Make my front entry inviting!

13 years ago

This is our lake house. Before and after. While we removed an ugly awning over the front door and added new paint color we have several obstacles to an inviting entry.
Problem 1) no place for landscaping
2) propane tank
3) two side by side doors, one to house, one to garage
4) Sloped front patio for rain run off.
5) Water well head!
Help!

Featured Answer

PRO

Zimerman Designs

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

Consider doing these things:
1. paint the window and door trims (and garage door) in a lighter shade of the cottage exterior. The white is glaring. There are specialty paints for all kinds of materials, including metal or aluminum. I would also paint your doors and shutters something less dull.
2. Remove the little fence around the door. Have a low, long flower box built in front of the house so that it gets deeper with the slope. In other words, the top should be even and the bottom will follow the slope of the land. Then plant it with the appropriate foliage for the direction in which it faces.
3. Your roof has a huge presence. When it's time to replace the shinges, consider cedar shakes.
4. I can't see the full view of the garage, but if there is space on either side of the door, put a potted evergreen on each side.
5. Have a lattice box built around the propane tank, leaving it open where it needs to be for refilling.
That's my two cents worth!

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Comments (10)

kwistina
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
You know, I actually think you might have room for one of those hanging half crescent wall pots between the doors, and a small vined plant would look lovely there (if you are willing to do that). I think you could successfully place two potted/trimmed spiral evergreen Topiary's (sp?) beside each door, one in by each window, with small potted plants surrouding each. Idk, just a thought. I usually make drawings of my ideas before planning anything, but container gardening/plants are about the only route you can go.

Maybe this sounds ridiculous, but allowing ivy to climb over the propane tank may help with that particular eyesore. I know nothing about propane tanks, but my family lived in the country when I was younger and I remember peeling away the ivy from the tank to figure out what it was covering-it very effectively hid the darn thing
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birdkkk
Original Author
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Thanks great suggestions. The one issue with plants is that we are there part time and will need maintenance free! As for the white trim, my painter would have a fit! Wish I would have found this forum BEFORE we painted. How about some wide window blinds on the inside of two windows? I also wondered about window boxes??? There are much more expensive homes on both sides so I want to keep it in good taste and use good judgment when updating.
Dar Eckert
13 years ago
I agree with Zimmerman's ideas forthe most part. However, I think the walk in door to the garage should be the same color as the siding so that there is no confusion about which door is the main one. I would also like to see the main door painted a welcoming color.

If you build a raised bed flower garden put the well head inside the garden to conceal it. You can also put sprinklers on a timer for the raised bed.
PRO
Zimerman Designs
13 years ago
Yes, Dar Eckert is right "on the money" with his suggestions and everything but the spelling of my name! But, he is to be forgiven, since it's unusual. Regards, Zimerman. :-)
Dar Eckert
13 years ago
Sorry, Zimerman. We have a town here Zimmerman so didn't check the spelling. And its Ms. Eckert, Dar is short for Darlene
einportlandor
13 years ago
I frequently rent a little cottage on the coast that is loaded with lovely potted trees, vines and flowers in large frost-resistant pots. They use a drip system on a timer and the plants always look good. That might work for you.

One thought I had was to turn the paved area into an outdoor room with some patio furniture and maybe an outdoor rug during warmer months. Define a clear pathway to the front door with the furniture arrangement and/or potted plants. Or maybe you could build a little front porch along one wall with just enough room for a couple of chairs and some pots. Gosh I love spending other people's money!
Jayme H.
13 years ago
You could run planter boxes/containers under the windows...next to door, go higher with a container and/or trellis...could also put a small outdoor cafe table and chairs there
birdkkk
Original Author
13 years ago
I love all the suggestions. I would like to make the patio area a small seating area but it slopes so much. Also, that area is right outside the kitchen which my husband likes to grill there rather than lakeside since it is closer and not so much running up and down stairs.
As for the trellis, would you put that to the left of the front door? thanks.
Jayme H.
13 years ago
Trellis to left of door...I have some adirondack chairs that can handle a little bit of an uneven surface..