Unsightly brick wall HELP

bashamj

14 years ago

This is a photo of my side door leading to a mud room. I need an inexpensive way to camouflage this ugly mess. HELP!

Featured Answer

Mary Pettit

14 years ago

last modified: 14 years ago

That comment really helped me to understand this space. In a sense, this area is more like a courtyard to pass through to different areas that the family uses. I would think of some vertical treatments then for the area in landscaping and add white on the other 3 sides from the picket fence. In a sense, to enclose the space with walls and a border to identify it. Something fresh looking. Here is a photo of a courtyard planted with white and green.

debora carl landscape design · More Info

Along your brick wall, you could set planting boxes and trellis combinations. Or simply a white trellis wall to hang planters on. Along the garage wall I would use a similar treatment. Then in your planting areas behind the picket fence and where the bushes are now, I would plant some climbing white roses or clematis. Add a border of low growing white blooming plants.

Move your bench in towards the center of the area and group your containers of plants together with your bench. You may wish to paint all of these containers black to accent the wrought iron to add punch.

You could also plant some sky pencil holly in containers to create some vertical interest.
http://img.fast-growing-trees.com/images/D/SkyPencil_2_220_Alternate.jpg

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Comments (12)

michigammemom
14 years ago
Painting your storm door to match your siding and an attractive hose caddy would spruce up this area.
houssaon
14 years ago
I don't see anything wrong with the brick. It would be nice to paint the window trim, the storm door and the door a color to compliment the brick and clapboards. Something in the green family or a medium tan. Even black would look good; I notice how handsome the planter is against the garage.
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Manon Floreat
14 years ago
Gosh - this is NOT what I would consider a mess at all! This seems like a nice place for an outdoor seating area. I like the idea of black trim to pick up on the planter, too.

If it's in the budget, you may want to consider a portico or shed roof to provide shelter to the door. A pergola for the entire area would be nice and disquise the brick (which I think is beautiful, btw).
woodwardsh
14 years ago
My suggestion....paint the door black, leave the white trim and storm door. Add an inexpensive bench next to the door with a decorative rod iron piece over the top. Add a large planter that can be changed out seasonally and a cute welcome mat.
Melinda Donnell
14 years ago
Like the pergola idea and I suggest stain the concrete
Mary Pettit
14 years ago
I see you have a bench off to the side in this space and it looks as if you use this area for some gardening chores. And with a picket fence on the side it appears to have a public view.

I would decide what you want this space to be. Is this used more as a walkway? Is it a work area? Is it a place to connect with neighbors to chat? Think of it according to its functions. Then divide the space in much the same way you would an interior space.

If the picket area is much like a foyer, then make it say welcome with planters, seating and lights. If the side area with the hose is a workspace, then plan it as you would a kitchen deciding what function needs to happen where.

Once you lay out your needs for the space it will make more sense as to what to do with it.
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Shannon Ggem Design
14 years ago
Looks like you could use a potting table right there, coming out perpendicular between the door and the window. Or parallel to the house under the window. Just something to break up the expanse and add a little interest.

You could put the hose on a splitter, and get a potting counter with a sink basin, have one split of the hose in that direction, and the other for watering. You can store your garden stuff in the bottom and create interest in what looks like a spare space (it doesn't look messy to me!)

Good luck! Hope you post what you decide to do with it!
ekrumm25
14 years ago
I as well definitely suggest painting the door and the pergola idea sounds nice as well-also quick a quick fix would be to get a variety of different planters of different shapes, colors and heights and fill them with colorful plants. Even maybe add a wall trellis with either morning glories, clamantis etc. I'd also just add some other low maintenance flowers to the garden bed to the right. Good luck!
bashamj
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you all so much. Just to let you know what this space is. I have a front door, but this is the door the family uses. It's a big concrete slab connecting the garage to the house. A breezeway would be great, but not in the budget now. That fence leads to a bid backyard that I use. It also has another entrance from inside the house. Love all the ideas. Thank you so much.!
inabunker
14 years ago
Totally agree with Mary Petit. You need some large containers with tall evergreens along that brick wall. I would paint the trim in a dark color and get a nice hose holder.
Manon Floreat
14 years ago
Something like this (maybe two) mounted between the door and the the window would be cute and relatively inexpensive. If you centered your bench beneath them and your pots placed to the side, you'd have a welcoming little spot to linger if the weather permits.