What should I do with this space?
by
Wanda
+5
The bench isn't the problem, it's the blank wall behind it. I know the welcome sign needs help as well :0/ thanks for any input.
This is outside to the right of my front door. It's not a porch per say. It has concrete squares on the ground and an over hang from the roof. We rent so I can't do a lot?
7 answers
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Oooh, fun, Wanda! A blank slate, but you are off to a good start! Loving that red bench and your welcome sign and burlap accents. Since the area is covered, how about an indoor-outdoor rug in a red chevron stripe to anchor the space? Center the bench, adding an old 6-pane window that is painted and distressed either in red or another color to the wall above it. Hang the welcome sign to the right of it, then pull that planter off the step-or use something a little more substantial like a wooden barrel and place that to the left, anchoring that corner. Since you're in Illinois, I am assuming that you need something for that planter that is not alive (at least for the winter), so I would try a grapevine tree or some tall twigs with some twinkle lights. Next to the door (where the welcome sign is now) you could add some large house numbers in painted wood or papier mache (you can buy at Michaels or Joanns) to match the bench. Have fun!
Country Design Home
on Feb 01, 2015
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If you get at least some sun there, put boxwood or Hinoki cypress in large pots to flank the bench. They should make it through your winters in that sheltered spot and you'll be able to take them with you should you move on.
Douglas Hunt
on Feb 01, 2015
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Potted plants in colored pots, a big wrought iron sun on the wall. A light weight lap quilt over the back of the bench, maybe some cushions for bench and you will be sitting pretty.
Dee Lowe
on Feb 01, 2015
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The first thought that came to mind was plants-not necessarily one on each side of the bench. For an informal look place three different height plants to one side of the bench. to fill the wall hang old rusted garden tools and a wide brim straw hat decorated with flowers and an old style metal watering can next to the bench. You could add a water feature at the end of the walk in the corner-perhaps the kind with a barrel and water pump.
Christina
on Feb 01, 2015
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I would paint the stoop brown to match the stones, build two small planters (you can take with you) for each corner, boxwoods are a good suggestion from Douglas, center the bench between them and hang the welcome sign off to the left of the bench. Because it is a big sign in comparison to the bench, drop 1/4 to 1/3 of it lower than the top of the bench. Then watch for fun things to hang on the empty wall, to make a gallery of sorts, signs, frames, etc. buy a big welcome mat you can take with you and you are done.
Lori
on Feb 01, 2015
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Thanks you all for your input on my blank space! In the summer it looks much better with my flowers and quilt on bench, Christmas is pretty too with large pine cones and and such on the bench. It's just the winter that looks so lifeless...... Adding boxwood in some type of planter is an Excelent idea for "life". I actually had a 4 pane distressed window "white" hanging but I have a whole wall if windows on the other side of stoop, which is actually the front of the house. Didn't know if that took away from the small window? I appreciate all the suggestions! I am ready to tackle it now! Well, after this snow storm passes ;0).
Wanda
on Feb 01, 2015
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If you want to brighten it up you might be able to paint the ceiling light blue which also helps deflect bugs, paint some cinder blocks in your favorite color or paint them different primary colors and get a couple two by fours to make them into shelves and stack them up at different heights. If the entrance is not where the picture is taken you could use them instead along the big blocks and create a patio look and make plants along the edge. A piece of painted lattice could also be placed against the wall and you can hang plants off them....
Gail
on Feb 01, 2015
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