START WITH A SPRING CLEAN

Image:  Robin Jonathan Deutsch

It’s inevitable that outdoor spaces will collect dust, leaves, the occasional cobweb, etc. Start fresh by giving your porch a good clean. Don’t forget the ceiling and any ceiling fans. Hose down anything that can handle it, then wipe down any furniture or décor, clean the glass of any light fixtures, and blow the dust off any wreath or door décor. Once it’s all clean, check for any repairs that might be needed. And then make them, of course.

ADD SOME COLOR

Image: BloomingDIYer

Plants are always a good way to brighten up a porch or entry. Depending on the style of your porch and your personal taste, splash out on some colorful pots of seasonal blooms, fluffy green ferns or elegant succulents for a modern vibe. (Hint: if you have a black thumb, artificial succulents look lifelike and need even less water than the real thing.)

Before you head to the garden center, though, look at your actual porch structure. How’s that color scheme working for you? Does anything need a fresh coat of paint? What about an unexpected color on the roof, if your porch has one, or a painted rug on the floor. You might even add some drama with a painted runner on your steps, like the one pictured. You’ll find how-to’s with plenty of pictures on BloomingDIYer.com

PUT OUT THE WELCOME MAT

Image:  Amazon

Literally! Or the welcome rug, if you prefer. If your old mat has seen better days, maybe it’s time to retire it to the back door or garage entrance and welcome guests with a fresh new look. Size matters—if your door has sidelights, designers say your doormat should go all the way across. If you can’t find a mat that size that suits your style, try the trendy layered look—a mat on top of a rug. Make sure you don’t inadvertently cause a tripping hazard, though. That’s not the way anyone wants to make an entrance into your home.

ARRANGE THE FURNITURE

Image:  TimberTech

You’re certainly welcome to set a row of rocking chairs side-by-side, Cracker Barrel-style, but consider the advantages of placing your seating in conversational groupings instead. A variety of cushions is a great, budget-friendly way to change up your look for the season or special occasions. Don’t forget to make a place to set your beverage of choice, or even a full-on dining spot if you have the space. Is a table, bookshelf, stool, or other piece of furniture languishing away in a dark corner of your home? Consider upcycling it with a coat of paint and using it as a plant stand or beverage station.

ADD ACCESSORIES

Image: Thomas Park

This is where your personal style can really shine through. Welcome signs, door wreaths, flags, even the containers you choose for plants all offer hints to the personality of your home and the people who live there. If you’re stuck on where to start, think about the style of your entrance. Does it ooze Southern charm? Down-home pieces that don’t scream “NEW” will look just right. Is your home more formal? There are many elegant options, from topiaries to lanterns to statues. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that makes you happy—and if it’s seasonal, remember to swap it out when the season changes.

Once your porch is prepped and ready, take some time to admire your handiwork.  Pour yourself a drink, pull up a chair and relax. After all, that’s what Southern front porches are all about.

The post GET YOUR PORCH READY FOR SITTIN’ SEASON appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

That’s why this summer, we want to help you make lasting memories with the people you love in the place that you call home – and that includes your outdoor spaces!

So whether you have a patio, front porch, back deck, or another outdoor structure you want to enjoy, here are some super easy steps you can take to get the most out of your outdoor spaces this Tennessee summer.

1. Pressure wash your home

What does your home’s siding or brick have to do with your outdoor entertainment spaces? When you spend a lot of time outside, you’ll start to notice the condition of your home in ways that you haven’t before. Mold, mildew and other environmental residues can be a real eyesore when you want to enjoy some outdoor fun. By cleaning the outside of your home itself, you’ll automatically make your outdoor spaces a more enjoyable place to be. Taking this step will also increase the curb appeal of your home tremendously as well. Are you in the Middle Tennessee area? Then you can find out more about pressure washing services from our team at Protek right here.

2. Paint or stain your deck or patio

There’s no better way to make your deck or patio look and feel instantly brand new than with a fresh stain or paint job. We’d be willing to bet that taking this step will make your home itself feel remarkably cleaner and better taken care of to your guests. Choose a stain or paint that accentuates the color scheme of the rest of your home. Then choose patio furniture, pillows, or other accents to compliment the look! While you can definitely do this job yourself, we always recommend connecting with an expert when you’re able.

3. Add plants and greenery

As we mentioned in our previous post about your home’s curb appeal, greenery is a super affordable, easy way to make your outdoor space look incredible. Try a bit of home gardening, potted or hanging plants, or even shrubs or bushes that add some additional privacy to your property. If it’s alive and well maintained, there are thousands of options when it comes to flowers and plants that will add personality to your outdoor areas.

4. Choose appropriate seating

Don’t forget that your outdoor spaces are an extension of the rest of your home! If you want to fully enjoy your deck, patio or porch this summer, you’ll want to ensure that they’re comfortable, enjoyable places to be. There are many seating options available at your local home goods or home improvement stores. The key is to find the right fit for your space. From hammocks and benches to patio sets, tables and more, your seating will inform how you use your space, so choose wisely! We love resources like Pinterest, Instagram, and magazines like Better Homes & Gardens to help you fully envision the space.

As you can see, it doesn’t take much to make your outdoor areas a place that you, your family and friends love to spend time! So don’t let this Tennessee summer get away without trying out at least one or two of these projects. Then grab a cold drink, cook up something on the grill, and enjoy the space you get to call home.

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Need help with one of the summer projects on your home? We do everything from pressure washing, to staining, outdoor and indoor painting and more. If you’re in the Nashville or Middle Tennessee area, contact our ProTek team today to get a free, personalized quote!

The post How To Get Your Deck Ready for a Tennessee Summer appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.