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Young House Love » House Crashing » A Beautiful Front Porch Makeover

| By Sherry Petersik | December 7, 2010 | 102 Comments

A Beautiful Front Porch Makeover

When Stacie told us she was redoing the front of her amazingly glorious home in Richmond’s Historic Fan district, we knew she wouldn’t disappoint. I mean, she totally wowed us with her style here and here, so we were prepared to wet ourselves a little when we saw her exterior upgrade. Good thing we were prepared, because her overhaul was nothing short of insane. And like any sweet homeowner she wants to shout out her restoration guy for his commitment to keeping things historic and cutting no corners (his name is Eric Schmoldt at Advantage Construction, whose house we actually crashed here – small world). Hats off to Eric and Stacie. Between her vision and his amazing handiwork, it seriously doesn’t even look like the same house. So if we’re late to her annual Christmas party, Stacie will know why (because we might not recognize her place). Enough gabbing. Here’s the before:

Stacie Porch 1

And a few durings:

Stacie Porch 2

Stacie Porch 3

And here are the amazing after shots:

Stacie Porch 4

Stacie Porch 5

Stacie Porch 6

Stacie Porch 7

Stacie Porch 8

Isn’t it gorgeous? It’s so funny that the exterior in the before could ever become the one in the after. How is that even possible? It’s like a unicorn or a transported cupcake that doesn’t get smashed in the car. The stuff of legends. Anyway, thanks for sharing your gem with us Stacie! It’s a great reminder that houses that don’t always look lovely from the front often leave the most room for improvement! Off to stare at our new house’s exterior with renewed enthusiasm…

Pssst- We’re selling our slipcovered Pottery Barn sofa (which looks like new, thanks to those handy washable slipcovers) for nearly 60% off what we paid for it over on craigslist. And since we know you locals like a heads up about those things, we thought we’d share the link. If you’re interested, just respond to the craigslist ad and we’ll get back to you.

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Comments

  1. Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons says

    December 7, 2010 at 1:57 pm

    OMG! Breathtaking!!! If I drove by while house hunting I would want it… badly!!! I love the crisp grey and white… and really just every bit of it rocks!

    xoXOxo
    Peas & Crayons

    Reply
  2. Yuppie Lady says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:02 pm

    I luv it! Next Spring we’re going to start doing outdoor work and an enclosed porch is on the list. Finny thing we just had a debate about, “what makes a porch a porch.” we even looked up the definition b/c we have a porch, but no stairs. It’s hard to explain w/o a pic. There’s a pic on my blog.

    I luv luv what they’ve done. It’s totally my style.

    Reply
  3. Mia says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:03 pm

    Hard to believe that is the same house! And while it is most definitely gorgeous, I have to say, as the daughter of an iron welder, I was just a little sad to see that beautiful, decorative wrought iron gone!

    Reply
  4. Darla Bennett says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:04 pm

    …”so we were prepared to wet ourselves a little..”
    and, “It’s like a unicorn or a transported cupcake that doesn’t get smashed in the car. The stuff of legends. ” I LOVE IT!! You guys crack me up. What a beautiful home. Wish we could pull it off, living in the fan, but with 3 elementary aged kids, Chesterfield County will probably be where we stay. We are new to Richmond and did a little sight seeing up near Church Hill (love that area!) and met some home schooled kids who lived there. I kept thinking, “Why can’t I be brave enough to home school my kids so they can experience the culture and arts of living OUTSIDE of suburbia??” Oh well..
    Anyway, love the blog! Can’t wait for your NEW home pics!

    Reply
  5. Rachel says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:08 pm

    That is one gorgeous after! I have loved seeing pics of this gal’s house. It is probably my all time fave from all of your house crashing adventures! That porch looks like it is meant to be there (and it totally looks original to the house).

    Reply
  6. Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:12 pm

    Wow! That’s spectacular. I would never recognize it either !

    Reply
  7. Meredith says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:12 pm

    I don’t know how you can part with such a fantastic basic sofa. I know you guys live on a “shoe string” to do what you love but I could never part with that. You may not actually have room in the new place…I guess I can get that. I just live in a small place now and have a few pieces stored for WHEN we move to a bigger place. But your small place now with less square footage has two more spaces for sofas. Just jeal I guess….

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 7, 2010 at 2:13 pm

      Yup, we’re getting a sectional (something I’ve dreamed of for years) so to offset the cost we’re selling that sofa since we don’t have a spot for it and want to roll that money over into our new couch. We still have two daybeds and another sofa so we figure we didn’t need another extra couch sitting around since we couldn’t find a spot for it!

      xo,
      s

  8. Tessa says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:12 pm

    Love it. That’s my dream color scheme for our home – but with a pop of turquoise door! I hope she kept that wrought iron as pretty trelis or something for their backyard…

    Reply
  9. Jennifer says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:18 pm

    I didn’t even think the “before” was that bad, but holy cow, the “after” is amazing! Looks expensive. I love the railing. Grey was, is, and always will be my fav color.

    Reply
  10. Letty says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:19 pm

    Totally breathtaking!

