Julie Maigret

Every home improvement project can feel like going into battle, but the sweet taste of victory is enough to make it worthwhile. If you ever feel intimidated by homes and gardens in magazines, don’t fret – you can turn your home into a beautiful beacon with easy curb appeal updates! Kevin and Annette Klingel are some of our favorite weekend warriors, and their latest project proves that anything is possible when it comes to dressing up your front garden. The Klingels recently gave their home and front garden a major renovation and entered their photos in the Window Box Contest. When we saw the gorgeous before and after pictures, we knew we had to get the inside scoop on their process and uncover their best curb appeal ideas. Curb Appeal – Before and After Before the renovation, the Klingels had a charming South Bend, Indiana rambler that was tidy and traditional, if a little unassuming. Deciding it was time for a much-needed update, the Klingels replaced their old green roof with a black barrel roof to match the style of their home. They also made a needed replacement and changed out the sidewalk and front stoop to a new version in classic black. After those dramatic changes, the Klingels just couldn’t stop! Loving the contrast between the new black roof and stoop and their cream house, they painted their shutters black. And here’s where we come in – Annette wanted to incorporate her love of flowers into the new home design and found the perfect planters and window boxes to match the shutters. They purchased ten black window boxes in a classic and chic design to put around their outside windows. The Klingels also used tall black planters around the entrance to the house. The window boxes and planters each received the same plant treatment – red, yellow, and orange impatiens with flowing ferns for a bright punch of color. Paired with hanging baskets and a few other accents, the Klingels house is now a masterpiece. From Drab to Fab The Klingels love their warm and inviting new front entrance, and the neighbors do too. Instead of getting overlooked, their house now stands out and is the star of their busy street, where it is seen by lots of people everyday. They have received tons of compliments about their new look – a crisp and clean front garden that stays true to the style of the home and neighborhood. The Klingels’ curb appeal update wasn’t without its challenges, but the end product is amazing, and as Annette says, definitely worth the time. The Klingels recommend starting with the necessary replacements and finding beautiful matching pieces to add curb appeal. With a little patience, elbow grease, and the help of a great garden supply store like Hooks & Lattice, you too can have the home of your dreams. Photos: Kevin & Annette Klingel

Durston Saylor

This Lafayette, California, modern farmhouse is all about laid-back luxury. Designed for warmth and comfort, the home invites a sense of ease, transforming it into a welcoming haven for family gatherings and events. The backyard oasis beckons with its inviting ambience, providing ample space for relaxation and cozy gatherings. A perfect retreat for enjoying outdoor moments in comfort. Project by Douglah Designs. Their Lafayette-based design-build studio serves San Francisco's East Bay areas, including Orinda, Moraga, Walnut Creek, Danville, Alamo Oaks, Diablo, Dublin, Pleasanton, Berkeley, Oakland, and Piedmont. For more about Douglah Designs, click here: http://douglahdesigns.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://douglahdesigns.com/featured-portfolio/lafayette-modern-farmhouse-rebuild/

Featuring the patio and pebble pathway to the back of the property, with the raised planter beds.

Fibreglass planters with various different plants to create a private oasis on this downtown Vancouver patio.

Verglaste Terrassenüberdachung mit Abschattung von JoKa

This small side yard is a low maintenance outdoor living space. It features a raised Belgard paver patio with a modern privacy screen, fire pit, steel planters and artificial grass. Landscape design by Chuck B. Edwards, Breckon Land Design

ATHENS PLANTER (L30″ x W30″ x H30″) Planters Product Dimensions (IN): L30” X W30” X H30” Product Weight (LB): 50 Product Dimensions (CM): L76.2 X W76.2 X H76.2 Product Weight (KG): 23 Athens Planter (L30″ x W30″ x H30″) is part of an exclusive line of all-season, weatherproof planters. Available in 43 colours, Athens is split-resistant, warp-resistant and mildew-resistant. A lifetime warranty product, this planter can be used throughout the year, in every season–winter, spring, summer, and fall. Made of a durable, resilient fiberglass resin material, Athens will withstand any weather condition–rain, snow, sleet, hail, and sun. In any room in the home and any area in the garden, Athens will complement focal features with its bright, visible presence, exuding vibrancy throughout the indoor or outdoor space. Herb gardens and colourful non-traditional, as well as monochromatic modern floral arrangements are perfectly suited to this stylish, contemporary planter, its square shape an elegant addition in any interior or exterior environment. By Decorpro Home + Garden. Each sold separately. Materials: Fiberglass resin Gel coat (custom colours) All Planters are custom made to order. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Made in Canada ABOUT PLANTER WARRANTY ANTI-SHOCK WEATHERPROOF DRAINAGE HOLES AND PLUGS INNER LIP LIGHTWEIGHT

Heather M. Shier