windows would not be installed directly against a column they would be installed in a framed wall.

Hello, Building a nice screen room with tapered round columns is a bit time consuming but can be done. I've done a few on some historic homes. What I do is is align a piece of either 5/4 or 1 x along side the tapered column. I then hand scribe it vertically plumb, cut it so that it butts tightly against the column with its' slopes. The end result is a vertically plumb 1x or 5/4 jamb to create a square box in between the tapered columns to accomadate the new screen panels. Normally all the tapered columns are the same. So once you make one attachment piece to a column, you ccan copy them for all the rrest. Now you have a square opening to calculate your screen panels that would be installed in between. I make my own cedar screen frames and run screen spline tracks on the table saw. Of course I prefinish all the pieces and parts before assembly. If I can be of further help, please email me with your thoughts. All the best, The PorchGuy Here is a link that might be useful: My album

Actually it's been awhile since I started this posting. I got new windows, they are taupe. It blends with the area painted underneath the window. I've planted native shrubs and perennials in the front garden - it gives a more ''natural'' look, with various green groundcovers instead of mulch. I'm a fan of native plants. Gives the house a casual look.

Hi Folks - thank you for all of the great ideas. I always knew that step was undersized (we built the house 20 yrs ago and money was tight) but had somehow not Given it a second thought. I can totally see how it would transform the entrance to widen it and build a more gracious walkway. As to can see, we need much more than a paint job. We need an entire new landscape design. a couple of specific responses + yes those brackets are there to hold large, abundant hanging baskets which I usually purchase around Mother’s Day. They do give the front some interest in the summer. yes those “grey things” are planters, which I plant with greenery in the summer. I should have moved them after i Removed everything last fall but I was in a pandemic funk and didn’t get around to it. *shrug* I do plan to replace the coach lights when we paint with something more lantern-like. the house numbers are on the mailbox, which will also be painted. the columns are indeed just lumber nailed together to form a very crude style. No dimensional pieces with architectural flair - just boards. Good suggestion to see what’s underneath. Might be a quick fix to re-skin them. as for the Cracker Barrel color scheme - this made me laugh out loud. Glad I didn't know before now this is the association one makes when one sees our house. At least it will only haunt me until the painters come in a month or so. It’ll be a much more neutral palette with taupe grey, snowbound white trim and probably a navy door. Still working on that. thanks for the Izzy love. She’s a sweetheart. She’s a Coton de Tulear - which is in the Bichon family. Best dogs ever! thanks for your help. Definitely got the ideas flowing...and the budget - much to my husband’s dismay. Cheers to Spring!