    Reply
  11. brandt @ New House on the Blog says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:20 pm

    I don’t know which was better, the reno (with pictures) or the copy you guys wrote.

    It was a close race, and sorry to disappoint, but I’m going with the reno. Phenomenal. Wonderful.

    Reply
  12. kristen anderl says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:22 pm

    The only thing she’s missing is a blue porch ceiling :)

    Reply
  13. Lindsay L. says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:23 pm

    Hey Sherry thanks for recommending the Karlstad series! I’m thinking of getting the corner one and then adding on a chaise unit (in the Sivik beige). But are y’all getting a corner one? To me a sectional just isn’t a sectional without a corner.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 7, 2010 at 2:24 pm

      Yes, we’re thinking about the sectional (with a corner) and the chaise on the other side (for a u-shaped setup). So excited!

      xo,
      s

  14. Nancy says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:27 pm

    SO, so beautiful. I thought the “before” picture WAS the “after”!! lol… I can’t even begin to imagine how much that cost!!! Great job!
    Good luck selling the couch.

    Reply
  15. Irene says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:27 pm

    Really great transformation. I need to find a vision for our Cape to get the front re-done.

    Reply
  16. Courtney says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:28 pm

    Wow, that’s jaw-droppingly gorgeous. I’m jealous!

    Reply
  17. Lindsay L. says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:28 pm

    p.s. that porch transformation is UNBELIEVABLE! wow!

    Reply
  18. Jillian says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:29 pm

    My five-year-old daughter just walked into the room while I was looking at the ‘after’ pictures, and she gasped a little and said, “Wow!…Wow!”. I agree! That is breathtaking.

    Reply
  19. Hilary says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:30 pm

    Amazing curb appeal.

    Do you guys know if the porch is all new material, or if the columns, woodwork, soffits are rescued/reused? My husband and I own a historic home, and we tore off the old porch and replaced it with a significantly more beautiful- but salvaged one. Our historic code wouldn’t allow for new materials, so I was just curious.

    Reply
  20. Suzette says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:31 pm

    Beautiful! I have been contemplating paintin our brick home and I love that color! Any way to find out what it is? Thanks!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 7, 2010 at 2:32 pm

      So glad you guys are loving the makeover as much as we are. Here’s hoping Stacie stops in with the info that you guys have requested!

      xo,
      s

  21. Stacy @ Every Little Thing says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    Wow, that redo is fantastic! It really doesn’t even look like the same house.

    Reply
  22. shanna says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:35 pm

    Oh wow. Oh my God. What a gorgeous “after.” And the geeky Classicist in me adores those Ionic columns. Love that the historical integrity was such a focus. Well done!

    Reply
  23. Keri Lynn says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:39 pm

    That is INCREDIBLE! Love it!

    Reply
  24. Sasa says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:40 pm

    Wow. That looks phenomenal! I am usually not a fan of painting brick, as I think it is something that will eventually be regretted 10+ years down the road (same idea with people painting original ornate woodwork) but it looks fantastic!! Same goes for the wrought iron entrance- it is amazing & I’m shocked they didn’t make that work, however, it looks like they don’t have a lot of yard space at all, so it is a nice trade off to incorporate some outdoor space! Thanks for posting! Good luck with the closing next week!!

    Reply
  25. Emily says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:40 pm

    I’ve gotta agree with Mia – the new exterior rules, but the details in the original ironwork were priceless. I hope the scrap went to a good home or salvage shop!

    Reply
  26. Susan @ Retro Restyling says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:44 pm

    Oh amazing!!! I love historic houses, it’s my dream to have one one day. This is a wonderful redo to the front of the house!

    Reply
  27. Lili says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:44 pm

    All I can say is :PHENOMENAL!

    Reply
  28. Sara @ House Bella says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:45 pm

    Wow, amazing! And I love love LOVE the gray. Great work, Stacie.

    Reply
  29. Janice says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:46 pm

    Holy crap – it’s amazing.

    I am surprised they got away with a railing that isn’t done to code though.

    Reply
  30. Stacey says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:48 pm

    That is absolutely breathtaking! Love it!

    This is completely off-topic, but my husband and I just recently moved into our first home. We had the cabinets painted white by a contractor. We were just putting up everything in the kitchen last night, when I noticed a small crack in one of the doors (I know it wasn’t there before, because I inspected every single door carefully after their work was completed). I e-mail the contractor and he said that it looks like it is on a seam and that wood expands/contracts with changes in weather.

    Is that true and to be expected? How would you recommend we “fix” (if that is even possible) the small crack?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 7, 2010 at 2:49 pm

      Hmm, wood does expand and contract with the weather, so that definitely could be the issue (although it usually “acclimates” over time, so something wouldn’t usually expand or contract ten years after it was installed). Anyway, our idea would be to use a tiny tiny bead of white paintable caulk and a putty knife to fill the hole, which should make it invisible. Caulk is usually easier to use than wood putty since it doesn’t tend to shrink or crack as much. And of course you can paint over it since it’s paintable (although if you use the putty knife to force it into the crack and wipe down the surface of the door, you might get away without painting a thing since it may render the crack practically invisible and blend well enough in with the white cabinets. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  31. Alissa H. says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:49 pm

    I feel bad for their neighbors, the neighbors house looks so sad right next to the new exterior.

