Help Disguising the "Ugly Corner" (utility boxes)?

10 years ago

Hi All,

I'm new here so I'm hoping this is the right part of the forum. I just bought a 1954 Cape Cod that is suffering from an ugly corner right next to the driveway and main walkway. It was bad enough when I bought it but after a Radon test they installed the remediation on the same corner. Now I have Verizon, the gas company, the phone company and the Radon fan with it's massive pipe all together. I tried planting some tall grass but as you can see from my photo the rain keeps knocking it over. I've thought about building a fence starting at the corner of the house and going out about 4 feet. Maybe something with horizontal slats for a little style? I'd love to hear other suggestions? The whole yard needs a lot of TLC but you have to start somewhere right?

Thanks so much for your suggestions!

Featured Answer

marshaaa (5b CO, Castle Rock)

9 years ago

I agree with kitasei about enclosing from all angles. I would use vstavay's photo as a guide. It picks up the same style as the railing on your porch and keeps things clean. To get the height you will need to conceal everything, it's probably a DIY project.

We recently had a radon mitigation installed also. Ugly things! However, we were given the option to go with regular downspout rather than the big ugly pipe, as well as a fan cover. If you conceal with a fence, the fan cover wouldn't matter, but you might want to consider the downspout option.

Have fun renovating your house!

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Comments (12)

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Yardvaark
10 years ago
I think the screen panel is your best bet.
laceyvail 6A, WV
10 years ago
I agree. There simply isn't any room for a plant of any sort. And a plant would make it impossible to access the area.
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cearbhaill (zone 6b Eastern Kentucky)
10 years ago
T

If you really want a plant there I's do a trellis with something like a clematis.
groundigger
10 years ago
Where does that strip of ashpalt go? It looks like you have two walkways to the side porch, if one could be removed you might have a few more options? At the same time maybe you could be replanning the walk to the front door. I think a picture from farther back might be helpful.
Laura John
Original Author
10 years ago
Right now that whole side of the house is just confused about what it wants to do. The plan is to redo it all eventually. I was thinking about putting something like that screen wall across to the property line with a 4' wide opening to get to the side door. Here's a better view of it. Ignore the motorcycle. Its not mine.
Laura John
Original Author
10 years ago
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Laura John
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
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Laura John
Original Author
10 years ago
I'm hoping for a little bit of a mid century modern look to go with the wall of windows. Maybe a fence like this with a paver walkway.
User
10 years ago
Laura John thanked User
kitasei
10 years ago
I'd do a lattice screen enclosure (concealing the utilities from all angles) and plant an ivy to conceal it and also the chimney with its conduit. I do think the house has style!
Laura John thanked kitasei
Laura John
Original Author
10 years ago
Vstavay - I like the idea of continuing the part that way. thanks!

Kitasei - Thank you! I think it does too!