Deb, to keep it from rusting, spray it with clear spray paint. You could clean the rust that it has, with some steel wool. Most of us like rust, and would THEN spray with clear, to keep it in good condition. I have had one about half done for a long time--maybe with this post I can be inspired to finish it...... I bought sardine cans for the feet---My cats loved the sardines-LOL

I just went to Google and entered pinterest tin can man and found tons of pictures that might inspire you on how to make one--some really cute ones! I have one half made--for more years than I care to think about--can't seem to make myself finish it!

It could work? The short coffee or tea tins would look trendy, depending on your aesthetic. If you do use one, make sure to drill some holes in the bottom and coat/seal the hole edges so it doesn't rust like crazy. Anything like soup cans would be far from ideal. The height-to-width ratio is also pretty poor for growing succulents (way too much soil for size of plant). I like terra cotta pots for the same reasons as Chris. Using different rocks for top dressing along with very interesting plants looks good to me!

I would paint the carport doors, window frames and front railing either the same color as the house (white), or Raccoon Hollow which you show above. The front porch concrete North Creek Brown, also shown above. Teal front door to make it the focal point.