I just think it needs more bright white trim around the windows and the fence painted also white. Going round to the back addition, I would paint the timber boards the color of the stucco, trim white and get some great deck furniture and lighting.

I won't bother with lattice, barrels are partially obscured from the street by fencing and if I put it up I would have to work around the lattice in order to turn the valves for water. If I can just make better use of collected water I'll be happy. We are at the end of our growing season so I should be cleaning up the garden and putting it to bed for the winter, just can't seem to get motivated. We had our first frost last week. Usually, our average early frost date is 1 November. I got almost no produce from garden this year, but there is always next year. Chookchook2 I've seen some of those decorative metal panels and they are gorgeous, sure hope your budget will allow you to get some before too long. Most of our state has been on fire for a good part of the summer. The closest is across the river from us and they have been battling it for almost a month. Some friends have had to evacuate repeatedly. We've only been concerned once, a small grass fire on our side of the river on a day we had wind gusts up to 65mph. Fortunately, it was put out quickly. Australia and New Zealand have both sent firefighters to help with the blazes. I can't begin to tell you how appreciative we are. The closest fire was fought for almost a week by local volunteers only as there were no other resources available. They were all on other fires. The Army National Guard (reserve troops) were called out to help with support duties and for the first time ever the federal Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asked for civilian volunteers to help with non firefighting tasks, cutting fire breaks, moving supplies etc.

You have several choices at different price points. 1- Sheet rock, plaster and paint This is the most expensive option and will add the most permanent value to your home. 2-Wallpaper over a heavy liner paper. 3-Prime then paint the wood, it will give you a stripe effect. Let me know what you decide to do. Linda

First, find out if the hallway wall is load bearing. If it is, you probably won't be allowed to cut into it or remove it without a structural engineer approving the modification(s). Are solar tube skylights an option? Translucent glass doors might give a little bit more light into the hallway...