If you have read this blog for more than a hot minute you know how much I love my brother.

In my book?

He’s right up there with the founding fathers of our country.

He’s funny and smart and clever and creative and kind and has been known to listen to my stories for the 37th time.

He makes me tables.

He makes incredible gifts for me.

He makes me videos.

But more importantly?

He makes me smile.

And so when he and his family bought a new house recently, I wanted to do something special for a housewarming present. Some people bring flowers. Some people make dinner. Some people show up with monogrammed towels and a basket full of hand soap.

Me?

I make over your entire back porch. 🙂

Here’s where we started.

This is the before of the space.

It runs the entire length of the house.

He has big plans for this space.

There’s a grill that’s fastened into the floor that he’s removing.

He’s replacing the ceiling fans and painting the columns and the house and adding landscaping.

He’s adding in railings along the back of the house and maybe even making it into an all-weather porch.

Big plans and I’m here for all of it. But for now, we just needed it to look cute.

(total aside: looking cute always makes built-in grills and ceiling fans that are going to be replaced look better).

Here’s the vision board for the space.

As soon as I saw this furniture?

I KNEW it would be perfect.

Here’s what I found for the space:

I ordered everything from Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart and it came and I opened the boxes and gasped.

IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL.

And now? My brother’s porch looks like this.

LET’S GO.

We started with these outdoor rugs to anchor the space.

I knew I wanted to go with gray because I was trying to balance out the gray of the concrete with the cream undertones on the house and the orange undertones of the brick.

Also, I wanted to create two separate areas for the back porch. If you have a large space like this, break it up into two separate areas and the space will flow so much better.

On this side of the porch, I added this set with two chairs and a loveseat and ottoman.

It’s such an incredible value for the money.

The pieces look SO high end and the details on each of the pieces is truly beautiful.

I also added in this conversation set with two chairs and a side table and such an incredible value at under $350.

On the other side of the porch, I added another conversation set next to the built-in grill.

Then I layered in throws, added these pillows, and a tray on the ottoman and fresh flowers and our mini-makeover was done.

It was so much fun working on the makeover. His entire family helped set everything up and now the back porch is ready for spring and summer and all the seasons just around the corner.

From this.

To this.

I love my brother so much.

I’m SO HAPPY that I got to celebrate him the way he has always celebrated me.

And now?

Maybe he’ll invite me over for a party.

I know the perfect place. 🙂

disclosure: this post was sponsored by Better Homes & Gardens.

All opinions are my own.

Please see my disclosure page for more information.

Affiliate links are used in this post.

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Comments

  1. Image for Rachel Ronson Rachel Ronson

    You are so kind and so very creative. Such a blessing to have each other. I love what you have created. Such a cozy spot to enjoy the outdoors.

      1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

        There's a table right inside the door! He didn't want a table outside until they put screens in! Too many bugs! happy day! KariAnne

  2. Image for Cindi Kinsey Cindi Kinsey

    Ahhh, such a great brother. And equally great sister. I absolutely love it. Boy, Walmart is really bringing it. BTW, good luck to the Lady Bears today and Bears tomorrow.

  3. Image for Mary T. Mary T.

    Beautiful touches! Who wouldn't want to sit down with family and friends and enjoy an afternoon or evening outdoors!

  4. Image for Va in NC Va in NC

    How very kind of you to do this for your sweet brother....it is so nice and ready for a party! Brother are so special especially ones like him. Hugs to you both

  5. Image for MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!)

    How wonderful to do this for your precious brother! KariAnne, a brother is so special! I know this lovely patio will get a lot of use and each time he and his family use it, they will be reminded of your love for them! Bless you heart, dear friend! You are so special and are loved for the wonderful gal you are!

  6. Image for Teresa Gonzales Teresa Gonzales

    Amazing. I love BH&G line at Walmart. So many beautiful choices. We have one of their sectionals (It is now 5 years old and looks new). Your brother is lucky to have a sister like you! I know he treasures you as I have seen the creative, beautiful gifts he has made for you.

  7. Image for Michele M. Michele M.

    Hey "sis," I think I need you over here, too, please. . That is a FANTASTIC make-over beginning and I hope we see more of his incredibly awesome back porch again soon once he's finished his plans for it. It looks GREAT and I love love love that furniture!!!!!!

  8. Image for Lynn Mosher Lynn Mosher

    Looks great, KariAnne! Awesome job and great finds! Love the furniture. You're both so blessed to have each other! 😍

  9. Image for Katharine Moore Katharine Moore

    My favorite ThistleWoodFarms make-over project ever! One can tell it was fluffed with love. Lucky him and lucky you!

  10. Image for Jeannette Jeannette

    Fantastic! I love all the furniture! I went right to the site to buy it but it is not available anymore!! :( My one question is - where do they eat? No table and chairs to go with that grill? LOL Everything you do is just amazing and beautiful. You are such a good sis!

    1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

      There's a table right inside the door! He didn't want a table outside until they put screens in! Too many bugs! happy day! KariAnne

  11. Image for Teresa Teresa

    Love it! Your brother is blessed to have a sister like you! I have a practical question? What if it rains on the new furniture and cushions? How will the white cushion color hold up? We have grandchildren. I love the look and the furniture too! Thank you

    1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

      Great question! We have super similar cushions in the pergola and I just rinse them off with a hose! They've really held up! Happy day! KariAnne

  12. Image for Cindy@CountyRoad407 Cindy@CountyRoad407

    Love the porch and that furniture is fantastic! Sounds like he totally deserves it for listening to stories 37 times but I bet you're right up there to him as well. Like Betsy Ross or Rosa Parks. Ooooooh, or maybe Jane Austen!

  13. Image for Jeanne Schendt Jeanne Schendt

    Oh Kari what a transformation! BHG is always right on. I wish you were my sister! I have an under deck area that is crying for help. This is a great and makes me feel that it could work for me. Carry on Kari.

  14. Image for Teresa Young Teresa Young

    I am amazed at all of your many talents. I truly look forward to your posts, and always find a way to incorporate it into my home. Thanks for all you do and for sharing your tips and fresh ideas with so many friends.

  15. Image for MARY S MARY S

    You can work on my patio any day of the week, friend. Mine isn't covered so not at al practical. BEAUTIFUL JOB!!

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