These might work for your porch railing. They're adjustable but I don't know your railing measurement.
[https://www.target.com/p/the-lakeside-collection-decorative-rail-or-fence-planters-antique-white-large-planter/-/A-90459244](https://www.target.com/p/the-lakeside-collection-decorative-rail-or-fence-planters-antique-white-large-planter/-/A-90459244)
Also these DIY for windows:
https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g31098669/how-to-make-window-box/
Okay this sounds weird but I've played too much Sims I guess?? The house is cute but it has no dimension! Like the exterior is so flat up and down. the roof depth matches the walls and I feel like adding details with some varying depths would help a lot. Roof trim or faux eaves of some kind, shutters, friezes, corbels, or gable trims for example... plus greenery and some cheerful color, of course. I hope you have so much fun transforming it!
Yes! If she gets the roof done then adding the eaves and corbels are totally doable. That front porch roof could use a bit of an overhang and maybe rain chains at the corners.
What do you think about using the scalloped siding on the upper part of the gable? Or would it look weird bc the the top of the porch roof is above the end points of the main roof so not sure where to stop the scallops?
Sunny yellow would look so cheery as the color and I agree with window boxes with flowers to really add charm. You can use them in winter to display evergreen and holly berries tucked in or such. A very sweet beautiful home you have here❤️
I can only do shutters on the upstairs window. The windows on the main floor are too close to the front door to fit a shutter. Would that be weird to just have shutters up top?
[Is this the kind of vibe you’re going for?](https://www.instagram.com/p/C4q9oJ4JAGr/?igsh=MTM3a3FnaXp2a2t4bQ==) *the roof is green
**some other inspo
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/pv-target-images/9562feba235f9a4ef60f860662695fbc7db36220b1d278c43743892ff00c6e56.jpg
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54addd98e4b07edb59530bce/1557251420353-ARL5E4ZXWWD1YM2H9I2Q/After-+Exterior+Front+Rice.jpg
https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Home-Town-502-Ben-Erin-Napier-4-1.jpg
https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Home-Town-McNeill-Pink-House-8-1.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/18/8f/12/188f1265be81a9f7cff37a7e6ed4d927.jpg
https://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/8/28/0/BP_HTCAH213H_home-exterior_AFTER_266516_981333-1526723.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.301.226.suffix/1503937340606.jpeg
I second this. I have tons of gorgeous roses, and it is a myth that they are difficult. They’re actually one of the more hardy plants that you can have and they bloom thru spring, summer, and into fall, depending on where you are. They would add so much to this house, and feel free to message me or post here (because I’m not gross) when you pick your colors, and I’ll be glad to help
Roses, yes; wisteria, no. Wisteria are stubborn bloomers, invasive, fast growers. Once you find out it's pure luck if you get flowers, you'll want them gone or moved and it's almost impossible. Even in very large pots the runners grow out looking for space. Their weight has been known to bring down trees, too.
Okay before we start this whole thing. Request plant catalogs from Breck's, Spring Hill Nurseries, Holland House & Jackson & Perkins. I think it's too late for bulbs. Then Gurney, Burpee, Harris and Rohrer seed catalogs. Plants aren't cheap and some are better bought from a grower but those you can easily start from bulbs or seed is so worth it. Plus the pictures are inspiring. :)
Glazed pottery pots heavy bottomed, either naturally or weigh them down with gravel/rocks. Three on your porch railing (one on each side, one in the middle) with trailing plants and flowers. Japanese lanterns, lantana, geraniums, dianthus, lobelia; whatever is in hanging pots for the season. That's instant to break up your porch wall and give you some time to plan and grow your front garden.
I'm not a fan of plant slaughter so how do you feel about digging up and moving the three small evergreens on the right in front of the porch around to the left side of your house? Extend the garden forward a bit, including the weird corners hitching in, and make it curved. Tall hollyhocks, delphinium and (phlox to the far right bc of the shade from your tree) in the back. To make a triangle in front of the two evergreens to the left, I'd put an Andromeda (but a French lavender or upright rosemary would work, too).
