on it again, they will look perfect! & can’t believe he told you 1 hour to dry, more like several hours!
I like the 3 rugs you want, can’t wait to see which one you will choose! 🙂
susan moore says
I am all for painting a rug on the floor so you can sweep it clean. with the road dust and pollen you will be cleaning the porch with a hose more often than not.
jmho
Cynthia says
Wow that was a big job Doreen, and 1 hour dry time?? That took forever, I am not sure the person new what they were talking about! Love all three rugs, can’t wait to see what one you choose!
Cynthia
Angela says
Wow, girl, you’ve been busy!! The second rug is my favorite but I also like the idea of painting a rug on the floor. If you want a really, really cheap rug, Home Depot has one that you could stencil a design on (it’s only $20!) that way if the weather destroyed it, you’d only be out $20! Let me know, if interested….I’ll give you the details!
P.S. You got your computer to work?!! I see pics!! LOL!!
xxox~~~Ang
Doreen@househoneys says
Bring it on Angela! I’d love to see it.
We got the computer fixed yesterday! Yippeeeee!
Andi says
Are you sure you didn’t just pour Pepto-Bismol all over the floor? 🙂 I love the 2nd rug, but I get the hesitation…it’s a bit of a commitment to that much color. Best of luck!
-andi
Doreen@househoneys says
Lol Andi! That’s exactly the color of it! Perfect description.
Cecilia says
Oh my that’s pink! Lol. I love the third rug – I thought FUN! when I saw it! The second one is nice and bright which is great! Can’t wait to see it finished.
😀
Cecilia
Cindy Eikenberg says
Doreen, I just love this story! I totally love those three carpets, but definitely am crazy about the third one! Cannot wait to see it finished! Hope you have a wonderful July 4th holiday!
Doreen@househoneys says
Thanks Cindy’! I like the third one too. As a matter of fact that’s the cheapest one so even better 🙂
Hope to see you at the Hop and have a great weekend!
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Doreen, I love it so far! I can’t wait to see it completed. Have a great 4th of July! 😀
Doreen Sargente says
Thank you Vashti! I so appreciate you and your visits to my little corner of the blogosphere. I hope you have a wonderful, restful weekend!
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
It’s my pleasure. Have fun and be safe.
maude says
I think i like the first rug the best, but either way, it looks like a charming and cozy place to spend time:)
Maude
Doreen Sargente says
Thank you Maude, and yes, it’s my favorite place to hang out.
I just visited your blog and see you’re in NY too! Not only that, you sell products for dogs! We so miss our granddog Charlie, and hope to one day get another dog, so please keep in touch. Thanks so much for visiting!
maude says
Doreen, I am never more happy or at peace when I’m holding my little dog in my arms. They truly are wonderful gift. There are many that need a kind and loving home so you will have no trouble finding one:)
Maude
Ali Mackin says
Wow a bubble gum pink floor nice! I am excited to see the progress of this porch. And that is super cheap for slip covers. I have a computer chair that if I can get fully functional again I am thinking of having it reupolstered I am having the worst time finding a chair that is not 1) Not Black 2) Is comfortable 3) You do have to weigh 150 or more pounds for the tilt feature to work and for the chair to stay back. This is not an easy task. Following via Bloglovin.
Ali of
Dressing Ken