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Young House Love » Our Second House » How We Boxed Out Our Old Curvy Porch Columns

| By John Petersik | April 15, 2013 | 215 Comments

How We Boxed Out Our Old Curvy Porch Columns

And I’m calling this bad boy done. Commence the rejoicing! And to recap why we wanted to box those columns in:

  • the carport has 4 columns that are already chunky and square, so up until this point the house had a split personality with 3 curvy columns in the mix
  • boxed in square columns are more true to a mid-century ranch, so we wanted to get back to that (many other ranches in our neighborhood have ’em already)

PorchDone 10 After Angle 2

Back to finishing things up. After getting this far within one afternoon we had high expectations for how quickly the finishing touches would go. I mean, how long could finishing one column, caulking the seams, and painting take?

Porch 14 Halfway There

Well, it didn’t help that we got derailed before even unholstering our caulk gun. When all three columns were done we stepped back and thought the de-scalloped header looked good, but a bit unsubstantial in comparison to our beefed up columns. So we picked up three more 1 x 6″ boards at Home Depot and attached them right over top the original 1 x 3″ header that we added with some wood glue, nails, and screws in a few places. You can see how it looked while it was in progress here:

PorchDone 3 Thick And Thin

But even that detour didn’t take too much longer. What did take forever? Caulking. There were so. many. seams. But we didn’t want to be anything less than thorough, since getting rain or other moisture behind the wood = bad news bears. We used this exact same method in our first house when we rebuilt the header five years ago (primed wood + paint and caulk to keep it all sealed) and it worked out great without any rotting or warping – so we wanted to make sure we were just as thorough this time around.

PorchDone Caulk

And since everyone asks what kind of caulk we use (that wall full of 10,000 caulk tubes can be intimidating) we like Dap window and door caulk, in the white, paintable finish (paintable is key).

Once the caulk dried, it was time to paint. Since the boards came pre-primed, all we had to do was match them to rest of the porch – and because the previous owners left us a couple gallons of house paint, there was happily no cost here. The labeled said it was “Creamy Color,” which is about the laziest paint color name I’ve ever seen, so I’m happy to discover that it’s no longer in the system.

PorchDone 4 Creamy Color

We debated using this as an excuse to repaint all of our trim from “creamy” to white, but we weren’t ready to tackle that big of a project quite yet (there’s trim all around the house, and the back of our house is two stories high at some points).

Predictably, Sherry did the cutting in (look at her brazenly painting the bottom of that column without taping it off) and I was Roller Man.

PorchDone 5 Painting

After one coat plus some touch-ups, we were done. And as you may remember from the start of this post, there was some rejoicing.

PorchDone 13 BA Angled

Now when we roll up to our house, the outside looks a little more like us.

PorchDone 8 After Side Close

Getting rid of (well, concealing) the more ornate and traditional columns just makes our exterior feel crisper and more updated (not to mention it’s much more true to the columns that a mid-century ranch would actually sport). Plus those three curvy columns no longer fight with the four square ones in the carport. Hurrah.

PorchDone 14 BA Angled Close

And here’s a close-up so you can see the slight detail on each of the posts where the 1 x 8″ boards (on the front and back of the column) meet the 1 x 6″ boards that we nailed to the sides. Note: there’s a handy sketch of why square columns call for two 8″ boards and two 6″ boards in this first porch post here.

PorchDone 11 Post Detail

Budget-wise, our entire cost was in primed boards since we already had house paint and a tube of caulk. Here was the breakdown:

  • Four 1 x 3″ boards for original (thin) header: $20.50
  • Four 1 x 6″ boards for thicker header: $41.33
  • Six 1 x 6″ boards for sides of posts: $62.08
  • Six 1 x 8″ boards for front & back of posts: $74.12
  • TOTAL: $198.03

If we had known the 1 x 3s were going to be too small we wouldn’t have bought them (which means you could probably recreate this for $20 less). We could’ve bought cheaper boards for the rest of the project too – like basic whitewood – but I like working with pine because it’s noticeably smoother and straighter than the cheapest stuff. Plus, we liked skipping the priming step and this is the same stuff we used for our first house’s porch makeover five years ago (we like knowing that’s holding up well half a decade later).