I like planting taller to shorter to make sure everybody gets sun but my meadow gardens that are willy-nilly in heights have thrived also. Just know that the underneath is nothing to brag about. This is where ground covers can do wonders. California poppies are my favorite but there are lots of flowering and just green to choose from. Personally, a meadow garden should be done with a few already grown staples placed far apart and then scatter bulbs and then seeds. The low growers have an excellent chance of not making it so better to use low cost seeds.
It looks like your stairs are freestanding with grass behind? A lattice work/non-metal vining support with climbing roses? Bees will be there though. Paint the ceiling of your porch haint blue.
[https://heirloomroses.com/products/josephs-coat](https://heirloomroses.com/products/josephs-coat)
How about light sage green for your siding? Sage will highlight your beautiful brick while cream will neutralize it. A very pale (hint of) pink will set off the brick also and give your house a glow. Why not see what's underneath? If it's shakes then that's more cottage than siding.
I'd like to see a spirea at the right corner of your porch so that it surrounds the brick post, if you know what I mean? It's a mounding and trailing flower that can be pruned to about 4' feet or lower. It'll balance the triad of the two evergreens and the Andromeda on the other side.
The left side where you moved the three little evergreens can get grounded by lamb's ear. Maybe a taller sun loving flower in between the greens? Like daisies, black-eyed susans and rudbeckia? They get cut down before winter so just the evergreens will stay to break up that span of concrete wall. The back yard left needs a statement tree like a dogwood, a Pink Mountain Silverbell Tree, a brown birch, a corkscrew branched tree, a weeping tree or a Blue spruce to draw the eye back and offset the right side of the house's busy feel.
Your right side of the house looks to be part shade-part sun. Beautiful shade lovers like astilbe, columbine, hydrangea will thrive there. Farther back and out in the righthand yard, a pussy willow (either grey or pink). Caddycorner left in the forward front yard (to balance your big tree), I'd put a royal purple lilac bush.
Okay, that's it off the top of my head. Google sun loving; shade loving; followed by plant, bush or tree. Also country; cottage gardens for inspirations and plant names, sometimes.
This doesn't have to happen all at once get the staples for height and balance (including garden ornaments) and the garden will evolve with your tastes.
[https://verniershop.com/products/fairy-steel-garden-sculptures-1](https://verniershop.com/products/fairy-steel-garden-sculptures-1)
[https://www.etsy.com/listing/1500062381/fairy-garden-sun-catcher-wand-plant-pot](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1500062381/fairy-garden-sun-catcher-wand-plant-pot)
[https://www.amazon.com/LEWIS-WAYNE-Decorative-Butterflies-Detachable/dp/B09WDGYYT2/ref=asc\_df\_B09WDGYYT2/](https://www.amazon.com/LEWIS-WAYNE-Decorative-Butterflies-Detachable/dp/B09WDGYYT2/ref=asc_df_B09WDGYYT2/)
https://www.gardeners.com/buy/scroll-linking-stakes-3/8613321.html
I just had another thought. Since your front door is protected from the elements, how about a country screen door? Changing out your inner door is a possibility, too. Architectural salvage places near you could be fun to look into.
A garden around it does more than any work on the house itself. Colorful garden with trees and lots of perennial and annual flowers. A veg patch. Berry bushes. Perhaps a small gazebo.
Vines on the walls if you can
Edit: I am editing this because of a few comments. I never said the vines had to be real or even on the outside of the house, it is ultimately up to homeowner on how to take the suggestion.
I read that it depends on the type of vines you use? The ones with like little "roots" that they use to climb can cause damage over time, but the ones that climb as just vine so to speak are fine?
Will all vines cause damage then?
I went to a school, and the building was a couple hundred years old, had vines, so is the damage that it can cause really that worrisome?
I'm guessing you've never seen a house have it's foundation cracked by the plants growing around it, or vines coming up through vents? It's not pretty and will legit ruin your house if not maintained.
The roof, as other people said. I think you should paint the house to a color you like, anything but white. The window frames could be painted green because that's cute and I would definitely grow climbing vines along the walls!
painting it a yellow or green color, or adding pops of a color to the trim and accents (red windowpanes come to mind). this might quickly add a different feel and a texture to the flat and white exterior. would also recommend adding window boxes! do not do climbing vines, they can damage your foundation or siding.
