Fast forward to 2 weeks ago. While re-reading an old post from Flowerlady, I realized that she had a nice office by closing her small porch and that it could work for me too.

So, I decided to close in my front porch! For me this is a good fit. I won’t miss the porch because I never sit on the porch (mosquitoes love me).
My porch is 5.5’ x 11’. There will be just enough space for me to have a comfy chair, a table and a small tv. He will be closing it in, insulating, putting windows on each end and either side of the door. As long as I don't add heat/air, take out existing walls or modify the roof, the city will still consider it a porch.

This is a house I am using for inspiration. I hope to end up with something similiar (minus the brick).

I talked to the contractor last week, and he gave me an estimate. He is going try to start either Friday or Monday (whenever he finishes the job he is working on now).

Loretta

How exciting. Love your inspiration picture. Will you then be removing your front door into your house and just having the new door as the one front door or?

I would LOVE to close in our front porch. Maybe some day. It does have a full foundation under it. That makes it easier to do. Right now we do not need more house. Not to mention my pocket book is looking pretty thin.

Can't wait for this to be come reality for you. So excited for you. Promise blow by blow pictures.

Chris

I have been planning the past several years to build a room(s) onto my house. In this economic climate, I scaled back - and back - and back! I finally decided that I could do several projects for less money than the room would cost. That is how I came up with

1) enlarging my bedroom (done)
2) laundry room being reconfigured (done)
3)painted the living room; painted the bathroom and put up beadboard panel (done)
4) kitchen 'refresh' (on-going)
5) enclose front porch (this week, hopefully) and last
6)widening and leveling my driveway (within the next 2 weeks).

I have a lot going on, but I wanted to get these projects done before the Spring (which is typically very busy for contractor's).

When we did our SIDE porch, which was just screened and about to fall through when I moved into the house (renting from a friend at that time), we wanted to enjoy that really nice space all year. Exactly what you are thinking. Now, we have it all done. Instead of a storm door on the outside, we got an exterior French door, with a lock set. At that time, I planned to use the porch door as the main entry since it was next to the back gate and the place I parked the car. But then, I also replaced the front door with a Pella Energy Star rated double paned w/blind in the middle. And that did such nice things to the front stoop, that I refreshed the front door and we now use that as the main entry.

We took the old metal door off the porch, the one which was also a locked and metal door. And I just recently took out the door molding and left just the plain wooden door frame. What I had in mind originally was another French door, but an interior type, which is not quite as thick as an exterior door.

That is why I am writing now. You say your living room does not have any window view of the street. I think you could get a FRENCH DOOR there. Or, think about one of those BIFOLD FRENCH DOORS, and mount it like a shutter is mounted, one half to each side of the doorway. I think it would be elegant!

And if the floor out there is wood, level it NOW, not later, because after the walls go up you won't be able to do that. And believe me, porch floors SLOPE A LOT AND IT IS ALL AWAY FROM THE BODY OF THE HOUSE. So discuss this issue with your contractor.

Also, if there is no city building permit required, you might consider adding two receptacles on either side of the porch. Maybe he can drag the wiring down through the ceiling or make a surface installation fairly high. If one of your windows can open, you might be able to get one of those A/C units on wheels, which has a flex-tube as the exhaust vent and you put that through a window. Those units come in all sizes. You will need some sort of cooling since you are southern. My hubby built a Frigidaire window unit (8000BTU) into the custom walls he did on our sunporch. And We sure did need it since there is 10' western wall of 1/4" Lexan. In fact, 3 of the walls are Lexan, one is stucco w/ the chimney enclosed in the porch, and there are 2 32" doors/doorways. I keep my parrots out there, and also hubby's upholstered swivel rocker....but I may have to move his chair if he doesn't stop claiming every seat with a view!!!

At least, have the contractor add a good hugger ceiling fan. I got a 30" or 32" diameter fan at Lowes. It does stir the air nicely. I left off the light kit, because I prefer lamp light. If you have a porch light out near the steps, you can make the new ceiling fan operate simply on a pull cord and no switch.

