My veranda make over

This is how the previous owners had the veranda.

This past summer was our second summer in the summer house. I decided to do a make over of the veranda to put my stamp on it. I thought this project would be done in a few days, but it actually took a good 4 weeks as my time was scattered between summer activities, family socializing and vacation relaxing time.

Our summerhouse was built in the 60's and the dark color brown was the hot trend in those days. To repaint the house in red and white (like I would love to do) is not an option today, but the dark brown veranda could easily be more light and cheerful with a splash of white. Said and done. I went to the hard ware store and made my equipment purchase and went home with a list of advice from the store and got started.

This was a project with high satisfaction level I must say. It was a bit of hard work but the outcome is fabulous! I love my new veranda. It is far from finished but I'm getting there and this is the place I dream of when I want to escape, have some solitude time and reconnect with my heart and soul. I thought I would share my project with you in a Step-By-Step style, to inspire you to take on a little project to  create your own happy place.

Time to prep for a veranda make over.

Step 1 - Preparing for the make over
The very first thing I did was removing all hooks, screws and nails I could find. I took away anything that didn't need to be on the veranda and got myself some equipment for the project:
- Newspapers
- Masking tape for windows
- Paint brushes
- Wood wash
- Sponges
- Scrubbing brush
- Base paint
- Outdoor paint

I was recommended to scrub and wash all walls and beams to take away old spider webs, mold patches and dirt spots. I bought some special wash liquid for the facades, but I'm pretty sure it would have worked well with just soap and water. I had a scrubby and a sponge and first I just wet it all down with water, then I washed it with the wash mix and then I rinsed with water again... I think this procedure was the most time consuming and hard one. Maybe I didn't need to do it so "perfect" but this was what they recommended at the hardware store so I did it.

* * *

Masking the windows with tape is essential for a good result.

Step 2 - Mask with tape
Then I added masking tape on windows and the house wall. I used a special masking tape specialized for windows. It was more easy to remove after and did not leave any glue stains on the windows. I have to say it was worth the extra pennies spent as this tape also could be left on the windows longer and therefor I didn't need to remove the tape after every single layer of paint. What a time saver.

* * *

Base coat is coming on.

Step 3 - Base paint
I used a special outdoor base paint that protects the wood from mold and water. This was a fun part as I could really see how the veranda now started to transform. The paint job didn't need to be perfect. It was quite easy to do this step.I choose to leave the wall to the house in its original brown color for a couple of reasons:
1. I'm not sure the veranda will stay forever. We are planning on making some extensions to the house and the veranda might be moved or changed. Because of this I don't want to interfere with the color of the main house.
2. As the beams are brown, it looks good with the brown wall. It keeps it all together. And if I change my mind I can always paint the wall white later. Better to add too little salt than too much, right?

* * *

My nephew Axel (4) helped out with his Mama to put the first layer of paint.

The paint job is finished! Some of the windows can be detached when the weather allows. So nice. :)

Nelly Bo chilling on the veranda.

Step 4 - Paint
On recommendation I bought a white outdoor paint with a sting of cream to make it less cold. This paint is supposed to protect the wood from weather and wind, wet and cold, and as my veranda is not an insulated place I thought this would be a good idea. I even got my little nephew Axel to put his hand on this together with his Mama Linda, so now this make over has some family memories painted in as well. :)

I added 2 layers of this paint, letting it thoroughly dry in between. I cheated at one point and added on the second layer after just a couple of hours as it felt dry, but when stripping off the tape later on it took all the paint with it so that was a lesson learned. Let every layer dry overnight to be on the safe side.

* * *

My veranda today. Not finished yet, but I'm getting there. :)

Curtains are coming up.

Me putting up curtains using curtain string wire. Simple and quick. 

My beautiful thrifted old flap table with her curvy gracious legs. She needs a blog post on her own.

Step 5 - Decorate
This was the fun part!!! I have made some great finds on flea markets with my veranda in mind. The wooden kitchen bench is from my Mama and I will paint it and add a new fabric cover to it at some point. I'm still deciding on color in my head: Scandinavian blue or red. Or maybe okra. Or grey. Or white. Or a moss green. Not sure.

I'm incredible happy with the flap table which I talked down to 40 dollars from an initial 60. I was hunting for a table with curvy legs and this table really is a beauty. I thought I would paint the legs white and keep the top in original wood, but I kind of like it just the way it is.

The rag rug was a bargain from another flea market and goes perfect with the table. Here comes a confession... I have actually bought about 4 or 5 different rag rugs for this veranda, but this one is the one.

The curtains were also found on a market, ready to put up on some curtain string wire. I like them but the arrangement hasn't really clicked with me yet. They look cute form the inside, but not so cute from the outside... Just recently I saw a beautiful picture of lace curtains on a veranda on Pinterest here... I think I will do that for next summer.

I would like to do something to the floor but I can't really make up on my mind on what I want to do. Paint it? In what color? Grey, checked with squares or maybe just scrub it and oil it... This is an entrance after all so it has to be practical more than pretty I believe... Well, I got plenty of time to figure that out until next summer.

Next summer I will add some window sills, put up some hooks and some decorations and paintings. I have a beautiful water color original drawing which was gifted to me by Heike at Made With Loops. When I got it I just knew that this is where it belongs once my veranda is ready for it. I'll continue my veranda make over journey next summer in hope to complete it in full.

I hope you have enjoyed it so far and if you are looking for more veranda inspiration, visit my Veranda Board on My Pinterest. 

Other boards on My Pinterest that might be of your interest are:

Rag Rug Love Board

Folklore Love Board

My Dream Home Board

Sweden Love Board

Kärlek
Annette

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