How can I make this tiny stoop more attractive? END RESULT at bottom
I am stuck as what to do with this tiny front stoop that no one ever sees, except me when I need to water at least 2-3 times a week. The floor is painted concrete I usually use the hose so need to be water tolerant. The wicker baskets are newly painted but easy to paint again. I have used the larger on the right because it opens into the back of the flowerbed blocking that "view". As you see I have several pots that need to be replanted, even painted or different all together. Have thought of a wall planter on the brick wall under the plaque? Opinions Please
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I would try and figure out a color scheme that you would like and if you want to leave the door the color it is or you could easily paint it... then match the pots to a contrasting or similar color to the door. I know farmhouse style is really popular right now, you could do something with whites, greens and gold metallics.
I think it looks very pretty just the way it is! If you really think you want to change something I would just repot the plants in the pots! Perhaps matching pots. I like the green of the wicker baskets.
I moved things around, drives my husband crazy. I think both wickers on the same side is too heavy, thoughts? Back to separated and with the larger pot with the larger wicker. Thinking I would like a low narrow plan bench on the brick wall, but still thinking a wall planter to keep it light.
Less is more. Remove the smaller pots and add some plants with color to the wicker pots. I know you like green but I would consider painting the wicker pots white to match your other house trim. Purchase a bright color door mat and and matching indoor/out door carpet to part of the entry walkway. Add a small bench under the plaque.
I agree that less is more! And in a small area like this, if you want both carefree and attractive you'll really need to make a few conscious choices. Everything in this area should 'speak' to the others. With the door (any color!) all the components seem to be saying "look at me!" not "look at us!". First, consider going with similar plants in the wicker planters. Even if they're not identical, they should be taller and closer to the same color. Thinking about the shorter pots, they should look alike as well. A door mat could pull the eye to the center - even with a fun motif like "wipe your paws". And although the welcome sign is lovely, the style and the hanger just fight with all the other pieces. I would not add more - but rather select a feel for the area and make sure all the components jive with it. Hope that helps.
Agreed. Time to un-clutter.
First step keep the wicker baskets removing the other pots and work on "matching" the plants using the large planter.
I'll update a photo when done and then be ready for more input.
I agree that less is more for a small space.
https://lifeonsummerhill.com/small-front-porch-decorating-ideas/
https://www.modern-glam.com/front-porch-decorating-ideas/
http://angelaeast.com/decorate-small-front-porch/
https://www.google.com/search?q=small+front+porch+ideas&tbm=isch&tbs=rimg:Caolteo1rQ5hImDtiKDGfikZKmbArkHyu755THZnCoT50_1qJUYOtmPKSeSiGmO9B3i11p3J5bOEUDbbMCeMyJ8uHPkJ5Iou410GjjkLCglo4M7iDYwim6t-RhhdaiO-iW1VLnIpBU7QXIfcqEgntiKDGfikZKhFJtiNY2V7qNioSCWbArkHyu755EdJ-8AiduNQdKhIJTHZnCoT50_1oRQWMWvbTq8ygqEgmJUYOtmPKSeRGcd0RDgHXZkyoSCSiGmO9B3i11EfeJL-C8pecIKhIJp3J5bOEUDbYRXLCjg-VUlFgqEgnMCeMyJ8uHPhGcd0RDgHXZkyoSCUJ5Iou410GjEabDFXMVa-aAKhIJjkLCglo4M7gRv1dRrgkZ3k4qEgmDYwim6t-RhhGfpM2e6GOXEioSCRdaiO-iW1VLEfyJ6-bdDhShKhIJnIpBU7QXIfcRvgqhz6cAg_1A&tbo=u&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj8lteSgKHlAhVNWqwKHawDDkYQuIIBegQIARAs&biw=1536&bih=740&dpr=1.25
OK I'm home from work and have "dug in". I have de-cluttered keeping only the wicker and as one suggested performed a quick "divide & conquer" on the plants in taller planter to make them match. Now looking at the "less is better" result I realized the heavenly bamboo at 5 feet tall was overgrown and I gave it a good trimming back to 2-3 feet.
What do you think of moving the welcome plaque to the wall right of the door?
My quick photo shop attempt.
I hate to throw out plants so have posted all the unused on Craig's List for FREE, usually find homes rather quickly, fingers crossed.
It looks better. If you can’t part with the welcome sign it would be better to the right of the door. It’s more welcoming to see it as you walk up
Here's a post I wrote on how I decorate my small porch.
https://lifeonsummerhill.com/small-front-porch-decorating-ideas/
I think you've done a great job decorating, but you can totally change that space by adding a door mat or rug. A large black and white striped door mat or plaid would look really cool.
“Tiny” was your first adjective.
I’d buy more pavers, fill in both sides and then dilute the gray porch paint used on the concrete porch stoop and soak that grey paint into the pavers.
I’d Keep the bushes on the side cut back.
I’d also add a new decorative light to whatever electrical source is already there. Something eye-catching.
Looking better, yay.
Since TINY was your #1 adjective, I would install more pavers, widen the bark/mulch areas.
Then I would dilute the left over porch paint and stain the pavers porch gray to match. (My phone doesn’t work like PhotoShop, lol).
I would install a new decorative light at whatever electrical source is already there on the porch. Personally, I would have something that sparkles (brass or stainless) so that it sparkles even when not on.
I will take more pictures so you can see more of the not so grand scheme of my challenge.
Just adding an indoor/outdoor, or an outdoor mat would do the trick as it already looks balanced and welcoming. Or you could remove some plants from 1 side and place a narrow bench as well.
The are multiple challenges. first distance from the "curb" over 100 feet from the street and then almost 50 feet from the "parking area". Then "recessed/tucked behind the drop beam where the house numbers are attached, then the brick column (red pot is leaving) on the right as you finally do arrive. The brick wall side is blazing hot and the column side is full shade almost all day.
Can't add more pavers because of the irrigation system. I did have the wicker planters painted off white and they just didn't do much, found an old picture.
I can easily repaint the concrete slab but what color?
Huge thank you to all who offered suggestions and ideas. I stepped back and started from scratch, almost.
Realized the green floor paint was not enhancing anything. I had the color on hand and it did at the time look better than what the off white full of stains that it covered. The brown defines the stoop and matches the brickwork.
Before jumping in to begin painting the wicker planters over and over I got a new door mat with a pop of color, actually has the existing planter color in it.
I have not moved the welcome plaque yet, its actually seen more on the wall than it would be by the door. Does it need to move?
Clean, fresh, plain & simple. What say you?