The rain has finally stopped and I can take my camera outside for a few pictures.
Back in March, this is what the sitting area in the front of my house looked like. The benches were in desperate need of a little TLC. They sat uncovered all winter long and they looked pretty shabby. I’ve always had a vision of stepping stones and some sort of ground cover but I’ve been putting it off because that money tree just won’t start growing.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been working to improve this area. It’s the first thing people see when they come over. There have been a lot of projects leading up to the finished look. First, I sanded, washed, restained, and varathaned the bench, table, and chair.
I planted the geraniums a little too early and they didn’t like the cold weather we had. I’m hoping they’ll perk up when the warm weather decides to show up.
The addition of the outdoor pillows really makes this area come to life.
I bought the red pillows at Khol’s. The striped “Sunbrella Outdoor” fabric came from Jo-Ann. I fell in love with cheery stripes and bright colors. I used regular poly-fill pillow forms and I’ve been surprised at how well they have done outside. My sewing projects are much better than the baking projects on my waistline.
I had some left over fabric and decided to make a few cushions for the bench by the front door.
The money tree never did start to grow, but I found stepping stones and ground cover plants for a great deal at Lowe’s. I paid $7.00 for all of the plants, which will spread and come back every year. The stones were $6.00 for all of the pieces, since they were small.
I think my sitting area is complete. I like that it looks welcoming and cheerful. We spend a lot of time here because it borders the basketball court/racetrack/chalk drawing area. (The oversized driveway is one of my favorite features of my house.)
Come on over. I’ll meet you out front.
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The Comments
Leanne
I love the fabric you chose. The pillows and the cushions look so inviting. What a nice place to sit and relax.
Ann @ makethebestofthings
Pretty pillows with bright colors. This looks like a perfect relaxing spot now, and it didn't look half bad before!
Tristen@blissfulchaos
Very cute! I love the fabric on the pillows! I'm your newest follower. Stop by Blissful Chaos to check it out!
Petie
Looks very welcoming! I know what you mean about a comfy spot to sit while taking in all the basketball, chalk drawing, etc Enjoy!
Creations By Cindy
Oh I just love this area. So inviting. Be blessed. Cindy
AlMcLeary
Pillow Power will do it every time
Al
http://almcleary.com/blog
Jennifer
Too cute!
Manuela@TPOH
What cute sitting area! I love the pop of the red pillows!
Manuela
kim
You spruced it all up real good. Love the bright colors and stripes. I hope you get warmer weather soon. We have been experiencing a little blackberry winter here.
Angie
Love this cute and happy area! I bought the same fabric at Joanns too last week to make some outdoor pillows, but haven't done it yet. I think anyone who comes to your home will be impressed and feel welcome.
FLOWERSHOPGURL
Hi, Everything looks ready for a party! You did a great job sprucing it all up. You have a lovely place to sit and relax. I can't wait until it warms up here.
Hugz,
Kim
FrouFrouBritches
Love that fabric. I think that is the same fabric I looked at for my front bench cushion. Looks GREAT on your bench cushions!!! Everything looks brand new with all the work you did. I'm so impressed! Great job!
Kristi
Your front looks fantastic!! LOVE IT 🙂
Thoughtfully blended hearts
Great fabric and a perfect makeover for that beautiful setting!!!
Katherine @ Grass Stains
I was going to ask how you take care of your benches … I have the same ones in my backyard, and mine are in ROUGH shape. I love how you brought yours back to life!
sewingseeds4U
What a beautiful transformation…I love that striped fabric.
Kristi Flanagan
These just pop! Love them! Come plant your creative seeds at my blog party on Fridays: Plant a Punkin Seed at Punkin Seed Productions.
Kristi
Punkin Seed Productions
Kaysi
Those pillows are adorable!
Lanie Ree
Wow, I LOVE the after pictures! Your fabric choices are perfect.
Thanks for linking this up to A Little Creative Therapy with Life in the Pitts.
michelle@somedaycrafts
When's the BBQ?? I can't wait to come over and relax on those adorable chairs!! You did great!!