Need help with front entry patio

10 years ago

We moved into a 1963 brick home in Hurst TX. The home has a gated front patio area which shade most of the winter months and morning shade in the summer. There had been some plants (needing sun) and mulch. There is also a large oak tree just outside that drops acorns inside so removing off mulch is problematic. The gate off the 10.5 X 15 area to the left of sidewalk

is ornamental and does not open. Should this type of patio be grass, plants or sitting area (with patio stone of some sort)? Thanks, Mary

Featured Answer

gtcircus

10 years ago

First your front door is completely wrong for the house. Loose the Victorian door in favor of mid century modern single large door. Second, enlist the help of a landscaper. You can utilize hostas, hardy plumbago, a pretty Japanese maple & pecan hull mulch. It is very hard to tell from your photo because it is way too close. I am not sure the white iron is the proper color for your house. Don't loose the oak tree, despite dropping the acorns. If you utilize proper landscape fabric and pecan hull mulch the acorns won't be an issue. Just periodically tweet with Preen to keep them from sprouting volunteers. It reminds me of an old saying when I lived in Texas ....the most valuable parking spot was not the one close to the door, but the one with shade. There is a sister forum to Houzz devoted to landscaping and if you post better photos, there are professional landscapers who can provide better advice than mine.

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Comments (7)

Carol Singletary
10 years ago
I would go patio/pavers with seating and large pots for colorful plants/flowers. This could be a lovely space.
mefleck01 thanked Carol Singletary
Carol Singletary
10 years ago
And of course, remove the green stuff in the porch.
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groveraxle
10 years ago
I agree with everything that's been said, most importantly the door. Your house looks like it's on the cusp of mid century modern. I'd run with that style.
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mefleck01 thanked groveraxle
groveraxle
10 years ago
I probably wouldn't do a white door, but you get the idea:
Barbara Almandarz
10 years ago
First consider how you'd use this space. Kind of silly to do seating area if you will never sit in the front of your house. Especially in Texas. Do you want cement and hard surfaces that radiate heat in the summer? I know you said it is shaded, is that enough to cool things down? First decide on the function of the space.
mefleck01 thanked Barbara Almandarz
Sandybean
10 years ago
Think about getting a new door with a mail slot so that you can also do away with that mail box. Would also recommend getting rid of ornamental gate and fill in with brick if possible.