Before I started this room transformation, I could picture it in my mind’s eye…
Dreamy and ethereal, with a bit of cottage comfort thrown in for good measure.
My goal was to limit the number of “new” items in the room, drawing upon flea market, craigslist, garage sale, consignment store and thrift store finds to fill the space. Virtually nothing was purchased specifically for this room. I simply used items that I had on hand and in many cases, repurposed. The sleeping porch transformation (before, before, before) was truly done on a shoestring budget!
Here’s the run down…
Thrift store finds: french bed (Salvation Army! before), oil painting, books (turned into book bundles), Canadian Crown mason jars (turned into hanging votive lights), bed skirt
Flea Market finds: clock, silver tray, trophies, nesting baskets, blue bottle, chenille blanket
Craigslist finds: armoire (before), french chair (before)
The side table was a $7 find from a vintage furniture shop that was going out of business (before), the vintage typewriter was a garage sale find, the clock faces were found on etsy, the nesting baskets were purchased from Urban Farmgirl via Tattered Tiques, the other baskets were purchased at a consignment shop The Pink Geranium, the library table, “Langston” sign, and blue battery jar were found at Steeplechase Antiques, the mercury glass lamp was borrowed from another room but refreshed by creating a rosette shade (tutorial coming soon), the bed linens are a hodge podge straight from the linen closet.
I only purchased “new” items if the perfect vintage ones weren’t easily available. The Swedish Stripe cotton rug is from Dash & Albert and “grounds” the space perfectly. The simple cotton window panels were found at World Market. The bedside table lamp is the Whitney task lamp from Pottery Barn.
So there you have it…a sleeping porch transformation done on a little budget, with a lot of elbow grease.
A labor of love.
Linking up to these wonderful parties:
You have outdone yourself. This is absolutely exquisite.
Oh my gosh Susan! The sleeping porch is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! worthy of a magazine!
XXX Ido
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!
Your sleeping porch should definitely be in Romantic Homes! It is absolutely stunning, and seemed to come together much faster than most of my projects!
Oh my you have really out done yourself with this one….you watch the magazines will come calling!!! BRAVO
the nights are warm enough, you could start now … !!!!
are you taking reservations!
It is gorgeous! I can’t believe you found that bed at a thrift store. Every detail is just perfect – you have such a talent for bringing everything together.
Thanks so much, Alissa!
I love this room! You are one of the first blogs I check, and I am never disapointed in what I see. Thank you for bringing us along on your journey.
Lana
Love it! Especially the Langston sign – that was my Grandmother’s maiden name.
Thanks so much, Rachel!
Yup, it’s gorgeous. Perfect. Magazine worthy.
I’ve been eyeing up that lamp at PB also…..love it!
I was in Home Sense yesterday and thought of you =)
Oh, Homesense…how I miss it! Thanks so much for your sweet comments!
I love this room! Your’s is one of the first blogs I check, and I am never disapointed in what I see. Thank you for bringing us along on your journey.
Lana
Aw, thanks Lana! So very nice!
when can i come sleep there?! it is AMAZING!!!!!!!! so beautiful!!!
C’mon over, Cassie!
Utterly and completely beautiful! I would love to have a slumber party
I feel a nap coming on and I know the most exquisite place to take one. Hmmmm I think I hear someone knocking at your door
C’mon down, Laura!
WOW!!! It is absolutely beautiful!
Thanks, Christy!
I am pea green with envy. What a beautiful space. I have an area under my deck with a white metal bed. This is what I dream of creating. Thank you for the inspiration!
Oh, I love metal beds! Thanks for the nice comments!
Mission beautifully accomplished!! What a dreamy room – I’d want to stay and stay.
Thanks so much, Vicki!
Outstanding! I would love to have a slumber party
C’mon Korrie! That would be fun!
So beautiful!! What a wonderful space to rest! Great job!
Thanks, Heather!
What a vision you had for this space. It is truly remarkable. Mark my word, this will be in a magazine or book soon.
