I need help with front porch area
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I think the column idea is great. However It would open up the porch area if the planters were eliminated. Work with your Landscape guy and plant shrubs and perennials before you tear out the planter boxes. They may not stand out as much if there were other interesting things to catch the eye. Your brick does not need to be painted, there just needs to be more of it hidden by green plants. They have got to be easy to grow in Fla. Painting the shutters and landscaping are the first things I would do. Then see if anything stands out too much.
I think the home is lovely. It is lacking lush landscaping. There are a lot of straight lines with your home - there are none in nature. I would have lots of rounded soft flower beds. Plant a dainty flowering tree near the front area to welcome guests. NEVER close to the house. Bring flower beds out from the house and let them curve into the yard, height at the ends. Use the planters to your advantage. Paint the metal post black, Then plant a vine that flowers and let it climb.
Also, there are some wonderful staining type of techniques for your bricks. I would like to see your bricks kind of whitewashed, for lack of the proper term. I have seem some German technique done in ththe bricks on this site but can't remember the name of it. You can use many different colors, not just white and it really is beautiful. But personally I would remove them anyway and create landscaping like Teresa above said, round and lush. And definitely box up the metal pole. Then you could have some beautiful ceramic pots where the planters are with flowers in them.
Your house looks really nice. Dont paint your brick. Are your windows in good shape? If you need to replace them change the style and color. Paint your door to a color you like. Are your planters built into the house brick? If you remove them save all the brick you may need a bricklayer to repair area behind where they meet the house. Go to an aluminum column to match trim or shutters. Round or square. No maintenance. You need the corner for support without one your roof will sag. I would only use one column in the corner because the scale of porch is too small. Take pictures when you are done!
I would place a large paver on each one then paint the wrought iron post same color as bricks. I would never paint the bricks. Then puchase 2 planters in a bright color but only plant with non-flowering plants so that you don't have bees attacking you or guest. I would pick a color for door that can be seen from street but not red,everyone turns to that. Make sure that if you have perennials planted that they complement door and planters so it's cohesive.
If you painted the shutters, maybe consider the door a same colour like a teal or earthy green and do the same with your shingles which look like they need to be replaced. A new roof is very catchy and would tie everything together.
A quick, inexpensive fix would be to plant hanging plants to help cover the brick along with bright flowers to draw your eye up. But I would remove them as soon as possible. They really date the facade.
I quickly read all the posts and most of them are very good ideas. I have another one for you : The wall around the door in wood (shiplap) and painted white.
Cover around the planters in the same white wooden shiplap. Put some flowers on it who are "hanging over".
I like very much the colour red, rouge basque, which is a darker red with a hint to purple for the shutters and door, or lavanderblue. Before you cover the post, provide some electric wiring in it to hang a light (and christmas decoration). And with a climbing rose, it will look terrific.
personally I would paint the windowsils, now in brique, white. It brightens the place up without having to paint the whole wall. Some shrubberies in front and voilà ! A lot to think about.
I agree with many - brick is classic and as maintenance free as you can find, so don't paint it. Paint the window trim a blue-gray or a charcoal, and put some pink and/or orange-tinted flowers in the planters. Change out the metal post with wood.
Put in some shrubs to soften the lines of the house. Can't see the walk-way, but stone is so much more inviting than concrete.
Congrats on your new home!
I would convert the planters into seating...use concrete adhesive to cover with treated wood cut to size. Paint door, metal post, and treated wood in matching color... evergreens would complement the red brick...add cushions. place large round planters in front, on the ground with plants...a nice climber for the side with the post, something full and green for the other. Add a nice wreath for the door and small statuary or decor in or around the pots that reflect your personality. Instead of the wreath, I would also consider painting the door 2 or 3 different colors, perhaps even using the squares as "frames" for a stenciled design...did this in my living room and it looks awesome.
I would paint the door your favorite color ...than fill the planters with a tall plant and flowers of the same color in the middle and creeping plants around the edge.