Oh Ranches, how I loathe you...

[Beth D.]

This house is a perfect rectangle. There is no even minor bump outs in front.. its so blah.

No covered porch (small deck to the front door). The siding and windows are all one peachy/tan color... I need ideas for curb appeal! I am adding flower boxes under the windows, putting up a flag, and maybe adding shutters... Any other ideas or < $500 ? Can I paint vinyl windows so add some color variation?

Thanks :)

[Page Huyette]

I'll put on my landscape architect cap for a quick reply:

Sawcut out & remove the asphalt at the bottom of the steps and in front of the deck, at least 2.5' in front of the deck if you can.

Add a piece or two of flagstone or pre-cast rectangular stepstones at the bottom of the steps. Put a large pot right in that planter area below the deck with a tall blooming plant or plant with large, strappy dramatic leaves in the pot. Make the pot as big as you can,. Add Plants around the pot, but not a hedge. You are trying to soften the line of the deck and add more of a three-dimensional effect.

Plant creeping thyme around the stepstones at the bottom of the stairs.

Add (3) oversized pots on top of the asphalt on the other corner of the steps.

Buy two brightly colored adirondack chairs at World Market. Put them on the deck.

Add a frame around the house numbers.

Make sure the lockset for the front door is updated and feels nice to the touch.

Buy a large doormat for inside and outside the door.

I think stone on this simple house is a bad idea--trying too hard for such a simple place.