Kim, you are just too kind. What a sweet thing to say. I always treasure your comments because I so love your style.
That could not be any more perfect!!! Oh, how I would love to spend time in that cozy bed with a good book… Fabulous job!
Nicole, thanks so very much!
Omg! Can I come over for a sleep-over!? This is ah-ma-ZING!!! Who knew those baskets could look so awesome!!
You, my friend…are MAGIC!
I will be at TT tomorrow hopefully around 9:30-10. Will you be around? Would love to see you!
Mary
Too kind…thank you!
there’s ‘my’ blue vase again – lovely lovely lovely!
Thanks a bunch!
Gorgeous! This gives the meaning to SWEET DREAMS a whole new level! Is the such a thing as THE SWEETEST DREAMS?
Vicki, thanks so much!
fantastic!
Thanks, Pamela!
Unbelievable, truly. We recently moved from Wilmette to Ashland, OR and are moving into our new old farmhouse (with sleeping porch!) in two weeks. Can’t wait to get started now that I’ve found you
Funny that it took moving from next door to you to across the country to discover your blog! Thank you for your inspirational elbow grease.
Oh, how exciting Colleen! That is funny that you were right around the corner. I love the Pacific Northwest. Went to Washington State for the first time this summer and fell in love! Good luck with everything!
Wow! I LOVE the sleeping porch!
Thanks very much!
EVERY TIME I THINK YOU COULDN’T GET ANY BETTER, YOU DO!!! I LOVE THIS ROOM! I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THIS IN MY HOME. YOU MAKE EVERYTHING LOOK SO EASY. ARE YOU TAKING RESERVATIONS FOR THIS ROOM BECAUSE I WOULD LOVE TO STAY THERE!!
Thank you so much, Judy for your super nice comments. I’ll pencil you in for May!
It’s perfect!
Thank you, Kristie!
Oooohhhh myyyyy…..love it!!! This is truly a piece of beautiful art. You completely outdone yourself. This has to be shown in Romantic Homes, Better Homes and Gardens, Country Living, Southern Living….etc…I mean what magazine would Not want this in their mag?!?!!!!! Completely amazing. QUESTION for you though? How many months did it take you to collect all of these things & then to put it into action. I don’t know how you do it all but you are incredible!!! Also as a note…I don’t know how you find some wonderful stuff. My thrift stores never have such a beautiful bed, armoire, anything like these pieces. Fabulous job!!! Thanks for sharing!!! Again, LOVE IT!!!!
Hi there, Donna. Wow what nice comments! Very sweet. To answer your question…hmmmm. I’ve had the bed for a year. I bought it in Canada before we moved. They had the best thrift stores ever. The other stuff I’ve collected over the course of several months and the accessories were just pulled from other rooms in our home. Thanks again for the sweet comments!
I just love your styling. Very beautiful. And very inspiring.
Shelley, thanks a bunch for the sweet comments!
So beautiful, and I cannot believe you found that bed at Salvation Army!
Hi Barbara, thanks! Yes, for 70 BUCKS!!!! For sure my top thrift store find of all time!
Oh my stinking goodness. There aren’t words…that is ridiculously beautiful! Do you ever leave? i am soo excited to have found your blog!
Janel, thank you…that’s so nice!
Oh Susan, this room is beyond dreamy!!! I am so madly in love! So glad you kept the floors the way they were. If Country Living doesn’t come photograph your house it would be a crime!
Lisa, you are just too dang sweet. Thanks for always being so complimentary. You are gonna give me a big head!
It’ll match my double chin! 
Absolutely stunning! You have such a gift. I can’t stop staring at these photos. ♥
Aw, Wendy. That is so very nice of you to say! Thank you!
You did a BEAUTIFUL job. I would sleep there in a heart beat!
Carrie, thanks so much.
seriously!?! This is beyond gorgeous!! Love every dreamy detail! The side table lamp looks like one at Pottery Barn I have been admiring. Glad you linked this up to the cottages and bungalows party at whisper wood cottage…magazines to publish this! You should also submit it to Romantic Homes…check their editorial email in the mag…
amazing job, Susan….I love it so much!