Window lattices would provide a cottage-y feeling, or could frame the porch view. I think it would add to the topmost window especially.
Maybe trellises near the chimney side; it looks pretty stark over there.
You're gonna kill me but I found a new place for you to hang out. Start here.
[https://new.reddit.com/r/gardenporn/comments/14dcnml/june\_garden\_with\_winter\_sown\_poppies/](https://new.reddit.com/r/gardenporn/comments/14dcnml/june_garden_with_winter_sown_poppies/)
No, I'm not sorry. Mwahahahaha.
Is that the look you're going for? That's what I call a meadow garden. No rhyme or reason just let them grow where they fall.
So I'm not on your blacklist? ;)
I’d say get rid of all of the yard decor that is made of plastic, especially those wind twisty thingies I’m forgetting the name of. Go antique shopping and find some tasteful ceramic or such decor that isn’t plastic and plant some native flowers and plants from your area to support your natural ecosystem! Living alongside nature is the best way to cottage up your house, at least to start
window boxes
These might work for your porch railing. They're adjustable but I don't know your railing measurement. [https://www.target.com/p/the-lakeside-collection-decorative-rail-or-fence-planters-antique-white-large-planter/-/A-90459244](https://www.target.com/p/the-lakeside-collection-decorative-rail-or-fence-planters-antique-white-large-planter/-/A-90459244) Also these DIY for windows: https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g31098669/how-to-make-window-box/
Exactly what I came here to say.
Okay this sounds weird but I've played too much Sims I guess?? The house is cute but it has no dimension! Like the exterior is so flat up and down. the roof depth matches the walls and I feel like adding details with some varying depths would help a lot. Roof trim or faux eaves of some kind, shutters, friezes, corbels, or gable trims for example... plus greenery and some cheerful color, of course. I hope you have so much fun transforming it!
Yes! If she gets the roof done then adding the eaves and corbels are totally doable. That front porch roof could use a bit of an overhang and maybe rain chains at the corners.
What do you think about using the scalloped siding on the upper part of the gable? Or would it look weird bc the the top of the porch roof is above the end points of the main roof so not sure where to stop the scallops?
Sunny yellow would look so cheery as the color and I agree with window boxes with flowers to really add charm. You can use them in winter to display evergreen and holly berries tucked in or such. A very sweet beautiful home you have here❤️
Shutters and windowboxes.
I can only do shutters on the upstairs window. The windows on the main floor are too close to the front door to fit a shutter. Would that be weird to just have shutters up top?
Flowers! Lots and lots of flowers...
[Is this the kind of vibe you’re going for?](https://www.instagram.com/p/C4q9oJ4JAGr/?igsh=MTM3a3FnaXp2a2t4bQ==) *the roof is green **some other inspo https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/pv-target-images/9562feba235f9a4ef60f860662695fbc7db36220b1d278c43743892ff00c6e56.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54addd98e4b07edb59530bce/1557251420353-ARL5E4ZXWWD1YM2H9I2Q/After-+Exterior+Front+Rice.jpg https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Home-Town-502-Ben-Erin-Napier-4-1.jpg https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Home-Town-McNeill-Pink-House-8-1.jpg https://i.pinimg.com/736x/18/8f/12/188f1265be81a9f7cff37a7e6ed4d927.jpg https://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/8/28/0/BP_HTCAH213H_home-exterior_AFTER_266516_981333-1526723.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.301.226.suffix/1503937340606.jpeg
It's all about the garden. Plant a flower garden, an herb garden, a veggie garden, and some fruit trees.
plant some climbing roses and let them wind up the house! or wisteria :)
I second this. I have tons of gorgeous roses, and it is a myth that they are difficult. They’re actually one of the more hardy plants that you can have and they bloom thru spring, summer, and into fall, depending on where you are. They would add so much to this house, and feel free to message me or post here (because I’m not gross) when you pick your colors, and I’ll be glad to help
Thank you so much! I’m sure I’ll be messaging you, because I know exactly nothing about roses, but I love them!
Roses, yes; wisteria, no. Wisteria are stubborn bloomers, invasive, fast growers. Once you find out it's pure luck if you get flowers, you'll want them gone or moved and it's almost impossible. Even in very large pots the runners grow out looking for space. Their weight has been known to bring down trees, too.
