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The Shabby Creek Cottage

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a beachy kinda porch makeover

 
 
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Almost 2 years ago the girls & I built this little porch for Mr. SCC. We did it on a shoestring budget of $200, and had a blast. We spend a huge chunk of time out here, hanging out, eating, reading, I even blog & work on Etsy stuff out here when the weather is right. Although we love the space, we never really liked the railing or color. With a $5 bunch of spindles & some $10 oops paint, it was definitely a “use what you have” project.
 
Beach Cottage Lighting
After we went to Tybee Island back in March, I’ve been dreaming of picket fences. Our yard is waaaayyyyy to big to have that much picket-ness, but I had another idea in mind – our porch.
Beach Cottage porch
Two years later, my porch is prettier than ever! A total DIM (do it myself) project, Project Porch 2.0 was another Mr. SCC-free production.
picket fence porch railings
I cut, sanded, hung & painted every inch of the railings, one by one..
Simple gate
I even hand built a gate for the porch – without a consult!
aqua porch 
I repainted the bench we built, just touching up the top with the same light aqua that I chose for the floors (Cool Sausalito by Dutch Boy). I didn’t touch the yummy chippy legs – I like ‘em as is. The sign is painted my beloved Hawaiian Sky (also by Dutch Boy) – it’s perfect for all those swimming clothes & towels that pile up during the warm weather.
Red stripe pillow
Red is a new twist for me, I’m usually all neutrals & aqua, but this fun fabric caught my eye and I just had to have it… love the pop of color it brings.
Metal Bucket of Flip Flops
Buckets under the bench help keep up with essentials like flip flops & water guns.
bucket of croquet balls
More vintage buckets hold croquet & bocce balls – our favorite summer pasttime.croquet mallets
Anyone fancy a game?
dining outside
Eating al fresco is always a good idea. Mr. SCC and I start each and every day with coffee on the porch – rain or shine, hot or cold – it’s our “thing.”
beach style painted table
He cut down our old dining table and made it fit the porch – gotta love free stuff!
chippy table leg
 The old paint was a little chippy… but I didn’t care. I sprayed it down with my favorite spray paint (Krylon Pebble) and then flaked off the chips so it would look aged even though it was freshly painted. Notice it’s wet? That’s because every thing on this porch has to be wash & wear, baby! The light floors (painted with porch & floor paint for durability) have to be sprayed off every day… but I actually like doing it. Instant gratification – gotta love those kinda rewards.
beach cottage style porch
I reused our old dining room chairs – they just fit so perfectly – and you can’t beat free!budget cottage porch makeover
All total, I spent $40 on wood, $28 on paint & $10 on fabric – still less than $100 and it looks like new in just a few days.
shabby chic porch
Bring it on, summer!

 

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Filed Under: room makeover

About Gina Luker

Gina Luker is a writer, photographer and lover of all things quirky. She's usually found with a drill in one hand and a cocktail in the other while blogging along the way. She's addicted to coffee, polka dots, rock stars, Instagram, and everything aqua.

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Comments

  1. molly susan strong says

    June 8, 2011 at 11:55 pm

    It looks amazing. I love all the details!

    Reply
  2. Junker Newbie Stephanie says

    June 8, 2011 at 11:56 pm

    OMG, the porch is awesome! wow, you are one crafty DIY lady! bravo 🙂

    Reply
  3. Liz@HoosierHomemade says

    June 8, 2011 at 11:56 pm

    WOW!! That looks awesome Miss Gina!! I love the croquet set!
    When we were working on the Mantel, DH asked if I had one…now I REALLY want one after seeing yours!
    Thanks for hosting!
    ~Liz

    Reply
  4. Debra@Common Ground says

    June 9, 2011 at 12:05 am

    wow, it looks great Gina! You guys did a super job! just linked up, xo Debra

    Reply
  5. Madigan at madiganmade says

    June 9, 2011 at 12:08 am

    What an inviting space! I love the pop of red with the turquoise. Very fun. The bucket of balls looks like part of the decor but I love the fact that it is functional for you, too!

    Reply
  6. Zombie says

    June 9, 2011 at 12:08 am

    thats such a cool looking porch! 😀

    Reply
  7. Classically Hip Interiors says

    June 9, 2011 at 12:15 am

    I love your porch, how proud you must be…every cup of coffee must taste sooo good out there…

    Reply
  8. Norma2 says

    June 9, 2011 at 12:17 am

    El lugar ha quedado bellísimo y con poco gasto felicitaciones!
    Te invito a mi blog
    http://norma2-siempreesprimavera-norma2.blogspot.com

    Reply
  9. LDH says

    June 9, 2011 at 12:17 am

    Hello Gina!

    Linking up for the first time. Looking forward to perusing more of your posts and visiting others 🙂

    Kindly, Lorraine

    Reply
  10. Lindy says

    June 9, 2011 at 12:19 am

    Love your porch redo. The new railing looks great and the colors are to die for!