PorchDone 7 After Angle

Now that this project is done, we’re in the mood for more outdoor projects, so thank goodness spring has finally hit Richmond.

PorchDone 12 After Full

And we’re pretty excited that in the three springs since we moved in, the house has evolved quite a bit in the curb appeal department…

Exterior Before

What’s on your spring to-do list? Any big projects that you’re hoping will get the ball rolling? Or are you just excited to down some lemonade and call it a day?

PS: I was this close to naming this post “Porch-a de Rossi” because it was the only porch pun I could think of. I blame my excitement for the new season of Arrested Development.

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Filed Under: Home Improvement, Our Second House, Outside

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Comments

  1. Avatar for Rene @thedomesticladyRene @thedomesticlady says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:11 am

    Wow the before picture made me laugh. Is there a house behind that tree? :) Love the makeover. So simple. Now please come fix my front porch.

    http://thedomesticlady.com/2013/04/15/monday-randomness-at-its-best/

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:13 am

      Haha, be right over!

      xo
      s

  2. Avatar for Anele @ Success Along the WeighAnele @ Success Along the Weigh says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:11 am

    Looks good sir! I can’t wait to see what other projects you guys come up with to help inspire me to do something. If you’re up for topic suggestions, I’d love to know what you guys suggest for sprucing up small spaces (condos and such) on the cheap. My grandma’s place could use a little something and I have no creative juices flowin’ yet.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:14 am

      So sweet that you’re thinking about sprucing up a small space for Grandma! We redid a tiny bathroom for John’s Granny a little while ago and loved it! We just used a lot of caulk, paint, and some pretty accessories and fabrics :) https://www.younghouselove.com/bathroom-bootcamp-day-3-aka-the-end/

      xo
      s

  3. Avatar for Lindsay BLindsay B says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:13 am

    Looks great, guys! I tend to gravitate towards straight lines too. It just looks so much more updated and modern. I’ll be using your advice to update our country-looking columns at some point. Thanks for the idea!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:15 am

      Good luck Lindsay!

      xo
      s

  4. Avatar for JoshJosh says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:13 am

    Looks great! We plan to do the same thing this summer except we’ll be boxing in metal rail columns. — Thanks for the pointers!

    Our spring to-do list just got mighty big after we decided to demo our kitchen :o

    Check it –> http://bit.ly/16PlcuZ

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:16 am

      Ooh that looks exciting Josh! Good luck with everything!

      xo
      s

  5. Avatar for Emma (Broke Ass Home)Emma (Broke Ass Home) says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:13 am

    Wow! What a difference! I suppose it also helps that you can see the porch now that that tree is trimmed up. We have so many things to do to our house. First thing up is that we need some grass (the terror/terriers have killed all of it) and the whole house needs to be power washed and the porch needs to be painted. I want to do this to our front porch too, but we have grecian round columns (yeah, I know, barf) instead of the country style, so we’re trying to figure out the best way to attach the box to the round columns.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Jess @ Little House. Big Heart.Jess @ Little House. Big Heart. says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:14 am

    So glad you decided to beef up the header! It looks great!

    Have you though about including trim around the top and bottom of the columns to “anchor” them to the porch and ceiling? It might be a use for those 1x3s you bought.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:15 am

      Always a possibility down the road, although I think for now we’re happy to call it done :)

      xo
      s

  7. Avatar for Ashley @ LibertyBellesAshley @ LibertyBelles says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:15 am

    Looks great! Such a difference!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for MelisaMelisa says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:15 am

    Love it! Have you considered painting or staining the glider to make it pop a little?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:16 am

      That would be fun!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for AlisonAlison says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:41 am

      I was thinking the same thing, the glider and the planters!