Thanks so much for the sweet comments, Stacey. I had so much fun hanging out with you the other day! I love when I meet someone and we instantly “click.” Can’t wait to hang out again!
Be still my heart!!!
Thanks, Laurie!
This is gorgeous!!! I looove all the white. Makes me wish I had a sleeping porch
Megan, thanks so much!
Totally top notch work! Really beautiful!
Thanks, David!
Oh Susan, dreamy is right! And so magazine worthy. I recall how much work the painting was for you, but so worth it! I love all the white with hints of blue, especially in the soft floral linens. Will you use this gorgeous space as a guest room? Just perfect!
Hi there, Elizabeth! Thank you very much for the sweet comments. Yes, when needed we will use it as a guest room. Take care!
Magazine worthy! So, so beautiful!
My mother in law has a similar bead she said I could have…now I want to run right over and get it!
Go get it, Leigh Ann. I love your work and you could work some serious magic on it! Thanks for commenting!
So gorgeous! I love that you did it on a shoestring (thrifting) budget. Love it all!
Thanks so much, Tiffani!
Absolutely AHHHHMAZING….May I please use your porch for rest and recovery….Great Job!!!!
Absolutely, Robin. And then when you feel better, we’ll SHOP!
Gorgeous – I would love to sleep there!
Thanks, Carrie!
Dreamy was the first word that popped into my head. I”m in love with your room. I’m afraid I would never leave. And I love, love, love the “Langston” sign as Langston is my maiden name. Love, love, love and want your room. Now go enjoy it.
Kim, thank you so much for taking the time to comment! It’s so funny how many comments I’ve gotten from people whose maiden name is Langston.
Wow ! What a beautiful transformation, I love it , love it, LOVE IT ! Everything is perfect…The bed, the sheets, the armoire, the baskets, the rug, the chair…everything is just so perfect !
And you did it on a budget, I am really impressed !
Jocelyne, Thank you so much for your very kind comments. I appreciate them so much!
Susan, this room is absolutely beautiful. You have an enormous talent for what you do. I have been lurking around your blog for over a year and never left a comment before but had to let you know that this room is perfect in every detail. I am not a follower and have never left a comment, but just know there are probably hundreds like me out here checking your blog every single day. You never disappoint! Thank you for your constant inspiration and daily dose of gorgeous!!
Wow, Jennifer. Thanks so much for the beyond awesome comments. What a confidence boost! Thanks for taking the time. If you enter your email address on my sidebar, you’ll automatically get my posts to your inbox. No more lurking, K?
wow, it turned out quite nicely–you should be very proud!
Thanks so much!
I’ve died and gone to sleeping porch heaven…it’s just perfect!
Shasta, thank you so much for the sweet comment.
No more guest cottage for me. I’m sleeping on the sleeping porch. Hope my snoring doesn’t bother you. Beautiful, beautiful, BEAUTIFUL !!!
Thanks, Wanda. Sounds good. Your snoring will blend right in with Jim’s!
Are you freaking kidding me? I started reading this post and was blown away by the pictures! It took my brain time to connect these beautiful images with your “before” porch. You did an amazing job! I love every single thing in this room, and I rarely love everything people do. What fantastic finds! I want to go shopping with you so I can beat you to all the good stuff!;-) great great job!
Lynne, this is the nicest comment ever. Thank you. I’m ready when you are for a shopping trip!
Amazing. Magazine worthy for sure.
Thank you so much, Sylvia! So nice.
AMAZING! you did a wondeful job with your sleeping porch… i have always wanted one of those. beautiful details!
Thanks a bunch, Mimi!
Let me tell you something, lady. You are SO talented. Hope you know that–room is gorgeous. Hope you don’t mind…would love to feature it soon on the blog!
shaunna
Aw, Shaunna that is so very nice. Of course I don’t mind…are you kidding me?
