Before this porch was finished it housed our previously owned four poster bed, a large loveseat, a random chair, and odd boxes that we needed out of the way. I knew it had potential but I couldn't get started because I was trying too hard to make the loveseat work as the foundational piece for this space. It was a little too small and even though the colors worked, it just wasn't that comfortable. Oh, and then Sunday took her moving stress out on one of the cushions so one problem was solved.
I decided a daybed might work and it wasn't but a few days later that I went to one of my favorite thrift stores and found this in the back where they keep disassembled beds. I had taken measurements of the porch and this daybed was exactly 1/2" less wide than the room. Phew! Also, it wasn't coming apart and just barely fit into our volvo. Note: Always keep bungee cords in your trunk. I got it home and then went and bought two 10' planks and some particle board (that I had cut to fit at Lowe's) to replace some missing planks. I sanded, primed, and spray painted the wood with two coats of Krylon celery before bringing it onto the porch.
Next I laid the particle board down and told the kids they were not allowed to jump on the daybed! I'd love to buy some thick foam and cover it to add some more comfort but I currently just have a camping mat on top of the particle board. I then layered a thick vintage bedspread on top and placed coordinating pillows leftover from the loveseat around the edges to cozy it up.
I love how the mint coordinates with the mango-colored walls and that the simple lines aren't dated. I probably spent about $38 on that project and used a lot of things I already had on hand rather than going out and buying new bedding and cushions. It's another example of how you can really transform a space working within certain restrictions (budget, ownership, space) without spending a lot of money. Look for the potential in what you already have (or see at the thrifts) and only buy things you love as you go and you're sure to always find a use for them no matter how many times your space changes.
-Rachel
Super cute space! You are like the wonder woman of DIY! Thank you for encouraging us to try to reuse things that we already have - great reminder ♥
xx Ashleigh
www.ashflynn.blogspot.com
Posted by: Ashleigh | Love Stoned | 04/25/2013 at 08:02 AM
What an awesome space! I also am in love with your curtains. Such a cute and unique idea!
Posted by: Amanda | 04/25/2013 at 08:15 AM
Wow, this looks awesome. We are hopefully going to be buying a house soon, and there is a room in there just like this one, and this day bed would be perfect in it. Thanks so much for the inspiration!.
Posted by: Meganlee | 04/25/2013 at 08:24 AM
Really good advice. And such a great little daybed! I love seeing pictures of your littles lounging around out there. It seems like a happy place in your home.
Posted by: ruthie | 04/25/2013 at 08:29 AM
Really great project there and looks wonderful :)
Posted by: forgetmenotsblue | 04/25/2013 at 08:49 AM
Looks so great!
Posted by: Kate @ Songs Kate Sang | 04/25/2013 at 02:05 PM
I just love that. What a wonderful and cozy spot. Great colours in the bedding and love the curtains too!
Posted by: Angie | 04/25/2013 at 02:13 PM
I really love your blog. You have such a positive attitude but I know you're human and you share some of your challenges too. But I love that you approach everything that way--as a challenge, not a block. Sorry to be cheesy. I've been reading your blog awhile but don't think I've commented before...
Posted by: *karen | 04/25/2013 at 03:54 PM
I love this makeover and that celery paint! It's such a beautiful piece!
Posted by: Caitlin T. | 04/25/2013 at 07:18 PM
omigosh this is fantastic! love it! i should have done this with my weird second living room instead of buying a new couch! darn it.
Posted by: Bri | 04/25/2013 at 07:59 PM
It turned out great :)
Posted by: Sara | 04/26/2013 at 02:56 AM
This is so cute. You are right the colors go great together. I am jealous of your this great extra space you have been able to make your family. Looks so comfy!!!
Posted by: Jess @ Sweet Athena | 04/26/2013 at 08:52 AM
this is GREAT love love love this.
grace
http://herumbrella.com
Posted by: grace | 04/27/2013 at 10:41 AM
Hi Rachel! I love what you did with this space. I've been following along on Bloglovin' and was wondering if you knew that your photos don't show up there. Is it a setting you selected or some sort of a fluke? Just thought I'd check in case you didn't know your pics weren't visible! www.pamelapetrus.com
Posted by: Pamela Petrus | 04/29/2013 at 03:39 PM
LOVE this!!! Absolutely gorgeous and aren't your boys lucky!
kim @ http://www.popcosmo.com
Posted by: kim | 05/01/2013 at 04:10 AM