I need creative ideas

kit_kats_mom wrote: anyone feeling inspired? We've re-done our entry way and front yard over the last week. I feel like the porch area needs something but I can't for the life of me figure out what should go out there. Maybe my placement is just wrong. Here are some pictures. If you have any suggestions, please share.

the cheaper the better

kit_kats_mom replied: #1

kit_kats_mom replied: #2

kit_kats_mom replied: #3

Kaitlin'smom replied: okay you eighter need a nice glider rocker I will have to post a pic of mine (made by the omish) or a cute bistro set, I like what you have but its not quite right for the space......let me think more I have a few more ideas but I will have to find some pics to go with them...

kit_kats_mom replied: Oh, when we paint the house this fall, we are going with a darker brown and I'm thinking of painting the interior of the front porch a slightly darker shade since it is so cavernous.

PreciousBabyDelights replied: what would look nice is one of those arches that are wood you can weave flowers in and lights right were the lil patio meets the walk way and line the walk way with lights, and put maybe a glider on the patio, with some hanging plants or plant stand with plants on it.

jdkjd replied: I was thinking that some hanging plants would help bring down the ceiling a little. Maybe you could bring the table and chairs out from the wall and add a chair to fill the space some more.

Were you thinking about buying more furniture?

kit_kats_mom replied: Well, I wasn't planning on getting any new furniture but I may.

I think that maybe a couple of brackets with plants hanging off of them at the main arch and then perhaps a trellis with some shade loving plants and small lights are a good idea. Or possibly one of those iron crests or something with a couple of sconces on each side? I may also get 5 x 9 outdoor carpet to cover up that plain concrete
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MyBrownEyedBoy replied: I would suggest looking on e-bay for a wall hanging you like to go over the bistro set. It would add something to the wall and maybe give it a bit cozier feel. And e-bay has nearly anything. For cheap

MommyToAshley replied: Cary, I've seen pictures of the inside of your house and the view of the lake in the back, but I think the front of your house is beautiful!! I agree, plants or some wall hangings would be a cheap and easy way to add some color and make it more inviting.

kit_kats_mom replied:
Thanks.
I love our home but it is in a subdivision so it's pretty cookie cutter. I wanted to create a sense of individuality while conforming to the HOA guidelines.

jdkjd replied: One of those decorating shows suggested finding some fabric that has an interesting pattern and putting it around a canvas like a painting for a different kind of artwork. Might be good outside, then you wouldn't have to worry about hurting it-you could just scotchguard it.

Maddie&EthansMom replied:
This is exactly what I was thinking. Do you have a Kirkland's? They have some great deals on their iron stuff. I love that stuff, too. Post a pic when you are done decorating. I think with the right wall ornamentation the patio furniture would be fine! Maybe get some bright/bold chair pads to go with at World Market or something.

I absolutely love your house. Stucco is my favorite! I can't wait to see the darker brown when you get it painted!

ETA: They make some of the ironwork that is really tall and has a great shape to it. That might work well in that area b/c it is such a tall space. You could even drape some grapevine around the area and make it feel more homey.

mom21kid2dogs replied: Your house looks simply beautiful, Cary!

Have you ever considered faux painting the concrete to look like a stone or tile? I think it would look beautiful on such a pretty area.

More expensive fixes would be painting the door and window frames a bolder color to make them pop, adding decoative tile trim to the portico area and maybe a mounted fountain or installing a large hanging light fixture. Can you tell I watch WAY TOO MUCH HGTV?

beautifullychaotic replied: I personaly would move the tree (its a palm right?) out. Probably forward on the porch and then turn the bistro set so its under the windows. Maybe also get a small console like table to put on the other side so when you bring groceries home you can set them on that while you unlock the door. Plus it would be a good place for a couple more potted plants.