Curb Appeal Updates: Planning Stages

I really loved the front of our house as soon as I saw the real estate listing – those two-story front porch pillars and tall evergreens (I think they are junipers?) flanking the garage had me in love at first sight.

Things I love less: the way the front door color clashes with the brick (the brick is more pinky/beige than the above picture shows), the really ugly and non-functioning motion light next to the door, and the landscaping choices for the front garden bed. I am not a palm tree gal.  (If you want ‘em, let me know!)

A shout out to my Facebook friends who gave me awesome ideas on what color to paint the front door, what portions of the door to paint and ideas for what to do with the empty space above it!

Thanks to the miracles of Photoshop Elements, I created some inspiration images that show my plans for the front of the house!

Black was the winner for the front door, and I’m liking the way it looks on the shutters as well:

Here’s a rough landscaping plan, using an ornamental plum tree, some creeping juniper, and plenty of roses:

And the front door closeup:
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Of course I’m going to paint the front door black, and then I’d like to add an ornamental wooden onlay/applique like one of these. As for replacing the motion-sensor light, I absolutely fell in love with this lantern from Lowes – love the hinged front detail!

For finishing touches, I think a semi-circular doormat would look best, and just for fun I added some topiaries to see how they would look.

What do you think?  Any great ideas or suggestions? Gardening tips for roses or ornamental plum trees?  (Remember, I am a plant killer). Can’t wait to spruce up the front!