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Making the outside of our home beautiful and creating curb appeal is very important to me. My love for flowers and landscaping comes from my parents. They had a beautiful yard and my Mom was a florist for 40 years.
This is our second Summer in our home, and last year, we never got around to working on the outside. So, this year, we were determined to get it done.
I’m sharing our step-by-step process with you, hoping I’ll inspire you to create your own curb appeal.
One of the things I love about our home, are the Window Boxes. We knew we wanted to paint, do the landscaping, the planters and window boxes. We have been working for several weeks on the landscaping and painting (well, actually Doug has been doing most of it), and we had some great before pictures. Then I got a new computer, and thought the old computer would last long enough for me to pull all the pictures off, but..well, it didn’t. So we will just have to use what pictures I have.
The front porch and steps were in desperate need of painting, they were a pale pink color. We also wanted the trim to stand out more, so we painted it also. The window boxes got painted the same color as the trim. And we painted the railing black.
We wanted the window boxes to match the style of our home, and not distract from the new painting, so we chose plants that are muted colors, with just a pop of color here and there.
After completing most of the painting, we added some planters and did a few projects.
My little wagon is my favorite, the house numbers were really simple too!
While visiting my Father-in-law several weeks ago, and rummaging around in the barns, (remember, my Chicken Feeder?) Doug found this really cool tricycle.
Isn’t it just darling? Now I just need a little basket in front!
I added my very favorite, Antique Watering Cans filled with impatiens, on the steps.
And Doug created this awesome planter by the door.
And tucked under our Smoke Tree, an old ladder with some of the Birdhouses that my Dad made.
How do you decorate your yard?
I’m linking to…Celebrating Summer Party, Saturday Night Special, Before and After Party
Love your landscaping!
This year we are tackling our home with Project: Major Home Addition. Next year we move onto Project: Landscape This Place.
Phoebe @ GettingFreedom recently posted..Extra! Extra! Read All About It!
@Phoebe @ GettingFreedom, Thanks Phoebe! I remember you adding the addition, what an undertaking that must be.
~Liz
What a warm feeling your home has. Just beautiful!
Your flowers are so pretty. I love the antique watering cans, and the way you have them going up the steps. I saw a miniature bicycle at Home Goods with flower pots attached to the seat, and a basket on the handlebars. What a great idea, to get your own old bike.
LOVE your landscaping! I have no style what so ever when it comes to stuff like that. Thanks for the ideas and inspiration.
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You guys have done such a beautiful job, Liz! Thanks for sharing it all. It’s quite inspiring.
Shirley
gfe–gluten free easily recently posted..Timely News … Chocolate Zucchini Bread Trumps Classic Version
Love that little bike with the training wheels!! I can remember when our son was learning to ride- he was thrilled when he finally got to take them off and ride “big boy” style. Your house looks comfy, cozy, and very well taken care of. Like the little wagon and all of your accessorizing. I’m “borrowing” the idea of the little step ladder to feature my birdhouses. Thanks for the idea!!
Sue
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I hope you did not give up on getting the pictures off your old harddrive. It can be done. (I have gurus, not real advice.)
Your house definitely has APPEAL.
All my neighbors have prettier front yards than we do. I try to spruce things up for holidays, but we need every day color.
The exterior of your home is really lovely. All of your additions are beautiful, I really love the tricycle and the ladder. Your flower boxes and flowers are so pretty, too.
Cindy S recently posted..Yard Sale Finds
Congrats on improving not only the looks of your home, but it’s value. I’m sure it feels so good to work hard and see it really pay off. Love the window boxes and your pretty choice of flowers.
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It looks wonderful ! What a warm and inviting home !!!
thanks for sharing,
gena
http://www.thehouseonlavenderhill.blogspot.com
Beautiful!! I adore the little bike! And, I love impatiens too. Simply lovely!
Your boxes are lovely. I admire planters of all kinds, but I’ve learned (unfortunately) that I am not a responsible enough gardener to keep them alive, much less blooming. :/ All it takes is one day, and they’re dead in the Missouri heat. One of these days I’ll figure out how to “curb appeal” my house. In the meantime, I’ll just slobber over yours.
@Kathleen@so much to say, so little time, Agreed, they do take some work. I usually water everyday, depending on the heat. Thanks so much, I’m tickled you like them!