  9. Avatar for Wendy @ New Moms TalkWendy @ New Moms Talk says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:17 am

    What a very beautiful difference!

    Susanna and I enjoyed one of our spring projects this weekend scouting prospective new homes, while the hub worked on a writing piece for which he was commissioned. (We did a little celebrating on that, too!)

    We also discussed DIY projects with my Mom who made these great burp cloths, bibs, and wipes-

    http://www.newmomstalk.com/2013/04/15/diy-bibs-burp-cloths-and-wash-cloths/

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:22 am

      Sounds like you guys were busy!

      xo
      s

  10. Avatar for cheri s in iowacheri s in iowa says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:17 am

    Best blog post title yet! And the columns look great. We started some renovations to our porch area as well this weekend. Found a deer rib bone under our siding. This diy stuff is NEVER boring, is it?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:21 am

      Wow! So glad it wasn’t a human bone… can you imagine?! Eeks!

      xo
      s

  11. Avatar for serenaserena says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:18 am

    I love the new columns with the yellow door! Have you ever thought about painting your brick white?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:22 am

      Here in Richmond, unpainted brick is most desired since it’s no-maintenance (painted brick, especially in light colors, can get green mold on it and needs to be cleaned and repainted periodically) :)

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Wendy HoganWendy Hogan says

      April 16, 2013 at 10:37 am

      I was thinking the same thing! Painting the brick or even covering it with a a light toned stone/faux stone material would warm up that area and accentuate the door, columns, and porch accessories. I love ranch houses but don’t get the “brick mustache” look. I grew up in Baton Rouge, LA and currently live in Mobile, AL (aka the deep south) we definitely know about mold, mildew, and the green stuff that can show up on house exteriors. It’s just a fact of life. There are easy and even “green” ways to control and clean it.

      What you have is awesome but, your mustache is showing. ;)

      PS I checked out THE book at my library. It is great and chockablock full of good ideas not on the blog! Congratulations, job well done.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 16, 2013 at 10:41 am

      Aw thanks Wendy! So glad you liked it :)

      xo
      s

  12. Avatar for KaraKara says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:18 am

    I love the seamless look. Less is more too. You didn’t go overboard with style. I love the basic look of the new columns and what a difference it makes. Im sure your neighbors across the way are happy with what you have done!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:21 am

      Aw thanks Kara!

      xo
      s

  13. Avatar for Gretchen@BoxyColonial[email protected] says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:20 am

    Looks great–definitely getting a more modern vibe! (it does remind me less of my grandmother’s old house with the curvy columns gone…but I guess “Gretchen’s Grandmother’s House” probably isn’t the aesthetic you’re going for. And I can understand that ;)).

    Reply
  14. Avatar for RebeccaRebecca says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:21 am

    The difference the framed out columns make is huge! They look fantastic!

    Do you think you might stain the porch floor concrete a darker gray?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:25 am

      That could be pretty!

      xo
      s

  15. Avatar for RachelRachel says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:21 am

    Love it. Can’t wait to see the outdoor projects to come this spring/summer. What else you going to do!?! Hints please :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:24 am

      This post has a bunch of things on the agenda listed (can’t wait to tackle the carport!): https://www.younghouselove.com/listy-mclisterson-updated-4/

      xo
      s

  16. Avatar for BethanyBethany says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:21 am

    I’m SO jealous you guys are working outside! Here in central WI, we still have snow on the ground (and we’re expecting more later this week). Send some of your nice weather our way! :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:23 am

      Aw man, sending warm weather wishes your way :)

      xo
      s

  17. Avatar for Annabel VitaAnnabel Vita says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:21 am

    The old columns were more my style, but these ones really suit the house and I love how they are really similar to the carport columns – I think they’ll look fantastic with the pagoda too!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for DanielleDanielle says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:22 am

    Wow, looks great! Our early-50s colonial has these garish wrought iron ‘columns’ that we’re dying to update. Sadly, I don’t think it will be as simple a process as yours. But I know the end result will be a huge improvement so I hope we can get started as soon as possible!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for Megan @ Rappsody in RoomsMegan @ Rappsody in Rooms says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:22 am

    Wow, I would have never thought to do that but I really like it! I am also itching to get outdoors and plant flowers like crazy!

