DIY Transformation: Turning Our 120‑Year‑Old Summer Kitchen Into a Bright, Welcoming Porch
Every old house has a space that feels frozen in time. In our 120‑year‑old home, that space was the former summer kitchen — a hardworking room that had long since lost its purpose. The bones were solid, the materials were beautiful, but the atmosphere was dark and dated. Instead of replacing everything, we decided to revive what was already there. With a few DIY projects, we turned it into the bright, inviting porch we’d always imagined.
Here’s exactly how we did it.
1. Reworking the Ceiling to Highlight the Beams
What we started with: A dark, heavy ceiling that made the room feel lower and more enclosed. The beams were original, but they blended into the shadows.
DIY Steps:
• Clean the beams thoroughly to remove dust and old finish.
• Paint the ceiling around them in a lighter color to create contrast.
• Stained the beams to darken enhance their grain.
• Depending on age of home, recommend using a matte finish to keep the look soft and historic.
The contrast draws the eye upward, making the space feel taller and more architectural. It honors the original structure while giving it new life.
2. Painting the Stone Floors a Soft Gray
What we started with: Tired looking stone floors that were visually heavy.
DIY Steps:
• Sweep and scrub the stone thoroughly.
• Use a masonry‑safe primer to ensure the paint adheres.
• Choose a durable porch and floor paint in a light gray.
• Apply two thin coats, allowing proper drying time between each.
• Seal with a clear matte topcoat for longevity.
The light gray brightens the entire porch and reflects natural light. It keeps the texture of the stone visible while giving the room a clean, updated foundation.
3. Whitewashing the Brick for a Soft, Historic Look
What we started with: Original brick that was full of character but absorbed too much light.
DIY Steps:
• Mix white paint with water (usually 1:1, but adjust for desired coverage).
• Lightly mist the brick with water so the wash absorbs evenly.
• Apply the whitewash with a brush, or sponge to get in the brick better, working in small sections.
• Wipe back with a rag to soften the finish and let the brick show through.
• Layer additional coats only where needed.
Whitewashing preserves the texture and history of the brick while giving it a fresh, airy feel. It’s forgiving, customizable, and perfect for older homes.
4. Bringing the Space Together With Cozy Decor
Once the structural updates were done, the porch finally felt ready to become a living space again.
We added:
• A cottage style white table and painted black chairs for contrast. (These chairs were ones we have had for 30 years! They have been passed even to our children and back to us. They mean something to us because our family ate our meals using these table when our adult kids were young.)
• A rocking chair with a cheerful cushion
• A lantern centerpiece and fresh flowers
• Hanging plants for softness
• A small side table with warm lighting
• A wreath and welcoming sign to set the tone
There's also a porch swing and small fireplace that are not photographed. We also added bistro lights to one wall to give the prefect lighting for nighttime.
These finishing touches turned the porch from “renovation project” into “favorite spot in the summer.”
The Result: A Porch With Purpose and Personality
What was once a utilitarian summer kitchen is now a bright, welcoming porch where we drink coffee, read, host friends, and enjoy the charm of our old home. The best part? Most of the transformation came from simple, budget‑friendly DIY projects that anyone can tackle with a weekend...and a little creativity!
Every old house has a space that feels frozen in time. In our 120‑year‑old home, that space was the former summer kitchen — a hardworking room that had long since lost its purpose. The bones were solid, the materials were beautiful, but the atmosphere was dark and dated. Instead of replacing everything, we decided to revive what was already there. With a few DIY projects, we turned it into the bright, inviting porch we’d always imagined.
Here’s exactly how we did it.
1. Reworking the Ceiling to Highlight the Beams
What we started with: A dark, heavy ceiling that made the room feel lower and more enclosed. The beams were original, but they blended into the shadows.
DIY Steps:
• Clean the beams thoroughly to remove dust and old finish.
• Paint the ceiling around them in a lighter color to create contrast.
• Stained the beams to darken enhance their grain.
• Depending on age of home, recommend using a matte finish to keep the look soft and historic.
The contrast draws the eye upward, making the space feel taller and more architectural. It honors the original structure while giving it new life.
2. Painting the Stone Floors a Soft Gray
What we started with: Tired looking stone floors that were visually heavy.
DIY Steps:
• Sweep and scrub the stone thoroughly.
• Use a masonry‑safe primer to ensure the paint adheres.
• Choose a durable porch and floor paint in a light gray.
• Apply two thin coats, allowing proper drying time between each.
• Seal with a clear matte topcoat for longevity.
The light gray brightens the entire porch and reflects natural light. It keeps the texture of the stone visible while giving the room a clean, updated foundation.
3. Whitewashing the Brick for a Soft, Historic Look
What we started with: Original brick that was full of character but absorbed too much light.
DIY Steps:
• Mix white paint with water (usually 1:1, but adjust for desired coverage).
• Lightly mist the brick with water so the wash absorbs evenly.
• Apply the whitewash with a brush, or sponge to get in the brick better, working in small sections.
• Wipe back with a rag to soften the finish and let the brick show through.
• Layer additional coats only where needed.
Whitewashing preserves the texture and history of the brick while giving it a fresh, airy feel. It’s forgiving, customizable, and perfect for older homes.
4. Bringing the Space Together With Cozy Decor
Once the structural updates were done, the porch finally felt ready to become a living space again.
We added:
• A cottage style white table and painted black chairs for contrast. (These chairs were ones we have had for 30 years! They have been passed even to our children and back to us. They mean something to us because our family ate our meals using these table when our adult kids were young.)
• A rocking chair with a cheerful cushion
• A lantern centerpiece and fresh flowers
• Hanging plants for softness
• A small side table with warm lighting
• A wreath and welcoming sign to set the tone
There's also a porch swing and small fireplace that are not photographed. We also added bistro lights to one wall to give the prefect lighting for nighttime.
These finishing touches turned the porch from “renovation project” into “favorite spot in the summer.”
The Result: A Porch With Purpose and Personality
What was once a utilitarian summer kitchen is now a bright, welcoming porch where we drink coffee, read, host friends, and enjoy the charm of our old home. The best part? Most of the transformation came from simple, budget‑friendly DIY projects that anyone can tackle with a weekend...and a little creativity!
Before...dark, worn and basically unusable.
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After the DIY Renovation. The space looks fresh, airy, and the perfect spot for dinner or just a great place to read a book!
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