In addition to what Apple Pie said, would you be willing to replace the iron with different uprights? That style of iron really dates a house, and boxed in columns would look nice.

Like these. You may not be able to tell, but the middle one is the before picture for the last one.

I haven't chosen a roof color yet, so can go with any color combination. I may sell it eventually, but would really like to keep it since I grew up here.

Yes, I'm open to getting rid of the wrought iron if that would add more curb appeal. The steps to the front door also have wrought iron.

I love azaleas, hydrangeas and any other flowering bush/tree. This home is located in Kansas, so we have warm summers and cold winters, although they have been mild the past few years.

The porch is large and cement. Any ideas? The home faces a main street, so it would be nice to have a little privacy on the porch for sitting/reading area..?


Thank you so much for your ideas!!

I like the wrought iron on this house, it is true to the style. In general, people will sit on a front porch if there are comfortable chairs with cushions and no mosquitoes.

For landscape design advice, try a new post on http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/design  where there are gardeners familiar with plants in your climate zone in Kansas.

Painting the siding would really freshen up the exterior, add new columns, paint the front door an inviting color. You could take a picture of your home and bring to a nursery for advice around appropriate planting and if you added some cedars, there would be greenery all year and will give you some privacy.