You are accomplishing so MUCH!!! Keep up the fine work.
There is more than one way to skin a cat. Sometimes our limitations lead us onward to a more pleasurable solution.

And I am really really into shutters. But we'll have to start a fresh discussion on that, so it won't usurp your enclosed porch discussion. :)

View from back yard behind privacy fence. Lexan (polycarbonate panels) are 24" wide.

This view shows french exterior door. Two of the skinny Lexan panels look like side lights, same as you are planning.

Here is the original doorway into the living room, showing the old porch floor (with wide gaps) and the plywood subfloor DH is adding before laying porcelain tile.

Closeup of the porcelain tile from Lowes, Rialto Roman Salmon, Italian tile. VERY nice product.

Jay, you must really want plants to die, lol

The area rug on the cement floor will be great. Are you thinking jute or sisal?

One thing for sure: You are going to LOVE your new space.
Like FlGargoyle says, the space is a natural for live plants. A cement floor doesn't mind a little water at all.
I've been meaning to add some ceiling hooks, but hate to mar the beadboard. So instead now I am thinking of regular swivel plant hangers on the 2x4" support lumber. I guess this porch is my favorite room in the house.

oh Im going to use that as my comeback next time hehe. He doesnt get that our bricks are so plain and pale and our house looks really drab from the outside. but since I do most of the repair/decorating work I think I should get to decide. honestly as long as I put them up myself I should get around him. He just doesn't like me asking him to do things so he poo poos a lot of my ideas just in case he has to be involved :)

Chris

Now when spring comes, cut those boxwood back hard, so you can make a real show at your front door. Maybe get a couple of huge pots to sit on either side of the steps. Just plop some containers of geraniums in there, or maybe asparagus ferns.

Inside would be a nice place to put a hanging basket in front of the sidelite panels, on a chain so they can be raised or lowered easily and watered easily. And also block folks from seing straight into your room. You'd be surprised how a group of really green plants creates a green haze to the room.

Also, have you thought about the window box which is wire and which you can simply set flower pots in seasonally?
Put some of that super watering crystals in the pots to keep the roots hydrated. Just don't use too much, it begins to ooze like slime. :)

You will get a lot of pleasure from this tiny space. Your very own catbird seat.

Moccassin, the yellow/green bushes are Eunomynous. They're about 20 years old. I cut them back at the end of spring. The others are Indian Hawthorne (I think). I plan to move them over to the fence. I usually buy potted plants for the steps. I love Hibiscus and Ferns. But what I really want is a very small, very slow-growing evergreen that could be used to decorate for Christmas. I'll have to ask the garden people is there is anything that can take our hot summers.

Chris

No work today because of rain. Tonight it is supposed to snow! What in the world is going on?

Chris

The front 'windows' really adds to an 'open' feeling.

Way to go. Maybe you need to send your man to us. You make me want to close in our porch now. EEEEKKKKK I would have to work for the city forever to pay it off.

Chris

Supposed to be cooking dinner.

Chris

That side light made 27 x 70 had a big impact. Is it still the polycarbonate/Lexan stuff? Somewhere I have a set of instructions on how to keep the material from getting scratched and I will try to get it to you. Or at least tell you. Without looking at it, I won't attempt to relay the info--too afraid of messing up your playhouse!

I think the wicker chair inside that wider window will give a very comfortable and COMFORTING image of the style of living possible inside your home. Even the new door into the living room will become a part of the picture.

Now while you are thinking about plants to emphasize the effect created by this new elegant VERY SOUTHERN porch, also think about a window box under the smaller window off to the right on the brick. You can take that last picture you posted and just keep pasting different styles of window boxes up to it, until you get the one you love.

If you like ferns, and you are in South Carolina, I recommend that you try asparagus fern. I planted those in some very inhospitable places at my church, surrounded by cement, baking in sun all day with no shade, and they prospered. The asparagus fern has little thingys on the roots that look like grapes when they suck up the water, and they also survive the winter. This winter was very hard on mine, but they are already coming back, and I just need to cut off the dead tops. One of my favorite ferns which has survived this winter, but will need to have at least broken shade, is the holly fern. It is a deep deep glossy green with semi spiky edges to the leaves--but not dangerously so of course.