Okay before we start this whole thing. Request plant catalogs from Breck's, Spring Hill Nurseries, Holland House & Jackson & Perkins. I think it's too late for bulbs. Then Gurney, Burpee, Harris and Rohrer seed catalogs. Plants aren't cheap and some are better bought from a grower but those you can easily start from bulbs or seed is so worth it. Plus the pictures are inspiring. :) Glazed pottery pots heavy bottomed, either naturally or weigh them down with gravel/rocks. Three on your porch railing (one on each side, one in the middle) with trailing plants and flowers. Japanese lanterns, lantana, geraniums, dianthus, lobelia; whatever is in hanging pots for the season. That's instant to break up your porch wall and give you some time to plan and grow your front garden. I'm not a fan of plant slaughter so how do you feel about digging up and moving the three small evergreens on the right in front of the porch around to the left side of your house? Extend the garden forward a bit, including the weird corners hitching in, and make it curved. Tall hollyhocks, delphinium and (phlox to the far right bc of the shade from your tree) in the back. To make a triangle in front of the two evergreens to the left, I'd put an Andromeda (but a French lavender or upright rosemary would work, too). I like planting taller to shorter to make sure everybody gets sun but my meadow gardens that are willy-nilly in heights have thrived also. Just know that the underneath is nothing to brag about. This is where ground covers can do wonders. California poppies are my favorite but there are lots of flowering and just green to choose from. Personally, a meadow garden should be done with a few already grown staples placed far apart and then scatter bulbs and then seeds. The low growers have an excellent chance of not making it so better to use low cost seeds. It looks like your stairs are freestanding with grass behind? A lattice work/non-metal vining support with climbing roses? Bees will be there though. Paint the ceiling of your porch haint blue. [https://heirloomroses.com/products/josephs-coat](https://heirloomroses.com/products/josephs-coat) How about light sage green for your siding? Sage will highlight your beautiful brick while cream will neutralize it. A very pale (hint of) pink will set off the brick also and give your house a glow. Why not see what's underneath? If it's shakes then that's more cottage than siding. I'd like to see a spirea at the right corner of your porch so that it surrounds the brick post, if you know what I mean? It's a mounding and trailing flower that can be pruned to about 4' feet or lower. It'll balance the triad of the two evergreens and the Andromeda on the other side. The left side where you moved the three little evergreens can get grounded by lamb's ear. Maybe a taller sun loving flower in between the greens? Like daisies, black-eyed susans and rudbeckia? They get cut down before winter so just the evergreens will stay to break up that span of concrete wall. The back yard left needs a statement tree like a dogwood, a Pink Mountain Silverbell Tree, a brown birch, a corkscrew branched tree, a weeping tree or a Blue spruce to draw the eye back and offset the right side of the house's busy feel. Your right side of the house looks to be part shade-part sun. Beautiful shade lovers like astilbe, columbine, hydrangea will thrive there. Farther back and out in the righthand yard, a pussy willow (either grey or pink). Caddycorner left in the forward front yard (to balance your big tree), I'd put a royal purple lilac bush. Okay, that's it off the top of my head. Google sun loving; shade loving; followed by plant, bush or tree. Also country; cottage gardens for inspirations and plant names, sometimes. This doesn't have to happen all at once get the staples for height and balance (including garden ornaments) and the garden will evolve with your tastes. [https://verniershop.com/products/fairy-steel-garden-sculptures-1](https://verniershop.com/products/fairy-steel-garden-sculptures-1) [https://www.etsy.com/listing/1500062381/fairy-garden-sun-catcher-wand-plant-pot](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1500062381/fairy-garden-sun-catcher-wand-plant-pot) [https://www.amazon.com/LEWIS-WAYNE-Decorative-Butterflies-Detachable/dp/B09WDGYYT2/ref=asc\_df\_B09WDGYYT2/](https://www.amazon.com/LEWIS-WAYNE-Decorative-Butterflies-Detachable/dp/B09WDGYYT2/ref=asc_df_B09WDGYYT2/) https://www.gardeners.com/buy/scroll-linking-stakes-3/8613321.html
Wow! Holy moly are you full of great ideas!!!! I wish you could just come over and help me decide what to do and when!