    Reply
  32. Shelley @ Calypso In the Country says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:50 pm

    I am blown away by this transformation! How beautiful!

    Reply
  33. GreenInOC says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:51 pm

    Wow, wow, wow.

    The windows just POP out now.

    Great vision!!

    Reply
  34. Miranda says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:54 pm

    Holy crap! Seriously, that’s amazing!

    Reply
  35. Christin says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:56 pm

    WOW!!

    Reply
  36. Nichole@40daysof says

    December 7, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    I can’t stop looking at the pictures. Seriously, this makes me want an old house soooo bad.

    http://40daysof.wordpress.com/2010/12/07/new-pillows/

    Reply
    • Ghada says

      December 11, 2012 at 7:52 pm

      All the prizes are abeulotsly amazing and very generous. I would love to win the Dave Ramsey Store certificate, but the truly are all great.I follow through GFCThriftyWays(at)gmail(dot)com

  37. Melanie says

    December 7, 2010 at 3:01 pm

    That is an amazing transformation. I love the porch <3 The woodworking is exceptional. But she was brave to paint that brick!

    Reply
  38. Stacey says

    December 7, 2010 at 3:08 pm

    I just want to thank YHL for your quick response in regards to my cabinet issue! I will try the caulking trick tonight. I really appreciate you taking the time out of your day to help people with their house dilemmas! It means more than you know!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 7, 2010 at 3:08 pm

      No problem. Good luck!

      xo,
      s

  39. Ever - The red house by the lake says

    December 7, 2010 at 3:18 pm

    Fantastic! It looks so amazing!

    Reply
  40. Ericka says

    December 7, 2010 at 3:23 pm

    I think my heart stopped. That house is unbelievable and I am totally jealous!

    Reply
  41. Brigidanne says

    December 7, 2010 at 3:26 pm

    They did a beautiful job resoring that porch.
    You can see the ghost shadow of the original in the before photo. Makes you wonder how it got chopped down to that little porch with the iron work.

    I too am not a fan of painting brick as depending upon the type of historic brick it may not be sealed.

    I am sure the Historic Preservation Board for this district is glad to have such a great homeowner in the neighborhood.

    Reply
  42. Renee says

    December 7, 2010 at 3:29 pm

    Stacie – if you do stop in – I’d love to know the name of the color you chose for the exterior. We’re planning to paint our home grey in the near future and this shade would be perfect.

    Reply
  43. Irina@CanDoGal says

    December 7, 2010 at 3:34 pm

    This is so beautiful, along with the rest of their house. Every little touch is just immaculate. It gives me a little relief to see that these improvements are ongoing and can take a looooong time, because I am just starting, and to think of all the work ahead of me is slightly overwhelming.

    Reply
  44. Angela says

    December 7, 2010 at 3:35 pm

    Beautiful…but I’d like to see the whole building. How does the other side look with this fantastic makeover next door?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 7, 2010 at 3:36 pm

      Hey Angela,

      It’s a row of houses that are connected in that area of downtown Richmond, but every owner puts their stamp on each front (they’re all painted different colors, have unique porches, etc). It’s such a charming and eclectic yet historic look- and we love that they’re not all carbon copies of the one next door!

      xo,
      s

  45. Lucy says

    December 7, 2010 at 3:37 pm

    I love everything about this house. The color, full length porch and built-in fan – marvelous! Wouldn’t mind a mint julep on this porch in May… Although I don’t that THAT kind of house crashing is allowed!

    Reply
  46. LittleMissEclectic says

    December 7, 2010 at 3:44 pm

    Wow, great job that is amazingly beautiful!

    Reply
  47. Kim says

    December 7, 2010 at 3:44 pm

    Why dont I live near you!!! I was bummed I couldnt snatch up your house, especially since mine has all that “fixer upper charm” going on, we could have just traded :) I surely would have bought it on the first day for whatever price you asked! And now the Pottery Barn couch… yes I’m whining… and now pouting.

    Reply
  48. Katherine says

    December 7, 2010 at 3:46 pm

    H’okay, so I’m going to bet that your sofa listing on Craigslist gets pinged and bought in under 1 hour, 37 minutes by one of your readers. If I win the bet, I get a special commemorative plate, yes?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 7, 2010 at 3:47 pm

      Haha. You’ll be awarded 500 comment bonus points if that happens. And those are moderately hard to come by!

      xo,
      s

  49. dana says

    December 7, 2010 at 3:50 pm

    omgeeeeezy! Can I please live on this porch?!

    Reply
  50. Allison says

    December 7, 2010 at 3:57 pm

    Truly amazing! Would it be possible to find out the paint colors Stacie used on the exterior? Thank you!

    Reply
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John and Sherry Sitting On Woven ChairHey, 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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