An online source of information is PlantDelightsNursery up in Juniper Level NC....I order from them, and LOVE to read the plant info written by the owner, Tony Avent. For some good advice about selecting plants for your area, he'd be one person I'd trust. Very amusing too.

And they have hibiscus there also. And HOSTAS LOVE SHADE. They would do great in your zone, because they keep on spreading like crazy at DH's house in MA. Also, if you want something that is BEAUTIFUL and will survive the winters, take a look at the HEUCHERAS, or coral bells. Mostly the leaves are stunning, with flowers on tiny spikes not being so impressive. But THEY keep coming back too. Oh dear me, I can tell my gardening fever is rising again. Sorry.

This is the smallest fan I've ever seen.

I found this film to put on the narrow window - it looks simliar to the glass in the door.

Already started priming the brick (what a pain) and the sheetrock. Out of pure laziness, I have decided to paint it a creamy white; but the valence, rug and chair will have color in them. Also this light will be moved to the outside when the electrician comes.

Railings up! Trim still needs to be painted

And last, (this is for you Moccassin)

The creamy white for the bricks, absolutely the right choice. That film on the skinny window works perfectly too. And the blind on your 27x70 window is a fine choice.

Do you know where that tiny fan came from? I bought a totally white one w/ 6 blades from Lowes last year. I think it was 30" diameter counting the blades. But yours looks even smaller. Maybe because of the color? Anyway, I like the style. Mine really moves the air!

Well, I know you will be a happy camper when you have it all together. This was a quick job, with an immediate payoff. Talk about improved curb appeal, you did it up right. Be sure to post a picture of the chair you decide to use. And the lamp. And the table. Inspirational, that's what it is. Kudos to your contractor too.

Chris

But even the image of a restful spot can be refreshing. Years ago, I hung a nice Pawley's Island hammock between two pear trees, under which I'd planted solid monkey grass. It was a shady quiet spot on the north side of my little house at Moccasin Landing. I guess I lay in it less than a dozen times before it rotted, but I could look at it every morning out my bedroom window, and get a long view down the tree-shaded bayou, and that promise of relaxation eased my mind. Sometimes all you need to have is the PROMISE of relief.

I have a new hammock just like the old one, but so far have not found a great spot to hang it at this house.

nancy, even though it is west-facing, the porch is in almost total shade most of the day because of the Crepe Myrtle monster :0) Also, the front door is usually open all day anytime it is fairly warm outside.

I had a piece of vinyl to cover the concrete and an area rug to use over it. I also have a table that fits perfect. I haven't bought a chair yet, but I put one of the chairs from the living room on the porch to gauge the size I need. (But this chair will be going back into the l!ving room.)

So pretty and glad you are home safe.

Chris

A nice high backed slim armed wingback, with straight legs and small wings, what I'd call a "lady chair" would fit nicely. And it would obviously be a chair made for a woman.
Straight legs in back, and the curved leg like your table, if you plan to leave it on the porch? I like it there.

To make it functional, look for a storage ottoman on wheels, one which can be pushed under your table when not needed, yet you can sit there to do mail or maybe bring out your laptop and enjoy your neighborhood view.

I really like your porch. Seeing you do it gives me as much enjoyment as doing one myself.

have you checked one of those consignment stores for a chair? a friend of mine bought her LR furniture at one and got such a deal on her s*fa and 2 chairs. They are so beautiful. didn't even look used at all.

Another option I have is a wicker (or wicker-look) patio chair. In the meantime, I can just leave my living room chair on the porch until I decide. I've hung curtains and a few prints.

Chris

I like the curtains you put in there, makes it really private and cozy.

Keep your wingback chair there until you find that knockout chair you are looking for. Do not settle.
But you might be very comfortable during the hot weather to have a creamy cottony slip cover with piping that same green as the curtain panels? Then you won't worry about plopping down there for a sip of ice water after sweating out in the garden. You know it will invite you to take a break!

Your porch is about the most perfect little jewel box I ever saw. Small spaces are priceless because you feel you just walk into them and PUT THEM ON. Like wrapped in clothing you really like. You done good, lady.

