You’ve all heard the saying “It’s better to give than it is to receive”. Well that’s definitely true in my case. I love to give, whether it’s a kind gesture, special gift or even my design services. Last year when my friends at Raymour & Flanigan asked me to become one of their brand ambassadors I jumped at the opportunity to spread my inspiration. Part of my partnership includes traveling to their Northeastern showrooms to host design seminars to customers on how to create beautiful spaces in their home. At each Design and Unwind event one lucky winner wins my design services and a $1000 makeover room of their choice. I’m so excited to be revealing my $1K Spring Giveaway with Raymour & Flanigan where I transformed a beautiful but tired front porch into a welcoming and comfortable home entrance.

The Lucky Winner

In early March, I visited Lisa the winner in her hometown of Syracuse, New York. Lisa lives in Syracuse’s historical downtown Eastwood neighborhood.   She happens to be the Chairman of the Neighborhood Beautification Committee called TNT (Tomorrow’s Neighborhood Today) so a front porch makeover was top priority. Taking lead and creating appealing curb appeal was important in helping make her neighborhood shine!

A few weeks later I came out Lisa’s charming home, took measurements and pictures of her front porch. We then headed to the Dewitt Raymour & Flanigan showroom to see the selections of outdoor furniture that I had in mind. Here is the vision board I came up with. One thousand dollars sure went a long way!

The Big Reveal

A month later when the weather was more cooperative and all of Lisa’s items were shipped to her front door I headed to Syracuse to set up her front porch and surprise her with the finished look. It was a chilly day but her front porch was ready for Spring!

Lisa’s home was a neutral beige color. The first thing we did was add a splash of color with this beautiful indoor/outdoor Jade Rug. We both fell in love with this turquoise, lime green, gray, cream and yellow medallion rug. The repeating round pattern complimented so well with the porches square elements.

Creating a Cozy Corner

Under her sunroom window we angled two woven Brainbrdige chairs with amazing Sunbrella cushions and accent pillows.These chairs would stand up to the Syracuse weather.  It’s now the perfect spot for Lisa and her husband to sit and read, enjoy cocktails, or a friendly chat with neighbors.

We also ordered Lisa a matching ottoman to kick back and put her feet up on. Just one more special touch to make this space even more inviting.

Seating with Style

For additional seating we ordered a turquoise ceramic garden stool that can be easily moved around for additional guest or used as a plant stand. I am a huge fan of garden stools. I could use them in every room. Did you get to read my last makeover using a garden stool? Please stop by and see how I transformed a back patio into a cozy outdoor living room in just three days,

In the middle of the two outdoor chairs we placed the Jenison Accent Table with ceramic mosaic top. A narrow cleaned lined table that can also withstand the elements.  For ambience lighting we ordered an iron candle votive.  I pulled outside one of Lisa’s turquoise blue ceramic vases and placed fresh tulips in it for additional color.

Layering on the Charm

We then accessorized with bright azalea plants, fresh herbs, potted plants and large ferns hanging from the front porch ceiling beam.

Lisa gave her outdoor metal bench a fresh coat of spray paint and above hung a large metal embossed piece of art. We draped a turquoise throw blanket and added decorative accent pillows.  Under we placed a large wicker suitcase to hold outdoor necessities like gardening tools, gloves and extra reading material.

Setting The Bar High

Lisa was such a pleasure to work with and she absolutely loves her front porch. Her house is now the talk of the neighborhood. Even while we were setting up neighbors came up and complimented her on how beautiful her home looked. She certainly has set the bar high for the curb appeal in her Eastwood neighborhood.

It was time to celebrate a successful makeover with Lisa. I had the best time adding color, beauty and functionality to this front porch.  How do you plan to add to your curb appeal this year? Let me know your dreams for your home.

Don’t tell my husband but I may or may not have fallen in love with a new man….. meet Cooper Lisa’s handsome young black lab.

It Could Be You

Next week I am off to Springfield, Massachusetts to the gorgeous new two-story Raymour & Flanigan showroom for another Raymour & Flanigan sponsored Design and Unwind Event. If you live in the area I would love to meet you in person. Who knows? Maybe you will be the next $1K winner from Raymour & Flanigan.

I’ll see you on the front porch!  xo Amie

“I had a wonderful experience and I want to thank you for your time and expertise. You and Raymour & Flanigan’s made my porch the showcase of the neighborhood and I so appreciate it! Love the look and the feel that it projects; even on a grey rainy day!”     – Lisa

 

9 Comments

  1. Reply

    Amy Romero

    June 6, 2017

    Great job Amie!! I bet she lloves it!!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      June 6, 2017

      She does Amy! She is totally thrilled. She couldn’t believe that she won. So much fun for me.

  2. Reply

    Danielle

    June 6, 2017

    What a transformation Amie! Bet they will spend so much time out there from summer into falll.

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      June 6, 2017

      Im sure they will Danielle! Thank you for helping out. You are indispensable my friend!

  3. Reply

    Kathleen

    June 6, 2017

    You are such a gem, Amie – and you’re crazy talented too!! Loved this post, and I can’t wait to hang out with you this fall!

    xox

    Kathleen

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      June 6, 2017

      Counting the days! Love you Kackey!

  4. Reply

    Chrissy D.

    June 6, 2017

    Absolutely gorgeous!!! Love all of the colors that you used!!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      June 6, 2017

      Thank you Chrissy! Im in love with turquoise you know!

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Amie Freling

"Life's too short for white walls .." Amie Freling-Brown, a Rochester, NY-based designer and artist who transforms ho-hum spaces into works of art. Her creative designs can be found in many fine homes, restaurants and businesses. Her work has been featured in national magazines, on HGTV and has been sold through retailers nationwide from True Value Hardware to Nordstroms. She proudly offers such professional services as design, staging, color consultations and fine art.

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