Curb Appeal and Landscaping Ideas From the Southeast

About the House

“This home has been in my family since I was a toddler," says homeowner Rosalind Heinz. "It’s known for the ginkgo tree in the yard, which I tried to pay homage to with the exterior colors.” Every fall, the leaves on the ginkgo tree turn yellow and drop to the ground. Sidelights and a transom frame the hefty wood door, which is original to the house. Rosalind’s parents installed the box-shaped lantern in the ’70s, and it was her dad’s idea to spell out the house numbers above the transom instead of using digits — a fun touch!

The front yard's all-green shrubs include yew, juniper and euonymus.

Location: Louisville, KY

Built in: 1925

Size: 1,920 sq. ft.

Paint colors: Try (house) Seawashed Glass (trim) Extra White and (front door and shutters) Rayo de Sol by Sherwin-Williams for a similar look.

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“We love how welcoming our house feels when you pull into the driveway," say homeowners Hooper and Read Patterson. "It’s tucked away like a cottage.” Among the charming elements: classic Craftsman columns set on brick bases for a rustic look and a front door with an extra-large glass pane to let in a lot of light. Plus, a painted coral bench lets visitors know a fun family lives inside.

This front yard is packed with blooms in tons of shapes and colors, including purplish blue petunias, yellow cockscomb, lavender ageratum, variegated pittosporum, black-eyed Susan, red cockscomb and pink petunias.

Location: Wilmington, NC

Built in: 1997

Paint colors: (siding) Winter Day, Behr; (trim) Simply White and (side door) Coral Gables, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“We’ve spent countless hours lounging on our porch over the years," say homeowners Terry and Walter Woodlief. "Its wide columns and French doors that open to a sunroom were a major selling point.” A wrought iron door in front of the solid front door adds character, and metal chairs with cozy cushions keep with the wrought iron look.

Pink wax begonias and yellow marigolds bloom in the long planter that spans the first-floor window. Ponytail palms, a variety of succulent, grow in terra-cotta pots that flank the front steps. Thanks to the warm Florida climate, they can stay outside all year. Sun-loving crotons and yellowish-orange marigolds on both sides of the front steps require little care, just occasional watering.

Location: Jacksonville, FL

Built in: 1923

Size: 2,300 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (window trim and front door) Oxblood, Behr; (house) try Wool Skein and (trim) Marshmallow by Sherwin-Williams for a similar look

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

When homeowners Jennifer and Scott Parks updated the Florida home they bought in 2010, they leaned into classic style. "We have a metal roof above our porch. Many traditional homes in the area have them, and we wanted that historic look. When we renovated, we also added four oversized columns. The brick comes from one of the many old factories in the area," they say. Shake siding makes the dormer stand out from the rest of the house. Live-edge teak benches on the porch add a natural element to the exterior, but their next project is to bring even more interest to this sitting area. They plan to buy comfy chairs to accommodate visitors from the neighborhood. "Neighbors stop by a lot, and we wind up sitting on the stairs!"

Tall planters flanking the front door are filled with bright marigolds. They can take hot temps, so they’re a smart choice for the South. Sunshine ligustrum provides a pop of yellow year-round, while flax lilies' long, skinny leaves are a near-perfect match to the siding. Mexican petunias attract butterflies to the flower beds.

Location: Pensacola, FL

Built in: 1912

Size: 2,700 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Storm Cloud Gray, Benjamin Moore; (retaining wall) Bitter Chocolate, Sherwin-Williams; (shutters) Early American, Varathane

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

"We built this house, and when we were designing it, we wanted to evoke New Orleans’ French Quarter," say homeowners Ned McWilliams and Emily Jeffcot. "So we went for a metal roof, tall columns and French doors on the second floor." Simple square columns keep the front from feeling too busy. The old-fashioned gas pendant above the front door comes from a vintage shop in New Orleans. The best feature: the double front porches. "After dinner we’ll chat on the downstairs one, but we watch the sunset upstairs — it has better views."

Red and white petunias in the planters by the door match the striped pillows, bringing Americana vibes to the entryway. Long-stemmed agapanthus blooms lining the porch look like purple pom-poms.

Location: Pensacola, FL

Built in: 2016

Size: 3,300 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Silver Satin and (trim) Simply White, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

"Our Craftsman-style house is referred to as an 'airplane bungalow' because the second floor resembles the cockpit of an old plane," say Florida homeowners Susan and Michael Burleson. Many homeowners remove rafter tails (the trim extending from the roof) because they can rot, but the Burlesons wanted to keep the integrity of the century-old house. Stucco made of Portland cement, rock and horse hair (you read that right) covers the exterior walls. It’s called “old-fashioned pebble dash.” The granite in the porch and columns was originally used as ballast in ships in Pensacola’s port.