Your sleeping porch is beautiful !!!!!!
I guess your definition of “shoestring budget” and mine are complete opposites. I can’t imagine nor would my “budget” allow me to spend $150.00 just for the bedside lamp !!!!!!!!!
None the less, it is amazing and I wouldn’t turn down an invitation to spend the night there.
Thanks for the inspiration and wonderful eye candy.
Thanks, Vanessa. I see what you mean about shoestring. I guess that since basically everything else was on hand that didn’t seem like a ton to me for an entire room! Thanks for stopping by.
I didn’t read all of the comments before me, so I don’t know if others have asked, but when should I be there for a weekend of hiding on your sleeping porch? And since I consider myself your new best friend I think I should be first on the list.
Seriously, it’s incredible. You did a beautiful job top to bottom. When I saw that you had photographed it with crumpled bed covers I just knew…..I like this girl. Lisa~
Hi Lisa, thanks so much for the great comments! I’ll put you down for May!
Off to check out your blog!
You have created a beautiful, peaceful space that is inspiring in so many ways!!
I love every detail!!
Thank you for sharing…I’m sure dreams will be sweeter in this room!!
Thank you Sandi for the sweet comments!
one word-BREATHTAKING!
Thanks, Maresa!
I’m a little behind on blogging and reading my favorite blogs since our kiddos are out for spring break this week. I LOVE your sleeping porch! It’s so loverly! I especially love the “Langston” sign…that’s my maiden name.
Thanks so much, Christy! I can’t believe how many readers have commented that that is their maiden name!
This room is absolutely gorgeous – magazine quality photographs to boot! This reminds me of a B&B room on a lazy summer afternoon! This project would be perfect for our linky party featuring “Transformations” called Repurpose-Remodel-Reveal, I know our readers would love to see it too! (It starts tomorrow- Friday, March 16th 2012 at 7:00 am and reoccures every 1st and 3rd Friday)
-Whitney @ TheRoosterAndTheHen
Thanks, Whitney…linked up today!
Wow! This turned out so beautifully!! I want to come over and take a nap…unless that’s weird.
Come on over!:)
Too funny.
STUNNING!!!!! I am in absolute awe and amazement.
Thanks, Charlene!
This is the prettiest room I’ve ever seen! Gorgeous! I wish it were attached to my house.
Aw, Kathy…thanks such a nice compliment!
What can I say that hasn’t already been said….? Breathtaking! Stunning! Absolutely drool-worthy! I want to live in that room forever…..!!! LUV!
xoxo laurie
Thank you very much, Laurie!
Just perfect. I love every last detail, and wouldn’t change a thing.
-Revi
Thanks so much, Revi!
Move over, I’m coming in and staying. This is so beautiful, calm and serene. I LOVE IT!
Thanks so much, Terry!
Wow, so beautiful! Can you please come over and do that to my room. Hugs and happy weekend wishes. P.S. Happy St Pattys Day
Katie…be right over.
Thanks so much! You too!
I. Am. Speechless. Stunned. So Inspired!
Thanks so much, Deborah! Thanks for stopping by!
ow my this looks beautiful, i would love for you to come and link it up at http://twiggstudios.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/sunday-show-off-party-6-come-and-link.html
thankyou so much enjoy the rest of your weekend xxx
Thanks so much, Aimee!
This is dreamy, are you taking reservations???
I’ll be featuring it tomorrow, this is to increadible to not have it’s own little feature
XO
Kristin
Oh, Kristin…that’s so sweet of you! So excited!
Simply beautiful! The epitome of shabby chic!
Thanks, Katie!
Magnificent. I’m speechless. I would get on that bed and never never never leave.
Thanks a bunch, Karen!
Absolutely gorgeous!!!
Thank you, Linda!
Its just gorgeous…I dream of a space such as this.
I know you will enjoy it, so glad Kristin featured it! Can I pin it all????!!! Its so pretty!
Amy
http://www.11magnolialane.com
Amy, thanks so much for your kind comment!
