1921 Bungalow Porch Remodel in Mac-Groveland
The front porch has always been an important part of the home. It serves as the family’s main entrance, but it is also one of their favorite places to read, play games, and spend time together.
Our job was to rebuild the failing porch and convert it from three-season to four-season use. Just as important was making it work better for everyday life, with more useful entry storage and an exterior that once again felt right for the bungalow.
Bringing Back the Bungalow’s Character
Move the slider to reveal the transformation.
Signs of a Bigger Problem
Over time, the porch had begun to show its age. Visible sagging hinted at larger structural issues. The floor had shifted so much that the front door could no longer fully open without hitting it.
Restored from the Structure Out
Rebuilding the porch also gave the homeowners an opportunity to improve the home’s curb appeal. The updated exterior brings more definition to the front of the bungalow, while new details were carefully considered to feel appropriate to the home.
Tile played a big role in the design, and getting it right took time and careful consideration.
Three shades of green were mixed across the floor, creating the subtle irregularity often found in older tilework.
Before: Aging windows, cracking walls, and a low ceiling left the space feeling tired and disconnected from the character of the home.
After: Higher ceilings, custom millwork, and plenty of natural light give the porch a brighter, more open feel. In-floor heating keeps the space comfortable even on the coldest Minnesota winter days.
One by One
Hand-laid for the right balance
The custom mosaic tile was sourced from local tile supplier Mercury Mosaics. Most mosaics of this size arrive on sheets, but this tile came as individual pieces.
Each tile was laid individually, requiring us to build the pattern and distribute the three colors by hand.
Making room for storage without sacrificing light
Because the porch serves as the family’s primary entrance, everyday storage was essential. The homeowners wanted a full-length bench and space for coats, shoes, and winter gear, but they did not want to sacrifice the windows and natural light that made the porch special.
When we design custom built-ins like this, we typically present several configurations before narrowing in on the solution that best balances all priorities.
Beyond the Porch:
Exterior Improvements
New windows, replicated stucco, shingle siding, trim and skirting details were selected and executed to complement the home’s age and style. The color palette ties the elements together, giving the rebuilt porch a refreshed appearance without making it feel newly added.
Your porch can be so much more than it is today.Whether you want to improve your everyday entrance, add storage, or simply make better use of the space, there’s plenty of opportunity. Explore our porch remodeling services or reach out to talk about your project today!