"Although we’re on a busy road, we have privacy thanks to our garden," they say. "The tree out front is a rare century-old Franklinia that’s been certified authentic by arborists from Philadelphia." In addition to the tree, elephant's ear, like its namesake, can get very big. The plants anchor the left side of the porch. Vinca offers a bright welcome to guests and pollinators, and white caladium has heart-shaped leaves that flourish in the warm climate.

Location: Pensacola, FL

Built in: 1912

Size: 2,400 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Intellectual Gray and (trim) Extra White, Sherwin-Williams

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

A little house, big porch and a low-pitched sloped roof are typical bungalow features. The architecture has roots in India: A “bangla” is what they called a one-story structure in the Bengal region in the mid-19th century.

Pale pink siding wasn’t what homeowner Rosamond Casey originally had in mind. “I intended to go with gray,” she says. “But when I saw this glowy pink, I went for it!” The chartreuse door gives the whole place sass. Plus, the white picket fence never gets old. Rockers and tiny tables on the porch add to the dollhouse appeal. Says Rosamond, “I’ve had people drop off notes saying what a joy it is to drive by this house.”

Petunias in pots on the porch are compact and cute, just like the house. Gardenias in the front left beds bloom from late spring into summer.

Location: Charlottesville, VA

Built in: 1947

Size: 1,460 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Seed Pearl and (trim) Palais White, Behr; (front door) Wasabi, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

Foursquare homes are a rare find in Charlottesville, Virginia — owner Susan Temple lucked out. They’re named after the four square rooms on each of the two floors. Oh-so-Southern: a porch for sitting and a bench for swinging. For even more charm, Susan painted the weathered porch a warm brown and had a white banister installed. A standing seam metal roof is a common sight in the area. It reflects sunlight and heat and helps cool off houses inside.

The not-so-secret garden energizes the simple exterior. Susan gradually transformed the yard with a blend of plants and flowers of various heights. “It’s taken some time to get them this lush,” she says, “but it was worth the wait.”

Location: Charlottesville, VA

Built in: 1915

Size: 1,680 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Royal Silk and (shutters) Deer Path, Benjamin Moore; (front door) Rocky River and (trim) Westhighland White, Sherwin-Williams

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

Clapboard siding, with its long horizontal planks, contrasts the pencil-thin columns. The bright blue color was there when Claire Denny moved in. She added a lemony yellow door to match the boldness. “Now it really doesn’t look like anyone else’s house,” she says. The polished concrete porch that came with the house adds edge; the occasional pressure-wash keeps it pristine. Says Claire, “I enjoy sitting here surrounded by my plants and all the colors.”

Native plants bloom at different times of the year. Because they’re meant to thrive in whatever the local climate throws at them (or doesn’t), they’re low-maintenance — and good for the birds, bees and bugs. The vintage-style tub planter on the porch is filled with herbs.

Location: Charlottesville, VA

Built in: 1925

Size: 1,200 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Cosmic Cobalt, Behr; (front door) Banana Yellow and (trim) Simply White, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

Queen Anne elements, like the wraparound porch and turret, are typical of an architectural style that’s all about excess. (Peep the corbels and that dentil molding, too.) Original hardwood siding discovered under white cement after homeowner Parthy Monagan moved in, was in near-perfect condition. Greige paint is chic and practical: “With our red clay soil and hot, dry summers,” she says, “you don’t want anything outside painted white-white or it gets orangey fast.” The metal roof used to be black. Parthy had the color scraped off and painted a similar shade to the home to make the house seem taller and ultra majestic. Red wicker chairs and a hammock bring on the relaxing vibes.

Liriope muscari on the far left and in the patch near the dog stays green year-round. From late summer to fall, it puts on a violet flower show. Near the front steps, a potted plant rests on a mounting stone; over a century ago, people used them to get on and off horses.

Location: Charlottesville, VA

Built in: 1900

Size: 3,437 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Silver Bells, (porch floor) Rosepine, (trim) Meadow Mist and (shutters, foundation, doors) Yorktowne Green, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

Arches on the porch of this Craftsman immediately drew in homeowners Kay and Bobby Hassett. “They’re a rare find in the neighborhood — they make our house unique,” says Kay. Matching gables create eye-pleasing balance, as do the three arches on the left opposite the three windows on the right. A centered chimney also highlights the home’s symmetry. Clapboard siding painted a bright cream color stands out against the brick at the base of the house.

A well-kept flower bed was one of Kay’s top priorities. She planted taller greenery — the tea olive shrub between the windows and star jasmine vine on the left — behind lower-lying plants and flowers, like sunpatiens, coral drift roses and caladiums. Fiery geraniums in the porch planters seem to say, “Step right up.”