Really beautiful and I thank you for sourcing everything. I’m headed to Dash and Albert to look at rugs.
Robin, their service is fantastic and shipping is lightning quick!
I found you via Kristin’s blog. I have to say this is one of the prettiest sleeping rooms I have seen. I love it.
Thanks so much, Tina!
WOW! I have been following your transformation and I am blown away! It is STUNNING!!
Jen, thanks so much for saying that.
Gorgeous inspiration for my cottage!!
Thanks, Deb.
Love the sleeping porch. The bed from Salvation Army is beautiful. I found your blog through My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia. and am a new follower.
Welcome, Lana! Thanks for stopping by and for the nice comment!
Susan, wow you are amazing–the whole room is just gorgeous! I love the redo of the look of your blog too. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks a bunch, Michele!
That is just beautiful, I have wanted a sleeping porch for years… yours just makes me want one even more! t.xoxoox
Theresa…thank you!
Lovin’ all your beautiful THRIFTY items in this stunning room. Hop on over and share it with us at NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY…hope to see ya there:)
Blessings,
Linda
Hi Linda, oh I meant to link up with you…thanks for reminding me!
Thanks, Linda…just linked up!
Oh I just ADORE your sleeping porch… I am coming over from Kim’s blog Savvy Southern Style… So happy to have found you. I just became your newest follower.
Angelina
Hi Angela! So glad you stopped by…glad to have ya! Thanks for the nice comment!
OMGoodness, this is amazing, fabulous, gorgeous, any adjective you can think of. TRULY magazine worthy, they would be crazy to NOT put this in a magazine. Thanks for sharing this. XO, Pinky
Thanks, Pinky. Too kind as always!
What can I possibly say that hasn’t already been said? This is stunning.
How do you ever get people to leave your house??!! I’d be a permanent house guest – but low maintenance because I’d never leave that room !
Aw, thanks Shari!
Anytime you’re in this neck of the woods, you have a place to stay! And the low maintenance part works for me, cause I don’t cook. 
Thanks, Shari. Hey, I tried to comment on your project (fab…btw!) but I’m having commenting “issues” since the new site went live.
Bhlaa……Bhlaa…..fabulous…..wonderful….and every other adjective that covers “just plain good”……Oh Sweet Jesus……
Thanks, Sheriky! (Those signatures always crack me up on your blog).
Oh if I had an ounce of your talent. Everything about this room is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, thank you so much for that sweet comment!
Okay, this is UH-mazing! I love every last detail. I would love to feature it on my blog. Let me know.
Hi Debbie! Wow, that’s so flattering. Of course. You are too kind!
It’s gorgeous!!
I love the totale white and the shabby elements!
Hugs
Serena
Thanks, Serena!
You have done a splendid job on your sleeping porch. I can’t believe you have found so many wonderful items thrifting and I love how you have put it all together. Gorgeous!
Lisa
Thanks a bunch, Lisa!
Beautiful. I love it all! Especially the bed, the langston sign and the rug. I love every vignette. I’d love to curl up and read a good book there!
Thanks, Danielle!
Wow!!~ It is absolutely stunning!!~
You did an amazing job!! I love the nesting baskets, it really adds a lot of warmth to the space!
Just found your blog through Michele at “Primp” and so happy I did!
Have a lovely night.
Sincerely,
Melinda
Thanks a bunch, Melinda!
I just found your blog and I’m in love! Now I’m going to have to go back through all your previous posts. If a magazine photographs your room they aren’t going to have to bring any accessories since everything is just perfect as it is.
Thanks, Karol! That’s so nice of you to say!
Sweet simplicity. You have achieved the look you were aiming for — dreamy and ethereal with a bit of cottage comfort. I am bookmarking this for future reference when we get around to our sleeping porch. I am lost in the delicate details. I adore the bed, bedding, desk…everything you’ve done.
I recently posted our bathroom reno in our 1880 Victorian farmhouse and I used a similar rug.
Happy Spring and Sweet Dreams!
