An important part about turning your house into a home you'll love, is creating a welcoming exterior to greet you at the end of a long day. What I like, may not be what you like. What you like, might actually scare me.
Case in Point- My neighborhood.
I live in a run of the mill, suburban neighborhood, built in the late 80's/early 90's. Typical of neighborhoods of this age, the plants and trees in our neighborhood are really lush. The trees are tall, and unfortunately the bushes are usually slightly overgrown. I don't really dig the overgrown look. One of my favorite yards in our neighborhood is this one.
It's nothing too spectacular (unless you're my neighbor! In that case, it is FAB! LOL!) but what I like about it is...
that the home owner pulled out the overgrown mess that is so typical of this age of home, and put in new landscaping and stone hardscaping.
Side of the same house:
I also like these...
I am ALL about people improving their homes and creating something that they find welcoming, especially to the exterior since it can boost the curb appeal of the whole block.
We love stand out designs right? So when is conforming a good thing?
If you live in a neighborhood such as this, where all of the homes look similar, and all of the yards mimic the same style, you probably shouldn't rip up all of your sod and lay down small pebbles. In fact, I'm pretty sure an HOA would forbid such a thing.
What is my point in this post? haha, I'm not sure.
I really just wanted to show you guys photos of this house that has been given quite the face lift, right here in my neighborhood.
It appears that the owner has replaced the windows, given everything a good scrubbing, and they've even poured a new concrete walk and laid new sod. Kudos to them! Except....
Is that a fortress???
Holy Italian Cypress Trees, Batman.
I mean, seriously???
What were they thinking... were they thinking?
If you live in a Tuscan designed neighborhood, Italian cypress trees can look beautiful. They can even be quite beautiful in our hood of pines and oaks, when placed against a vertical structure like the house itself. However, I would never advise planting them around your property line like a fence. Conform, please conform, if you're redoing a house in a traditional spec neighborhood. Your neighbors will thank you.
:) Courtney