Your porch looks fantastic.
Let's see what they do with THAT.
Sheeeeeeshhhh.

shades are you still getting those underlined words? I noticed there were two of them, one comes from ivillage and one is from gardenweb. after I disabled both of them I didnt see those links any more.

Now, Trance, how do you disable the (popups?)....whatever you are talking about? Using Firefox these days, not as familiar with it as I was w/ IE7.

anyway, Ive figured out what I did now, when you see one of those underlined words, put your mouse over it and when it opens up that pop up type box it says "vibrant" in the top right hand corner. click on "vibrant" and it will take you to a page where you can click on "disable". If you still see any more of those links do it again because I noticed some of them come from an ivillage page and some from a gardenweb page and I had to disable both before I stopped seeing all of the links

I got mine for the kitchen, and was informed by a friend that you don't put ceiling fans in a kitchen....well, I will ask about that in a separate thread, see what everyone else thinks.

I think we all would like some of Loretta's expertise. Should we send her on a USA tour for awhile.?? What you think Loretta??

Chris

He really does good work.

And so do you!

chris

Anyway, I saw an outdoor recliner by Lazy Boy. I had a coupon for 15% off, so I got it. The frame is all steel so it is really sturdy.

http://www.lazboyoutdoor.com/product.php?sku=STAN2010RECL

I like the styling of the chair. The side panels of the wicker weaving will stay looking good for a long time. So when will we expect to see the bedroom lounging scene?
So many projects, so little time!!!

I also like the ceiling fan. We have them in all our main rooms, even the kitchen, but we have an electric stove. Our house didn't have air conditioning, and those fans have been life-savers.

New chair

New door

I also put up a new light in the living room

ML, I have an ugly, but comfortable loveseat in my bedroom. I SO want to change it!

LOL, if you are neighbor watching, you're missing a vital piece of 'porch decor'--field glasses!

Consider this a BUMP in the right direction. :)

I have a small flatscreen tv on the porch. So, one of my favorite things on sunday after church, is to sit on the porch and watch bad movies on the SyFy network!

I want you to know that your work has been a great inspiration to me. Like ML, I also love your style. I was planning to do my kitchen in your green and lilac color combo, but it turned into a huge project and I decided to just do green. The paint is on the walls in the kitchen and the family room and within two or three weeks, we should have it all done. Like you did, I asked the contractor to leave the painting to me, I needed to save money. He hates staining, so I stained the woodwork this weekend, too.

Here is to you, on your porch with a cool drink, a good movie, and those binoculars to make sure you see all of the wildlife!

Oh (groan) those old sci-fi movies were the worst. But at least you did not see too much gore like the newer monster movies have. I sure cannot watch those.

Last night I found THE HOLIDAY, where the two young women swap houses for Christmas. It was full of eye candy for house lovers. I think it was my third time to see it.
Now that we changed our phone system to cable, I got a lot more channels than before, and the cost is less than if I stayed with ATT phone service. I have yet to see the caller ID on the screen, but I'm sure it will show up when I figure out the settings. We're also getting some of the music channels, no spoken commercials (some text on screen but who watches music play?) I like the jazz, blues, classical, and less violent stuff. Nice.

Sorry if I seem to stray off topic here. But sitting on a porch relaxing brings up such images. I think you are getting your money's worth from that porch, Loretta. I bet you have room for a glass of wine and a plate of snacks too.

i know this is an old post, but i love what you did! and i'm thinking of doing the same to my small cape one day in the future...how much would something like this cost? i know there are variables like material costs but just curious for a ballpark figure... i'm in NJ btw....

thanks!!

So glad to see you rejuvenated for 2012, and more plans to look forward to.

Are you going to give that new room a thread of its own?
I will have to do a plan for my kitchen redo as well, what with new foundation, new roofline, and new floors throughout the house, with window seat and pantries in the dining AND kitchen. I'm really wanting it to start after DH goes back north in May. hehehehe. That way, I KNOW I'll get what I want without explaining the purpose of each item to him. Before it's done, he has doubts, but then once it is accomplished, he sees that I was NOT WRONG.