Curb Appeal
A young homeowner loved her house, but she wanted it to have a graceful and appealing front entrance. In this makeover, her home's facade gets a new look that's colorful and welcoming.
New homeowners fall hard for their first houses--love at first sight, usually--and only later do they consider the details.
This homeowner was no different: she knew immediately that she loved the basics of her space. But when she began to address potential problems, she discovered that she could meet her needs and create a beautiful and inviting entry for her home at the same time.
Retaining Wall
Problem: The sloping ground made the yard hard to landscape and maintain, and soil often eroded into the neighbor's yard.
Solution: A small retaining wall bordering the driveway creates a flat surface that makes landscaping easier and helps to stop erosion. And plants, such as boxwood and mondo grass, can serve as a hedge, establishing a visual barrier between neighboring yards.
Arbor Pathway
Problem: No clear walkway linked the front and back yards, and the grass was worn down in places from foot traffic.
Solution: Stepping-stones define a path to the backyard and add visual interest to the large expanse of grass. An arbor creates an architectural connection between the front and back of the house, and a jasmine canopy adds color and fragrance.
Driveway
Problem: The driveway consisted of a large expanse of concrete that was visually unappealing.
Solution: A contractor removed a strip of concrete and replaced it with red brick to break up the grayness and to tie in the driveway with other elements of the landscape. The boxwoods and mondo grass alongside the driveway soften the overall look, taking the focus off the driveway itself.
Mailbox
Problem: The wall-mounted mailbox was too small to hold large amounts of mail. Plus the street address was hidden, making the house hard to identify.
Solution: A larger, freestanding mailbox is accessible from the street. It prominently displays the address numbers and holds a lockbox that keeps mail secure.
Bay Window
Problem: A flat and outdated window made the front of the house appear bland and one-dimensional.
Solution: A bay window brings more light into the home's front room and opens up the space. Its three sides add depth and architectural interest to the home's facade.
Door Updates
Problem: The garage and front entry doors needed updating to become more energy efficient.
Solution: A new Craftsman-inspired entry door and a carriage-house garage door give this fifties-era house a more traditional style, with the comfort of modern technology. New door hardware and a doorbell provide added security for the homeowner.
Lighting
Problem: A dark walkway and stoop made the entrances unsafe for the homeowner and her guests.
Solution: New solar lighting around the drive and walkway keeps the areas well lit at night while also conserving energy. A lantern near the garage and a new ceiling fixture at the front door add welcoming touches.
Green Ideas
Composite edging made from recycled materials separates garden beds from surrounding grass, keeping water-conserving mulch in place.
Drought-tolerant plants, such as boxwood, dwarf yaupon holly, nandina, and mondo grass, require less water and typically can survive through hot dry spells.