What the heck do I put out here?

last year

We bought a new house and this brick area is perplexing me. It just collects dead leaves and looks awful. Should I put a potted trellised plant? Stack firewood? I’d like for it to be level but there’s an access to the fireplace down low. Help!

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Dig Doug's Designs

last year

Here is an idea using a metal grate to hold planters:

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Comments (14)

callirhoe123
last year
Can you take a picture from further back so that we can see the whole area?
einportlandor
last year
How about a vine that will cling to the brick fireplace (but not damage it)?
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This is a lovely room! In a small space continuity is important. Before you add or paint anything else, paint the daybed and both chairs a dark brown, British Colonial as mentioned above. This way you can add the color you want here and there. The table in front of the daybed needs to be higher, like a tea table height. Use the chest on the side. To make the daybed more comfy, add old fashioned wedge pillows across the back and then the big pillows on top. They are the best support and you won't even see them. https://www.amazon.com/Bolster-Replacement-Insert-Cushion-Perfect/dp/B011CZWYT6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1542001435&sr=8-3&keywords=wedge+daybed+pillow&dpID=41J6VtPqM6L&preST=SY300_QL70&dpSrc=srch
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lekennedy4
Original Author
last year
Here is a farther back photo. Thanks!
M N
last year
Two vertical planters on each side of the access door would be nice.
chloebud
last year
If you have room, a pot with a trellised plant you mentioned would work. Use a trellis rather than the brick. We had the same situation in a previous home. We planted a Bower Vine with a trellis in the pot. We just moved the pot aside to access the cleanout at the bottom of the brick.
callirhoe123
last year
A vine on the chimney would be nice. If there's budget, I'd expand the patio area and have a planter along the outside edge. Plant this up, providing yourself with some privacy, Anything that softens the stark look.
ptreckel
last year
I would remove the edging and use that spot for my grille. Think “outdoor kitchen”. Place the back of the grille up against the brick, and then add a small weatherproof shelf to the right where you can place items that you use for grilling, including hooks for utensils, etc.
littlebug zone 5 Missouri
last year
last modified: last year
Pots of flowers in various heights. BIG pots, nothing under 14” diameter. Maybe one 4’ tall or so, or set on a pedestal. You could have a conifer shrub in one perhaps.

I’m guessing 3 pots would be enough.
PRO
Norwood Architects
last year
Odd that there is a vent there. Is it to bring in outside air for the fireplace or is it access to an ash pit?
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
Is the FP wood burning ? IMO stacks of firewood are just lovely places for bugs so not for me. I like that look with the plants from Dig Doug I would not plant an ivy type plant there as they can actually damage the brick . I am however curious why that chimney is so huge and in a strange spot. Is this your entry to the house ? I need more context please which means more pics from further back
arcy_gw
last year
Give it a year. We have a similar access point that has never been used by US. Squirrels and mice found it and have ended up in our fireplace but we have never had reason to need it. Do what ever you want or do nothing, only you feel it calling your name! You have plenty of other things to do I would imagine.
ptreckel
last year
The little metal door at the base of your chimney is for removal of ashes.
lkloes
last year
Patricia, this looks like the backyard. Not strange at all to have a chimney back there!

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What the heck do I put out here?

Dig Doug's Designs

Comments (14)

callirhoe123

einportlandor

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lekennedy4
Original Author

M N

chloebud

callirhoe123

ptreckel

littlebug zone 5 Missouri

Norwood Architects

Patricia Colwell Consulting

arcy_gw

ptreckel

lkloes

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What the heck do I put out here?

Comments (14)

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lekennedy4Original Author

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lekennedy4
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