Jen, I'm just now seeing this thread and LOVE the changes you've made!!! They seem to go perfectly with your style and look so darn pretty! I think your DH's hot pink choice for the table was prefect. You've inspired me to take some chances with my own too sedate porch. Questions: ~ Did you use a primer coat first on your wicker? I have no idea myself, but I do remember painting a white wicker chair dark green once, and it just seemed to absorb the paint! Like yours, it took several cans to get it covered. I wonder if I should prime my wood table first before painting it? ~ Did you use a sealant on it afterwards? ~ Are you planning on painting the coffee table base? If so, what color? Anyhoo, I think your porch reno was a huge success and can't wait to see it with that (fantastic!) rug when it arrives. Keep the pics coming! Lynn

When you can't see the entrance proper, you need to create another entrance that is obvious and which will lead to the hidden entrance. The garage entrance (since that is where one must go) must be dolled up in some way, making it seem inviting. Architectural embellishment is one possibility. The garbage cans stationed at the right side do not help make the entrance seem inviting. They say that this is "where the help enters" ... not the public! The layout of the white gravel mulch is not helpful either. Since gravel is commonly used as paving material, it seems like it is a path that leads to the darkened central area of the house, behind the yellow flowering tree. If it's not the entrance, it's confusing. A different bed line could make it more clear that that is not the case. Here are a couple of possibilities that suggest a direction. I prefer the second bed line and obscuring the central (darkened) area with plantings, though it would require more renovations of the planting.The blank wall of the house warrants more than a single palm trunk in front of it as a method of adding interest. A fan spray of trunks might be better.

It appears that you have a very beautiful home, but the landscaping seems overwhelming. Are you planning to remove much of it during the construction phase? Do you want to simply add an awning, or do you intend to reconfigure the porch, too? I am pretty sure that the talented people on here will give you great advice and hopefully some mockups. My first thought was that a handrail is needed on those steps.

Take the shutters off your window. A large set of house numbers in a modern font is all that you need. And, perhaps, a modern black planter or two filled with beautiful annuals. Cute house!