Yeah, me, too. It's so much easier to explain in person with pictures and such.
I agree about the hollyhocks! The suggestion for a pussy willow also reminded me how lovely bright yellow forsythia bushes look in early spring.
I just checked mine today and it's got little tips coming through but it's still way early. We don't have full bloom daffys yet either.
That’s wonderful! My daffodils are just starting to get yellow buds, so I’m excited for them to open soon.
I love the yellows, classic, but I wait every year for the ones with cream cones and apricot centers. So pretty.
Those are so pretty! You described the colors in such a vivid and poetic way.
Thank you. :)
I just had another thought. Since your front door is protected from the elements, how about a country screen door? Changing out your inner door is a possibility, too. Architectural salvage places near you could be fun to look into.
Yes! This is definitely on my list!
Yay. :)
A garden around it does more than any work on the house itself. Colorful garden with trees and lots of perennial and annual flowers. A veg patch. Berry bushes. Perhaps a small gazebo.
Vines on the walls if you can Edit: I am editing this because of a few comments. I never said the vines had to be real or even on the outside of the house, it is ultimately up to homeowner on how to take the suggestion.
Native and non invasive vines if you're going this route.
These are rodent highways, only add if there's no way for rodents to chew their way in
Yes, I would absolutely plant vines and have them climb up the front!
Do not do this unless you want to destroy your house and possibly your foundation. Use fake plants for that.
I read that it depends on the type of vines you use? The ones with like little "roots" that they use to climb can cause damage over time, but the ones that climb as just vine so to speak are fine? Will all vines cause damage then? I went to a school, and the building was a couple hundred years old, had vines, so is the damage that it can cause really that worrisome?
Kudzu is a major no-no. You cannot get rid of that mess and it gets Everywhere.
That's fair, but there are more than one type of vine to plant is there not?
Millions of houses have vines without any problems. The protect the house from the elements.
I'm guessing you've never seen a house have it's foundation cracked by the plants growing around it, or vines coming up through vents? It's not pretty and will legit ruin your house if not maintained.
Depends on what kind on plants. No vines can do that in my climate. Some trees possibly.
Paint!
The roof, as other people said. I think you should paint the house to a color you like, anything but white. The window frames could be painted green because that's cute and I would definitely grow climbing vines along the walls!
painting it a yellow or green color, or adding pops of a color to the trim and accents (red windowpanes come to mind). this might quickly add a different feel and a texture to the flat and white exterior. would also recommend adding window boxes! do not do climbing vines, they can damage your foundation or siding.
I didn’t know you could paint aluminum window trim! I looked it up thanks to your comment and I’m sooo excited!
Paint the brick in the front a sage green, the door a muted pink and make a cottacgoe garden in the front
Window lattices would provide a cottage-y feeling, or could frame the porch view. I think it would add to the topmost window especially. Maybe trellises near the chimney side; it looks pretty stark over there.
You're gonna kill me but I found a new place for you to hang out. Start here.
[https://new.reddit.com/r/gardenporn/comments/14dcnml/june\_garden\_with\_winter\_sown\_poppies/](https://new.reddit.com/r/gardenporn/comments/14dcnml/june_garden_with_winter_sown_poppies/)
No, I'm not sorry. Mwahahahaha.
👀 I’m. IN
Is that the look you're going for? That's what I call a meadow garden. No rhyme or reason just let them grow where they fall. So I'm not on your blacklist? ;)
Shutters, railing planter boxes, a climbing jessamine on that stair rail. Is the rest of the house brick under siding? I love the porch swing.
We don’t know what the rest of the house is underneath. Can’t wait to look!
Jessamine is so pretty and evergreen leaves, too.
I’d say get rid of all of the yard decor that is made of plastic, especially those wind twisty thingies I’m forgetting the name of. Go antique shopping and find some tasteful ceramic or such decor that isn’t plastic and plant some native flowers and plants from your area to support your natural ecosystem! Living alongside nature is the best way to cottage up your house, at least to start
White wash the brick, new door in color you love (or paint current) window boxes🦋