    Reply
  11. Honey at 2805 says

    June 9, 2011 at 12:35 am

    Love all the Beachy things! Thanks for always being the gracious hostess!

    Reply
  12. emmalina.lolly says

    June 9, 2011 at 12:35 am

    I love the idea of the flip flop buckets and especially the yard games! I know we have bocce ball somewhere… It would be nice to have it handy on the porch for a random game!

    Reply
  13. Coley says

    June 9, 2011 at 12:36 am

    I LOVE that pop of red with the other crisp colors! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  14. Shanon at Vintage Sparkle Chic says

    June 9, 2011 at 12:44 am

    Coffee on the newly done porch…..enough said! I love it! It is fun you and Mr. SCC have something special you do together.

    ~Shanon

    Reply
  15. Karen says

    June 9, 2011 at 12:44 am

    I love your porch! you did a great job. Red is so pretty with aqua, love that you added it. You should be so prod of yourself to have done all of this yourself.

    Reply
  16. Leslie says

    June 9, 2011 at 12:49 am

    Gina,
    I expect an evening game of croquet with you and all the girls!
    If my cottage is anything like the porch (only enclosed) I will feel like a princess!
    Can’t wait to see it in person!
    Thank you for the linky party!
    I have been absent from them (not just yours 😉 for about 6 months…they are so much fun, though! I love all the creative ideas!
    HUGS and blessings to you as you make your home!
    ~me

    Reply
  17. brockey says

    June 9, 2011 at 12:52 am

    That porch is so cute…… you should be proud. I love all the white paint . Aqua and red are my favorite too.

    Reply
  18. Venessa says

    June 9, 2011 at 1:11 am

    Love that you made do with so many things that you already have. It makes me take a second look at what’s around me and what I can re-purpose!

    Reply
  19. Molly @ A Bit O' Shine says

    June 9, 2011 at 1:14 am

    Very cute! I love the bench and I love the picket-fence around the porch – totally brill.

    I LOVE eating outside. It isn’t quite nice enough to do that here yet…but soon.

    Reply
  20. Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage says

    June 9, 2011 at 1:16 am

    Ah-mazing!! 🙂

    Reply
  21. the cape on the corner says

    June 9, 2011 at 1:32 am

    oh my gosh, that is an amazing transformation! it looks so welcoming and relaxing, and i love you and the mr’s morning routine. i wish we could do that, but sadly, that only happens on the weekends.

    Reply
  22. Anne says

    June 9, 2011 at 1:42 am

    I LOVE everything you do with your home – it’s all so coordinated and beautiful without feeling stuffy.

    Reply
  23. Theresa says

    June 9, 2011 at 1:47 am

    That pop of red with the aqua is so pretty and beachy! I love it, thanks for the party! oxoxoxo

    Reply
  24. poindextr says

    June 9, 2011 at 1:53 am

    what a sweet porch! I’d have my breakfast there too, you can believe it. Love the pegs for towels and the oh-so-pretty aqua bench beneath it. And happy (early) 2nd anniversary! Thank you for hosting such a nice link party, bloggers are a very supportive group of creative thinkers! ~diane at home sweet homemade

    Reply
  25. Polly @ Make Mine Beautiful says

    June 9, 2011 at 1:55 am

    Hey girl, that RED looks great! And it IS red by the way (that’s a little inside joke). 🙂
    Looks like you’ve put a lot of hard work into this project and it turned out fantastic. I can’t wait to see what you’re working on in the rest of the house…….and I will in just a few short weeks! woohoo. 🙂

    Reply
  26. Dacia says

    June 9, 2011 at 2:13 am

    Beautiful! I would love to have a porch like that!

    Reply
  27. Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says

    June 9, 2011 at 2:26 am

    What a lot of work went into your beautiful space. I love the pops of red!

    Reply
  28. Alexis E. says

    June 9, 2011 at 2:31 am

    I just love your porch! Our porch has a big barn star as well.

    Reply
  29. janet says

    June 9, 2011 at 2:40 am

    Hello Gina,
    Happy to be here once again. I love your little porch and would love sitting there with my morning coffee.

    It looks like a very ‘calm’place.

    Thank so much for hosting

    janet xox
    http://theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  30. Handy Man, Crafty Woman says

    June 9, 2011 at 3:39 am

    Love those buckets, nice job! thanks for hosting this link party every week.

    Reply
  31. Michell @ Girl In Air says

    June 9, 2011 at 4:11 am

    Your porch is so wonderful!!

    Thank you for hosting!

    Reply
  32. Leanne says

    June 9, 2011 at 4:57 am

    The porch is beautiful. I love the railing and the red is a perfect touch. Thanks for hosting again this week.

    Reply
  33. Christie says

    June 9, 2011 at 5:16 am

    Almost two years and over five thousand followers! You go girl! Congratulations!!! The bench and entire porch look incredible and remind me of something I would see at the beaches in Charleston, SC! Love it all! Thanks for hosting! Christie at Three Pixie Lane

    Reply
  34. NauticalCottageBlog.com says

    June 9, 2011 at 5:47 am

    It’s so adorable & beachy! I love it!

