Couple Transforms Their Garden Into a Cozy Hangout Spot for Their Kids
It feels like they're in Tagaytay!
After almost a year of being cooped up at home, parents found themselves inspired to make over their spaces. For those with young children, it became even more important to have a slice of the outdoors.
SmartParenting.com.ph has featured moms and dads who spruced up small balconies and even made a backyard pool and rooftop pool, now they have found a couple who transformed their garden into a ‘tambayan’ for their kids!
“We were inspired [to build it] when the lockdown happened and our kids couldn’t go outside,” shares Cathy Pascual, 34, in an email interview. “We don’t have a gate yet, so we decided to make a porch instead. For their safety and so that they can still have a feel of the outdoors — playing on the swing, breathing fresh air, or having dinner outside,” she adds.
How their front lawn looked like before the renovation.
Small porch design ideas
Cathy says that the porch was inspired by Western homes that you would usually see on Pinterest. While she doesn’t have any design experience, she’s always dreamed of becoming an interior designer.
“I just searched for the word ‘porch’ and found beautiful white porches with a swing. We wanted to feel like we were in Tagaytay, so we decided on a white and wood [theme]. [For] zen and ambiance,” she says.
The project took two weeks and cost a total of P33,000, including the materials and labor. They had to provide transport for the laborer and pick up the materials because the country is still on community quarantine.
But the end result is amazing! Take a look:
They installed a polycarbonate roof to keep the porch safe from rain.
It's become their daughter Cathryn's favorite hangout spot!
The night 'view' is amazing, too!
How to make a small porch work for your home
If you plan to do a renovation on your own, Cathy’s advice is to first look for inspiration and know what you really want. Then, you can look for a good laborer who can achieve your design ‘peg’ using the materials you prefer.
Apart from the swing, Cathy and her husband, Dan Pascual, repainted their existing garden set from yellow to white and brown to match their porch. Now it looks brand new!
They also repotted the plants that used to be on their garden. The small accessories like the pillows and rug were bought from Shopee, while the rest were purchased in Divisoria.
Cathy says her two daughters were very happy with the outcome of their renovation. “It’s become an amazing, relaxing place. Instant resthouse with Tagaytay feels!” she shares.
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This story originally appeared on Smartparenting.com.ph.
* Minor edits have been made by the Realliving.com.ph editors.
