It has a side cement slab and sidewalk that goes around the house that needs help also. I was thinking of a pergola on the side and just not sure what to do. HELP. Judy from Michigan
How to add charm to my cottage?
How would I make the outside of my OLD lakeside cottage look up to date again. It is the first cottage in the subdivision years ago. I seen it’s charm but am on a retirees budget. I would like some ideas because there are now many beautiful homes here. I want to keep the charm but make it look like it’s loved.
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I need some advise on what I can do to improve the looks of my house. I need door, window and landscape suggestions. The house will remain white as I am on a budget. ... See more
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Wreaths on shed doors, change w the season
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i love the cottage
best wishes
I love the blue garage door and the natural stone wall on the left.
You need more landscaping in front of the house. I feel sorry for that one little lonely tree by the door. Restore the lawn and plant flower beds around both of the large trees. I see a chair there so if that is where you like to sit maybe that is where the pergola should go. Paint the storage shed same color as the house.
If you could move all the vehicles, trailer, wheelbarrow etc. out of sight that would help immensely and should probably be #1.
although the blue garage door is a pretty color, maybe a brighter shade or brick color-wreaths great idea as well as plants-can do hooks under overhang and chain for plants- split rail or picket fence in front-doesn't have to cover whole front of house-nice cottage-have fun
Since I don't know what part of Michigan you live in, and first frost dates range from Sept. 1st to the end of October I would recommend not planting anything this year as it takes more than 30 days for (especially shrubs) to establish before a frost. I would concentrate on planning beds and preparing them to receive plants in the spring when the last frost date has passed. I would focus now on the driveway. It should be repaired and resealed and will make a huge difference in curb appeal. Just my opinion.
Such a cute cottage! It just needs a few things to make it feel even more cozy
A deeper stone color pulled from the stone wall on the left would tie in the siding better with that cute wall,
and im pretty sure that you don’t want people’s focus to be on your garage so paint it the same color as your new siding color.
Save a color pop for the front door and for a new flower box under the window by the door. Maybe a small paver area there for a few rockers (also painted in door color) so you can enjoy your new window box and your beautiful trees
You can fill the box with spring and change to summer plants then with cut greens just stick into the soil in the winter
Enjoy your beautiful cottage!!
Barbie, thank you so much. I live in the upper half of the lower peninsula and the dates you gave are pretty close. We usually don’t get a killer frost until late September. I do not plan on any major landscaping until spring because it is just too much with trying to finish the inside to bring it up to date and still keep the charm..On the garage door I think I would like a pop of color but a brighter blue with the shed color the same as the house with the paint I had left from the house. I will definitely bring the flower box into play. I love that idea..and I hope to have enough blue paint to do the flower box and a couple other accent pieces to bring your eyes away from the garage door. Thank you so much.. Judy
Hi again-you certainly received a bunch of great ideas-I take back my paint for the garage door-Barbie was right on the ball-so work on the pop of color for the front door-we will all come see you in spring-I didn't know you lived in the upper part of Michigan-spring should arrive around May 18th (maybe)
Hello Judy,
Shutters, planter and window boxes a fresh coat of paint on the front door in an inviting color with a new door mat maybe a new mailbox go a long way!
Decorative or patriotic flags, door wreath are some other ideas.
Best wished in your exterior decoating!
I would line the driveway with a hearty perinneal like Monkey Grass or something for your zone. I would also put a gate or tall shrub in front of the shed or paint it to match the house so that it's not looking like an afterthought. Not terribly expensive.
Fall is a great time to get it in the ground.
Judy: I guess your front door is open in the photo ? In this photo, it is hard to find the front door. It is hard to look inviting when it looks like there is no way in! Mys suggestion is to add wide moulding all around the door. You can play with different profiles. I'm picturing black and white to visually grab you. These kind of mouldings and trims are at all the big box stores and very user friendly. Prices start at about $20 and they glue on.
Second, look at the little evergreen tree near the door. Imagine that area almost like a bouquet. A large colorful pot with tall narrow evergreen and flowers between the evergreen and the door. If space allows add more plantings. Also consider : window box, ( trim out that window too) and a trellis in the blank spot between the windows. The garage door could be a softer periwinkle blue with added metal hardware.