That Carson Arthur is quite the guy. As host of HGTV's Green Force and the principal behind his namesake landscaping company, he’s totally on the case of all your Outdoor Design Dilemmas. Today we’re rolling out the first of the bunch; this Dilemma comes to Style Sheet from Danni C., who’s having trouble with his home’s curb appeal.
Danny C. asks: “Hello
Carson. I’m so happy to hear that you offer help with our problems. I'm
a big fan of your show and watch it as often as I can. I need
help....I've bought the world’s ugliest house and can't imagine what to
do to fix it. It is a combination of siding, brick and stone. It was
green but I painted it all beige to cover up some of the oddities. I
want something that gives me WOW factor and don't know where to start.
The garage is mine as well and I've put new siding on it with vinyl
siding doors. I've planted a rock garden in the side yard (that's what
you are looking at – the side yard.) Any ideas you have would be
welcome.”
Answer: Danni, while it’s not the ugliest
house, I do hope you bought it for the interior. Just kidding! Your
home lacks a statement; it doesn't have presence, which is probably why
you are struggling with it. If this was my home, here's what I would do:
- You need to think vertical here.
The rock garden
doesn't do anything to enhance the space because it hugs the ground.
I'd consider removing the rock garden in favour of creating a
decorative shade garden with a stunning tree. Try something like a
Bartlett Ornamental Pear or a Tulip tree in the bed beside the tallest
peak of the home.
From the left: Tulip tree via Indiana State Facts, Ornamental Pear tree via About.com
2. I'd also add an
arbour or
walk-thru over the front path
with a decorative vine to add more character. While height will soften
the disjointed lines of the house and give it personality, you want
something to come home to that makes you happy every time you see it.
Arbour from MyOutdoorSource.com
Do you agree? Would you add something else to help Danny out?
Answer provided by Carson Arthur of HGTV's Green Force.
Design Dilemmas are featured Wednesdays on Style Sheet.
Got a Outdoor Design Dilemma?
Take some photos and send it in! Email your Design Dilemmas to
stylesheet(@)hgtv(.)ca (make sure to take out the brackets when typing
in our email) and Carson Arthur will do his best to answer it.
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