Deborah
Thanks so much, Deborah…I’d love to see yours when you are finished!
Good Morning I included this fab room in my post this morning http://somewhatquirkydesign.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-coulda-been-contenda.html
Absolutely gorgeous!! I just moved into my own apt for the first time (soo excited) and your style in this room is exactly what I have been looking for. My mom sent me this site and absolutey fell in LOVE with this room! Everything about it. Everything. I already have a comforter very similar to that one and the baskets. I have one question, where did you get those sheets? I have been looking every where I know of for some light sheets with light print on them like those. My grandmother used to have some similar but they threw them out
Looking forward to keeping up with your blog!! Thanks for sharing!!
Sara
Hi Sara! Wow, how exciting! I actually found the sheets at TJ Maxx on the clearance aisle for $17. I wasn’t very long ago..If you don’t have any luck, let me know and I can go back and check for you…they had a couple.
Ohhhh, thats such a great buy!! LOVE your eye for design and budgetting with all of this! You’re awesome!!…I’ll be taking a trip to TJ Maxx this afternoon!! I’ll let you know! Thank you so much!!!
Sara
With all your features, hope you’ve got room for one more! We’ll be featuring you as part of the RRR round up tomorrow, congrats, it’s simply stunning!
Thanks a bunch, Whitney!
Found this dream of a room through MissMustardSeed. So glad I did, there is beauty and inspiration in every picture. Magazine worthy! Sharing it on FB and Pinterest!
Thank you so much, Marianne! I just love your blog, btw. It is beautiful!
This is breathtakingly gorgeous, Susan! I haven’t checked my air your laundry friday links this morning but I hope you link it up!
Thanks a bunch, Jami!
Beautiful! I love all the vintage touches.
~Heidi
Thanks so much, Heidi!
Absolutely love what you did here. What an inspiration. These pictures will be all over the internet if they aren’t already! Good job!
Thanks so much, Patty!
will you marry me?
this is just gorgeous.
i can’t leave the page, i’m still slack jawed and wide eyed.
Found you through Miss Mustard Seed. Love all the white and the details are so perfect. I can totally relate about splurging on the lamp when you are able to pull everything else together with some thrifty shopping and some elbow grease. Now I’m off to subscribe to your blog and check out your other wonderful projects!
Welcome, Kimberly! Thanks for stopping by!
I love your style.I am in the process of transforming my home too.I am not as fortunate as you are.I don’t live in an older home but a newer one in your state.I am replacing newer pieces with vintage old pieces.And I LOVE it.I have much to do.But I love the feel.I have not been to a flea market in ages.I am surrounded by so many antique shops and resale shops.
Your room is absolutely gorgeous!Right out of a magazine gorgeous!
Anne, thank you so much for your nice comments!
This is dream-like! It looks so peaceful and in-tune with nature.
Thanks, Amy!
I adore the porch- you did an amazing job! I am interested in the rug, but can’t find it on the rug site that you linked. Could you send me the name please? Thanks ~Ashly
Here ya go, Ashly!
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=swedish+cotton+stripe+rug&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=9814730077690723793&sa=X&ei=DSBxT4zXKM2Dtge1rZG2Dw&ved=0CFMQ8wIwAg
I just came over from Primp and I LOVE, LOVE it here! I can’t wait to take a look around! Your room is wonderful! So glad I found you!
Maria
http://www.rustyhinge.blogspot.com
Oh.My.Word. Gorgeous is not a strong enough word. I would take a nap every day just to be in this room! I love that you did it with repurposed and thrift store finds. It just proves what can be done on a tiny budget. I’m turning a basement cave into a craft room on a shoestring budget. It’s a lot of work but I know it will be worth it.
Have a lovely week!
Deborah
Absolutely gorgeous!!! I’d never want to leave….
HI there , I am very curious what kind and color paint did you use for your bed? I love it! Its been what I am looking for, but I just needed a picture to go by, and this is it! Love it
Mandie, I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White. Hope that helps!