Here is a picture of the front of our house.
I would love some suggestions on some curb appeal.
Not sure how much you can see but I have put down black rubber edging that starts about 18 inches in front of where the cement walkway meets the front step, curving it around the front porch then around the front window then around the side, back, other side and to the side of the garage going to 18 inches infront of the garage where the driveway is.
I plan to keep filling it with river rock (easier to mow if you do not have to go right up to the house).
I had pansies planted by the front steps and there are Blocks holding down the black film next to the porch (rocks soon?) then infront of the window are two rose bushes and tiger lilies.
The pansies are starting to grow tiny leaves (seeds from last years plants), and the tiger lilies are growing. Not sure if the rose plants made it as I do not see any green growth YET.
The grass is starting to green in patches NOW (this is the picture from our listing April 4th- see snow on grass).
There is some oil stain infront of the single garage BUT I did clean it since this picture, I do need to go over it some more BUT it is better.
Our lot line in front is two sidewalk squares over from the right or three of the lines (between the two mail boxes) and would go in the direction of that first big Pine you see in the rear right of the background. Now our backyard does not go that far back but I wanted to to give you a line to visualize our front yard.
I have removed the stain on the porch and need to restain it as the area that had knots in the wood the stain color lifted. (To Do List)
We are in Zone 5 for planting if your wondering.
What do you think??
As Requested Photos of Front of House.
May 3rd, 2010 at 02:48 pm
May 3rd, 2010 at 03:27 pm 1272900455
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May 3rd, 2010 at 05:23 pm 1272907434
A quart of paint for the front door is an excellent idea as well. I wouldn't go crayon red, maybe a plum or a sage green. You do need more color!
You could buy or scounge up a small chair for the left corner by the door. Put another pot of flowers nearby. Make it seem inviting like a nice place to sit waiting for a guest. Maybe even a side table. A basic door mat...but without words! Do you have a wreath that could be hung near the door, maybe on the left side of the door, but on the garage wall.
I know you stated you had something planted under the window, but it is not visible from the street. You might look into planting two boxwoods for some green. There is also a tall evergreen, arborvitae, that would look great just at the right corner to soften the corner edge of the home.
If it were me, I might skip the planting of permanant plants since you have no idea what the new owners might want. They could tear it out a week later! Start with the least expensive and go from there.
Once you add some color, make sure your realtor takes a new picture!!
May 3rd, 2010 at 06:05 pm 1272909919
May 3rd, 2010 at 06:41 pm 1272912073
Our Neighbor did the Pots between the garage doors and I like that, I will look into finding some pretty pots that I can gift to my grandmother once the house is sold. My Cousin used to work with flowers so I will see if she can help me come up with some mixture of flowers to plant in them.
I have a mat for the front door but stopped using it. After I restain the porch I will put it back out.
I am not sure IF we have enough room for a bistro table and chair with maybe a pot of plants on the table BUT I will take some measurements and see what we have room for. I might even do a matching pot and like the garage ones and just the chair. Or just the chair and table. Will see.
I love the idea of a colored door BUT I think that is a more permanant change type thing than I feel comfortable doing. We have a Metal door so it would either need to be professionally painted with Metal adhering Paint or replaced.
I am scared to plant trees because I worry about hitting a sprinkler system line or roots breaking a line and the house is a walkout lower level so trees in the back would be pricey as the larger they are the more money they are.
I think I will do the things I stated above and post another picture when I am done and you can give me suggestions from there.
May 3rd, 2010 at 07:52 pm 1272916334
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May 3rd, 2010 at 09:08 pm 1272920939
Yeah you are right about the front of the house being a big garage. When we were first looking for houses STBX was all we are going to be buying a house with a garage attached at the back or side so you see the house.
And yet we still ended up Building the Garage with attached House home. The double car garage is has a 19 foot door so the garage is even bigger looking when you get inside.
The inside of the garage is finished and heated with plenty of room for cabinents and a worktable, Sure your not in the market for a new house??? LOL
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I think instead of doing the bistro set (which I would have to buy) I am thinking matching pots of flowers matching those in front of the garage. Either One under the light on the porch or two flanking the front door.
May 4th, 2010 at 03:37 pm 1272987479
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May 5th, 2010 at 09:29 pm 1273094978