    Reply
    • Avatar for sobeidasobeida says

      April 16, 2013 at 10:44 am

      Megan, I have been planting flowers like crazy for the last 3 weeks, I just don’t have the patience to wait for Mother Nature anymore. My poor lavender plants froze the first night, I hope they will come back to life once it warms up.

  20. Avatar for KristenKristen says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:22 am

    Wait… is the new season of Arrested Development out yet? I’ve been waiting foreeeever!

    I am glad there is a new season so my references to the show won’t be irrelevant anymore!

    Onions are still affectionately known as annyoungs in our house… no one gets us.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:23 am

      I think it’s coming out in May, so… soon!

      We also scream “loose seal!” but no one gets it…

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Amy KAmy K says

      April 15, 2013 at 12:36 pm

      I believe Bob Loblaw is one of the most brillian jokes ever written. I am so excited!!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 12:42 pm

      Agree!

      xo
      s

  21. Avatar for EileenEileen says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:23 am

    Hahahaha, Porch-a de Rossi! I LOVE it!! Oh Tobias, you blowhard!

    Have you seen the new posters they released for the new season? http://mashable.com/2013/04/10/arrested-development-netflix-posters/ I can’t wait!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:25 am

      Haha, we’re crazy excited. It’s not normal.

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for BrynnBrynn says

      April 15, 2013 at 2:19 pm

      Please tell me its normal to be ridiculously excited about this because my husband and I are too!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 2:22 pm

      Haha, maybe it’s normal. I feel on the fence about if we’re crazy for how hyper we are. Haha!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for EliseElise says

      April 15, 2013 at 4:48 pm

      I think it’s normal, because my husband and I are counting down the days until May 26th!! We will probably host a marathon AD-watching party for our obsessed friends. Loved the “we call onions anyongs” comment. At our house, whenever someone mentions chicken, we do one of the chicken impressions. I usually do GOB’s version. CAW-ca-ca-CAW-ca-ca-CAW…

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 4:55 pm

      Hahahahahah!

      xo
      s

  22. Avatar for Melissa @ HOUSEographyMelissa @ HOUSEography says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:23 am

    That’s a great before/after! So much more fitting for your house. Never understand who would ever by those spindly poles regardless of your home style!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for ashley @ sunnysideshlee.comashley @ sunnysideshlee.com says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:23 am

    This goes without saying but it matches the other lines of your house much better!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for PaulaPaula says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:24 am

    You have such an eye for good clean design, it looks absolutely terrific (the entire front view). And to think I haven’t even weeded my front beds yet. (Yikes). Looking forward to the next thing! (I bet one project will be a nice walkway to the front door).

    Reply
  25. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:24 am

    Amazing!! It’s incredible that such a small change makes such a huge difference! I’m just itching to get outside and start some projects!

    Reply
  26. Avatar for robin @ our semi organic liferobin @ our semi organic life says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:25 am

    Love it! Who knew you could do so much with just $200?!

    Reply
  27. Avatar for ReneeRenee says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:25 am

    Any plans to add capitals to those columns?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:30 am

      None right now (we love the clean lines, which match the columns in the carport) but it sounds cool!

      xo
      s

  28. Avatar for StefanieStefanie says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:25 am

    All your projects – especially the outdoor ones – make me want a house so bad! I’m so. sick. of renting!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for JeanaJeana says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:27 am

    You guys always inspire me to keep going on house projects for our 1920’s colonial. It’s so nice to see your projects in real time and real budget. Your home is beautiful!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:30 am

      Aw thanks Jeana!

      xo
      s

  30. Avatar for Melanie @ Mailbox JourneyMelanie @ Mailbox Journey says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:30 am

    Looking great! Love the chunkiness.