~Liz
Your yard is amazing! I love your window boxes – and the wagon is a perfect touch! Thnaks for sharing!!
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Your house is darling. I love the watering cans on the steps and the wagon too. Thanks for sharing.
visiting from tgp…
I am so glad I came across this post – so many ideas for stuff just sitting in my shed. I can’t wait to ‘copy’ some of these gorgeous ideas!
Cara Mirabella recently posted..Menu Planning Tutorial Part 4- Your Family Calendar
@Cara Mirabella, I’m just thrilled you like it! Thanks so much for stopping by!
~Liz
How lovely!! I am having a CSN Giveway on my blog and would love for you to drop by.
I just love what you have done…flower boxes, your wagon, the vintage bicycle…
It all looks so welcoming.
Have a fabulous Friday. ~Natalie
I’m visiting from Finer Things Friday – discover that you are a talented Hoosier (redundant, I know) – so I must Follow.
I am an accidently transplanted Hoosier so I really appreciate seeing photographs from that part of the country. Your yard is delightful and appealing. Thanks for brightening my day by inviting me to visit.
Sharon Cohen recently posted..Finer Things Friday
@Sharon Cohen, Thanks Sharon! Where do you live?
~Liz
@CupcakeLady,
I’m in Sacramento (California) now. I moved here over 9 years ago and cannot get adjusted. I miss Indiana an awful lot! But I will have to be content with vicarious visits for now. Too expensive to fly even when I am employed! My daughter, SIL and four of my grandchildren live in Fishers (just outside Indianapolis) on 5 acres of beautiful wooded land.
Sharon Cohen recently posted..Finer Things Friday
@Sharon Cohen, My oldest sister lives in Elk Grove. I understand…very expensive to fly.
~Liz
Great ideas, Liz! I especially love window boxes and have always wanted them. Maybe one day…
Thanks for sharing these at the TGP!
Jami @An Oregon Cottage recently posted..Five Tips For Better Photographs
Everything is so charming and tasteful and that is not that easy to do. What great finds and how fun to put them to such good use.
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Looks great!! Love that little wagon and the ladder, perfect touches. Great job!
Everything looks so pretty!
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Nice yard project. Cute things. Thanks for sharing.
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I love your antique tricycle and your wagon. I have a bike that my kids literally pulled from a field…the wheel is all bent out of shape but I put it in my “funky garden” and it fits. Everything is looking so well at your home! Joni
It looks great! My husband and I are doing some major landscaping right now- I hope my yard looks as great as yours next year.
Also, if you still have the hard drive that failed, my husband just started a business that recovers data- Hard Drive Heroes. If you’re interested, here’s the link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hard-Drive-Heroes/341822530669?v=info
love your snt post!! What a great job getting that curb appeal. I love to put objects outside too. I have an English Cottage door I got for $20 I’m using to have a Mandevilla trailing up and around. fun stuff
@DeniseMarie, Thanks for stopping by! That door sounds really cool! And I saw you subscribed to my Newsletter! Thanks!
~Liz
So welcoming!!!!
m ^..^
We have spent so much time every where else…but now is time for the front yard! We need flowers! It is hard because we are almost all shade in the front! I love your window boxes – there are tops on my list!
Holly L recently posted..DIY Day! A Gift for my Kitchen
My first 2-wheeler was identical to that little bike! My mother gave it away and I don’t think I ever forgave her! Just kidding.
Thanks for participating. Your post and your home are beautiful – love the photos! It reminds me of when we lived in Ohio and had flower beds all around our home. Now the deer and chickens demolish anything I put our. Argh.
Please remember to include a link back to one of the 4 Moms so your link isn’t deleted from the list.
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Thanks for participating in the Open House Mr. Linky, Maybe I missed it, we do need you to leave a link to the Open House in your actual post. Thanks=)
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@DHM, I added the link and the button
Oh my lands! I LOVE your house!!! Can I come over?! It is gorgeous! Great job on the window boxes!
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Oh my gosh! I want to come visit you and your basement and your sheds! How lucky are you! I just found your site yesterday and LOVE it. I have spent a WONDERFUL morning going through all your pics, editorials, decorating ideas, etc. and just wanted to THANK YOU for starting my day off so great.