Location: Montgomery, AL

Built in: 1926

Size: 1,661 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Milkyway and (trim) Chantilly Lace, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

The funky brickwork is kind of famous in the neighborhood, say homeowners David and Elizabeth Brewer. “We’ve run into people who were interested in buying the house for that alone,” says David. The house also has classic Tudor features, such as half-timbering, multipane windows and tall peaks along the roofline. A plaque indicates historic status in the Old Cloverdale neighborhood of Montgomery, Alabama. The oak front door, with charming strap hinges and leaded glass, is as old as the home itself.

The vibrant lawn wasn’t always so green. David and Elizabeth run the mower over the St. Augustine grass every weekend from fall to spring to pick up oak leaves in preparation for summer. “It’s worth the work to get the lush, carpet-like texture,” says David. A row of boxwood (trimmed every two weeks) lends the patio a little privacy. Arborvitae and vinca in the urns flanking the front door complement the home’s classic look.

Location: Montgomery, AL

Built in: 1928

Size: 2,496 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (upper timbering and outer window trim) Urbane Bronze, Sherwin-Williams; (lower timbering and inner window trim) Sonic Silver, Behr

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

Gray and black is a paint duo that never goes out of style. Alabama homeowners Nancy and Steve Mitchell have kept the same palette since they moved into the brick cottage more than 40 years ago. A little porch with original latticework has English garden charm and is a perfect place to sit. “It’s where we watch rainstorms sweep through,” says Nancy. Entry accents including the casing around the door, an ornate pediment and a pair of tall black urns exude elegance. The house also boasts a stained glass pineapple in the top window — a symbol of hospitality dating back to the 17th century in the Caribbean.

Variegated euphorbia springs out of the urns by the door. It’s drought tolerant, so caring for it is super easy. Planters of colorful periwinkle on the porch add pizzazz to the neutral exterior.

Location: Montgomery, AL

Built in: 1941

Size: 2,900 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Tinsmith, Behr; (trim) Super White, Benjamin Moore; (front door and shutters) Gloss Black, Rust-Oleum

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

110-year-old windows open and close now that homeowners Brandy and Robert Price have repaired them. The local historic committee said no to replacements, which turned out to be a good thing: “The diamond molding and wavy glass have become two of our favorite features,” says Brandy. A new door looks original to the house. The couple worked with a local mill to craft one that captures the home’s folk Victorian style. A transom is a cool place for house numbers. (Etsy has lots of decal options.)

The extra-wide porch serves as an outdoor living room for the Prices. It was falling apart when they purchased the house, so they rebuilt the floor with tongue-and-groove pine. Those tapered columns are made out of long-lasting composite, and the couple installed a fresh oak railing to match.

The lush planters along the steps are filled with a variety of white petunias, angelonia, pentas and asparagus ferns. Pine straw in the beds is the preferred ground covering in the South. It keeps plant roots cool in the heat and warm in the cold. Unlike wood chips, which are common in the Northeast and easily wash away, the straw locks together and stays put.

Location: Montgomery, AL

Built in: 1912

Size: 5,200 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Meditation and (trim) Cameo White, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“We love all the windows and awnings on our pink Mediterranean revival. It’s a true Tampa house,” say homeowners Jeannie and Robert McLean. The McLeans' awnings were custom-made with Sunbrella fabric and spear supports. Made with sand and cement, the roof tiles are comprised of earth-friendly building materials. Since concrete is a good insulator, and the light color doesn’t absorb much heat, they're energy efficient, too.

The cool square shape makes basic terra cotta planters look modern. Filled with bright red geraniums and snapdragons, they bring pops of color to the front steps. Asian jasmine flanks the path and borders the hedges. This dark-green ground cover is fast-growing and adds layers to a flat lawn. It thrives in warm climates.

Location: Tampa

Built in: 1927

Paint colors: (house) Soft Pink, (trim) Ultra Pure White and (front door) Deep Azure, Behr

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

"The wide porch is our favorite thing about the house," say Florida homeowners Ashley and David Germain. "We also like the glass pattern on the front door." The diamond mullion pattern in the glass is echoed on the transom and sidelight windows around it. The door gets a fresh color every few years. Last time it was hot pink. A deep front porch just begs for a swing! This one is made of plastic, so it won’t warp, rot or splinter. A quirky porthole in the center of the second floor stands out among all the double-hung windows and adds character to the all-white house.

The Germains planted Boston ferns in the white concrete planters on the brick columns lining the front steps. They look tropical and require almost no upkeep in warm climates. 'