How likely is it that the surrounding cement will crack? Since this is right up against the house, if it cracks in one direction it will go under the house, into the foundation. If it cracks the other direction it will be in our driveway. Neither are good. I think I need to come up with a pretty way to make a raised bed. What kind of options do I have that would be pretty enough for the front of a house? Maybe a stained cedar? There isn't any other cedar on the house though so that may look odd. Could I use stone as long as there are drainage holes? There wouldn't be any holes on the bottom though so how would that work?

Thanks so much, y'all! Many of the things mentioned are things on the eventually "to do" list but it's nice to have my thoughts validated. Sadly, I don't think popcorn removal is a valid option for us, at l least not at this time, and I haven't convinced myself it's truly worth it. I wish we could do that throughout the whole house! I am working on cleaning up the countertops cuz they look horrible and everything is so hard to to keep clean. The kitchen is pretty much my husband's domain so getting rid of anything is a long, slow process! I tried not to show too much of it in the pictures! LOL I love the idea of hidden hinges. I will look into that. I'd love to also replace the top moulding, but I'll definitely have to look into the cost. yeah it looks cheap... like I said, 70's mobile home, LOL! Any recommendations on colors if I choose to paint? and what color hardware if I decide to change it? I'm leaning towards something colorful and bright. There is only one tiny window there, and the yard is all shaded, so not much light at all comes in.

For the same reasons PPF. mentioned, I think a change of shutter is needed, a panel shutter would look better, especially seeing you have california shutters inside. If you do change them out, eliminate the gap. They need to be sized to look like they would cover the glass and meet in the middle if closed. Photos below show panel shutters. Some more landscaping changes would really improve your property. Love the dark hip roof,your white brick and the trees framing it, lovely. Are you keeping the low (brick?) that are in the foundation garden? You could add another question in the landscaping forum if you want to tweek your landscaping to complete the new look.

Well we have a sort of dead spot in july- august from the sweltering heat, she repeat blooms but slows in summer- but her and my new dawn (on the same trellis) both still bloom during the heat without issue - the bloom timing is just much slower and more sporadic. believe it or not though they hold up to heat. i find ALL my kordes roses grow the best for me in my climate- i have had a few hybrid teas that bit the dust. much more disease prone IMO im surpised- i had a hard time finding information about honeymoon it is a sort of unicorn plant- i dont personally know anyone else who grows her. mine is own root and still trying to get feet- this will be her 3rd season (those blooms were from year 2), so i think she is still developing a scent- she had a very subtle (but still noticable, but i had to stick my nose in a bloom) fruity— apple like scent. (i am defindefinitely partial to fruity scented roses). i messaged you actually on your louisiana swamp rose- i am wondering if its peggy martin aka katrina rose?