    Thank you very much for hosting – hope you’re having a good week.

    Reply
  35. The Sterling Cherub says

    June 9, 2011 at 6:09 am

    Love Project Porch 2.0, it turned out wonderfully and totally looks like something you’d find at a cute beach cottage. Love everything about it!

    Best,

    Kimberly

    Reply
  36. beachcomber says

    June 9, 2011 at 6:34 am

    love what you did with the porch and the sign hanger thingy you made!
    cheryl x

    Reply
  37. Marianne@Songbird says

    June 9, 2011 at 7:44 am

    Wow two years of Transformation Thursday that are a lot of crafty projects linked up!
    I love your porch, and congrats on DIM-ing it yourself. With such a handy husband and so much else to do for you it must be tempting to leave all the major (and minor) makeovers to him. But I really love your picket fence!!
    Happy summer to you.

    Reply
  38. Rattan garden furniture says

    June 9, 2011 at 9:33 am

    Awesome transformation of the porch Gina…..
    I love to see the clicks of your porch area really beautiful and adorable captures….
    I love to spend my time with serenity and relax in my porch area after load of work….
    Good share……!!!!

    Reply
  39. Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish says

    June 9, 2011 at 10:17 am

    Adorable darling!!! I love the porch!

    Reply
  40. Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking says

    June 9, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    Love your beachy porch!

    Reply
  41. Curtains In My Tree says

    June 9, 2011 at 12:54 pm

    The red and white pillows really makes it POP as they say. looks good

    Reply
  42. Hollie - TheSevenYearCottage.com says

    June 9, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    Beautiful porch! Thank you so much for hostessing.

    Reply
  43. Jen says

    June 9, 2011 at 2:45 pm

    Very inviting porch 🙂

    Reply
  44. Kayla says

    June 9, 2011 at 2:49 pm

    OMG loving your new porch, it’s so pretty!!!

    Reply
  45. Jeanna says

    June 9, 2011 at 3:19 pm

    I’m so in love with your bench and the buckets filled with sandals and games. Awesome.

    Jeanna @ dramaqueenseams.blogspot.com

    Reply
  46. Kelly@TearingUpHouses says

    June 9, 2011 at 5:46 pm

    i like the old buckets. perfect storage!

    kelly

    Reply
  47. Orangies Attic says

    June 9, 2011 at 5:50 pm

    GREAT linky party… planning to add it to my LINKS page. Thanks for hosting… newly following, come visit me! Orangies Attic

    Reply
  48. Ty and Whitty says

    June 9, 2011 at 8:05 pm

    Wow I am amazed That is beautiful. And thank you for letting me join in to your linky party again this week. Can you please do me a favor it would mean the world to me if you would go to this link. Like her photography page and then like my photo I am the fifth entry Whitney. Thank you so much

    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=229794193699572&set=a.229738740371784.70850.146935955318730&type=1

    Thanks again

    A mommy’s life…with a touch of YELLOW
    tyandwhitneyulrich.blogspot.com

    Reply
  49. Prudently Painted Vintage says

    June 9, 2011 at 10:39 pm

    I love the pop of red in there. Every inch of that space is perfectly decorated. Very inviting and functional. Love it!

    Reply
  50. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    June 9, 2011 at 11:43 pm

    Oh, my word, Gina! I am just speechless. Well, not really, b/c I am rarely without speech. But I LOVE this!!! Looks like you could step out your front door and right onto Tybee Island to sip tea. 🙂 Great work!! Going to feature this tomorrow!

    Reply
  51. Heaven's Walk says

    June 10, 2011 at 12:47 am

    Gina!!!!! You should be so darned proud of yourself, girl! Your porch looks sooo sweet and beachy! Love that red with the aqua. I’ve got a little of that going on in Heaven’s Walk, too. ♥ You did an amazing job and the transformation is just exquisite! 🙂

    xoxo laurie

    Reply
  52. Kammy Wielenga says

    June 10, 2011 at 2:51 am

    Wow, you totally rock. Can’t believe the stuff you do by yourself!!! I neeeed to get more handy cuz I’m always begging and pleading for my hubby to help me out or put my ideas in to action and he’s usually less than thrilled… LOVE EVERY BIT OF YOUR PORCH!!!!

    Reply
  53. Lana says

    June 10, 2011 at 12:46 pm

    Ooooh Gina ~ it’s just wonderful!
    You’re an awesome DIMer! 🙂

    Reply
  54. Erin says

    June 30, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    This is so super duper cute!!! Love that you did it all by yourself! And I LOVE the pop of red!

    Reply
  55. Helene says

    February 21, 2017 at 2:42 pm

    Fabulous makeover…. Just TOOOOOO pretty!!!! Gooooo you!!!!!!

    Reply
    • Gina Luker says

      February 21, 2017 at 4:22 pm

      Awww, thanks so much Helene!!! You are too sweet 🙂

      Reply

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