    Reply
  31. Avatar for JohnJohn says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:30 am

    Well done! Even the little offset on the column boards looks like it was planned. It would be tough to align each board face. It reads match better from the street too. Now that skinny brick walk looks out of scale, even though it is hardly used.

    Reply
  32. Avatar for MaureenMaureen says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:31 am

    Looks nice! There are many exterior projects on my list, but we will be replacing our deck boards and railings this spring. Hopefully it won’t cost too much since we are keeping the bones of the deck.

    Reply
  33. Avatar for christina @ homemade oceanchristina @ homemade ocean says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:32 am

    It sure has come a LOOOONG way :)

    Reply
  34. Avatar for Janelle @ Two Cups of HappyJanelle @ Two Cups of Happy says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:33 am

    Your redoing of the columns has been making me check out all the different porch styles in our neighborhood. It’s quite entertaining when on a dog-walk! Me & the bf have been comparing preferences and so far we are on the same page.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:35 am

      That’s so sweet! There are a bunch in our neighborhood too! It helped us pin down what we liked best :)

      xo
      s

  35. Avatar for MellieMellie says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:35 am

    It seems to lack character now.

    Reply
  36. Avatar for kasey @ girl in the gray housekasey @ girl in the gray house says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:36 am

    Yes! the new columns look much better with your house’s style!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:36 am

      Aw thanks Kasey! We love that they finally match the columns in the carport so the front doesn’t have a split personality :)

      xo
      s

  37. Avatar for maddymaddy says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:37 am

    it would never, ever have occurred to me to change to columns, I never really understood when you said you wanted to box them, in, I thought they were charming.

    well.

    How much better, and more modern and crisp they look now, kind of makes me hate the old ones. they look so great! xo

    Reply
  38. Avatar for CaitlynCaitlyn says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:37 am

    Interesting that you chose to remove all the shrubbery from your front yard and make it more open… Most people prefer to keep their yards more private, if possible. And a little more closed in from the street, especially with little kids running around. What was the thought process behind removing everything?? (I hope those plants didn’t just get tossed out or die…!) It looks really plain and field-ish now, since it appears you also removed shrubbery that was up close to the house?

    The limbed up tree really looks a lot better though!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:40 am

      We blogged all about the how and the why of moving those “bush fences” as we called them last year – and not to worry, all of the healthy bushes got transplanted or dug up and given to neighbors/friends who called dibs :)

      xo
      s

  39. Avatar for Amanda T.Amanda T. says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:37 am

    Porch-a de Rossi! Hahaha! I’m rolling!

    LOVEing the chunkier columns. It really makes the porch look more streamlined. :)

    Reply
  40. Avatar for Wendy - Old Town HomeWendy - Old Town Home says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:38 am

    Lookin’ good! I’m excited to see what other outdoor projects you have planned this spring.

    We spent the weekend gardening as well, and was able to get the front of our house in shape. (Not too time consuming, because our urban location dictates we have only two planters and a small area around our tree.) http://www.oldtownhome.com/2013/4/15/Lighting-the-Fire-Topiary-Hair-Cuts-New-Flowers-and-a-Mad-Dash/index.aspx

    We’re throwing a party this weekend, so it was a good motivator to get things cleaned up! :-)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:42 am

      Those topiaries are so sweet! And the entire exterior of your home is so charming Wendy!

      xo
      s

  41. Avatar for JeannaJeanna says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:39 am

    Looks great guys :) I did notice that your little bench fades into the background……… now that the porch is receiving a little love, do you plan to paint the bench white to make it pop against the dark brick?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:40 am

      That would be fun!

      xo
      s

  42. Avatar for Henna | HENNA BLOSSOM BLOGHenna | HENNA BLOSSOM BLOG says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:43 am

    Whoa baby, looking good! And um, nice punny title, ha. I like that I have a good laugh and head shake before even reading your post. :)

    I love your blog because you guys show all of these types of projects where so many of us wouldn’t even think we could change the outside of our home and BAM, “easy” fix and big difference.

