It looks like the dangerous/unstable area to mow is right next to your driveway. I would suggest you remove the grass there and put a groundcover in along that strip about 18-24" wide. There are many kinds of groundcovers, some green (like ivy) and some flowering. The idea is to keep it low and provide a border in front. Ivy is easy to root if you can find someone who can give you clippings. I understand your idea that seeds will be less expensive to start your garden but you will have to be very very patient and it won't look good for a very long time doing it that way. However you should start SOME plants from seeds or learn how to take cuttings (much faster than seeds). GardenWebbers are very generous with seeds (Go to Seed Exchange and look for free offers.) Or buy some seeds and start them. I suggest marigolds because they are easy, colorful and reliable. When I first started gardening I didn't know the difference between a perennial and an annual and made a lot of mistakes trying to grow things in the shade that wanted sun and vice versa. Because you have such a large area to fill in I would suggest buying a couple of gallon size flowers that you like (perennials, so they'll come back next year) and then fill in with flowers like petunias that spread and are colorful. As time goes on and you have money to add more plants, or the perennials you start from seeds (in pots, not right in place) have gotten large enough you can add them in. Denise A gardener who loves starting from seed

Just some thoughts.......... I would definitely get rid of the behemoth entertainment center and get something smaller. The one you have now actually blocks part of the nice windows. You have a newer TV and don't need a big ET for it. I would just paint the end tables and coffee table maybe a matte black. They look sturdy and clean lined. When painted they would have a bit of an Asian influence and look more contemporary. Its cheaper to paint than to buy new ones. I would cover the planter and make it a ledge. I would install tiny pendant lights replacing the cam light overhead. This will help define the foyer area. Tiling the foyer area would help define it and be more functional since that area is where dirt and slush from outside land. I would paint out the backs of the book shelves. Also remove the doors on the bottom and put in some large baskets to hold your stuff. This would break up the big 'wall-o-wood' look that it has now. Use a warm color for the walls so that the wood wall blends in better. Since the paneling goes all the way to the ceiling, use a warmer white on the crown molding. Stark white is too harsh when lined up with the wood. Don't change the brick or the mantel. They go with the house. The fireplace looks very nice. Painting the screen to bring down the shininess would be better though. If you do not open and close the shutter doors and use them, I would remove them. Do you use the ceiling fan on the living room ceiling a lot? If so, you need to keep it of course but otherwise it could go. The idea to put a bar in place of the desk.......Do you NEED a bar near the foyer to offer guests a drink when they come in? If so, then it would work for your needs but I think a narrow cabinet or table would be the better choice. Consider adding a rug to anchor the furniture. Nice heavy drapes would make the room look cozy and balance things out. I would stick to solid color instead of a busy print for such a small room or use a print that is tone on tone.

First, clear the deck and get the deck itself shored up. Get some deck cleaner and clean it, then get a clear sealant and seal the deck. You can watch videos on Youtube on how to do it. It's very easy. You just want to make sure that you really rinse the decks of the detergent really well and let it dry fully before you seal it. Highly recommend buying a garden sprayer for applying both the detergent and the sealant. Makes the job a heck of a lot easier. Also do the surface area of the railing. Replace the board on the bottom step, and make sure the other boards are all sound. If you have and use a power washer, be careful using it on wood. Don't beat it with the water. Just enough to rinse the detergent off. Otherwise you'll destroy the wood and it'll warm and get splintery (trust me on this. I learned this the very, very hard way!). You can also use the power washer on your siding, which looks like it could use a cleaning. The deck, once it's finished and decorated will be a whole lot nicer for you if the deck itself and the siding is clean and fresh. I big palm hanging over your two really great wicker chairs would be great. Get some fun string lights to hang up.

Your house is cute! I don't think it needs much, but 1) I do agree with the comment that the shutters should look like they could actually cover the window. 2) I also agree that the gable could blend with the brick color more. 3) I think your yard will make the biggest difference in the curb appeal. Here's an illustration I found online -- it's so similar to your house and shows that your house won't need a lot of work to be charming!