Step-by-Step Porch Makeover

Designer Cortney Bishop gives the blank slate of her outdoor room a complete facelift. She says the fastest way to perk up a space is paint and recommends choosing a flat finish paint for the porch since gloss can be slippery. Using outdoor porch paint is also important because it's formulated to withstand rain or shine.

Lay down an indoor/outdoor rug to define the seating area. This one is made with polypropylene to resist mold and mildew. Set up the sofas (the frames on these are all-weather teak, and the cushions are outdoor velvet) in an L-shape, then add an end table for them to share. The space is already taking on a comfy living room look!

Have curtain panels sewn with outdoor fabric, which won’t mildew. Or check restorationhardware.com for great ready-made ones. Cortney's linen-like curtains are hung from galvanized pipe (cut to size at Lowe's) that's mounted to the porch's screen framework. Pipe caps screw right on as "finials."

Why not hang a mirror outside? Flank it with a pair of outdoor sconces over a weather-resistant console table. Cortney's is teak-topped, which stands up to the elements. A round pedestal table surrounded by powder-coated metal chairs (they won't rust!) is the perfect spot for alfresco game playing.