    Also wanted to say THANK YOU for checking out my blog on Friday. (My little boy’s new toddler mohawk, ha). I’ve loved your blog and how you run your business for years so I did a little happy dance knowing you checked out my blog and it made you smile a bit. :)

    And WHOA, because of your comment, you sent hundreds of your readers over and it’s always fun to meet lots of new people from around the world. YOU HAVE THE BEST READERS! My kinda people! ;)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:43 am

      Aw you’re so sweet Henna! We do have the best readers ever, huh? So glad they dropped in – and happy blogging!

      xoxo
      s

  43. Avatar for LilLil says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:47 am

    It seems like such a subtle change, but what a difference it made! The before and after pictures of the front yard are incredible! You guys make everything look easy.

    Reply
  44. Avatar for ArianaAriana says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:49 am

    Oh heyyyyy columns!! Looking so sleek!

    LOLing at the before picture. Sherry I remember the day you mildly snapped and just attacked the magnolia tree all by yourself. Such a girl power day.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 11:23 am

      Haha, oh yeah – I went off on that thing.

      xo
      s

  45. Avatar for Angel LiAngel Li says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:50 am

    Looks great!

    I was wondering if you guys every thought about changing the brick exterior of the house… I mean I don’t have any suggestions but I was just wondering :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for Angel LiAngel Li says

      April 15, 2013 at 10:54 am

      I just read that unpainted brick is desired in richmond… gots it

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 11:22 am

      No worries :)

      xo
      s

  46. Avatar for Nell @ Allbritton or NothingNell @ Allbritton or Nothing says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:52 am

    First, Porch-a de Rossi is awesome. Second, before I can put my house on the market I have to do some front porch painting and landscaping. I kill everything. I’m just waiting on y’all to post on what greenery you’re planting this spring, and then I’ll know what to do with myself.

    Reply
  47. Avatar for Amy ShafferAmy Shaffer says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:53 am

    I’m a fairly new reader and I’ve been so inspired by your blog! For the first time I’ve purchased old wood furniture at Goodwill and thrift stores to refinish and I’ve used many of your decorating tips. (I only wish my husband was as supportive – It is scary to think what our house would look like if he was in charge of decorating, but I digress). Love the new columns! Our front porch has railings in between the columns. I like that it keeps my toddler from falling off the porch, but I love that I can see your glider, planters, etc…I bought some awesome new decorations for the porch this year, but they are sort of hidden behind the rails. Do you ever worry about Clara falling?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 11:26 am

      Thankfully Clara’s almost three and super tall, so she actually jumps off that side! I used to watch her more closely when she was smaller, but for the most part she knows stairs are for going up and down and never tried to take a dive off the edge until she was old enough to jump off herself :)

      xo
      s

  48. Avatar for TayaTaya says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:55 am

    Love it!!

    Reply
  49. Avatar for MaureenMaureen says

    April 15, 2013 at 10:56 am

    The exterior looks UH-MAZING! I love when the design history of a house and one’s personal preferences align.

    My husband and I are currently under contract (fingers, eyes, toes crossed!) with a mid-century brick ranch and we can’t wait for everything to get finalized. Our brick isn’t as pretty as yours, though (think mismatched yellow/orange tones) and we’ve toyed with the idea of painting the exterior. What are your thoughts on painted brick?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 15, 2013 at 11:24 am

      Aw thanks Maureen! Here in Richmond painted brick isn’t nearly as desired as unpainted (it’s zero maintenance when it’s unpainted, and since we have green mold here when brick is painted it needs to be cleaned and repainted from time to time).

      xo
      s

  50. Avatar for Katja @ Shift Ctrl ARTKatja @ Shift Ctrl ART says

    April 15, 2013 at 11:00 am

    It looks so good with the new boxier columns. Love how it squares everything off.
    I am knee deep in putting new patio furniture together for our newly made over patio and I can’t wait to start decorating. Paint touch ups should wrap up this week and I am so excited for the final steps. Lemonade here I come!!

    Reply
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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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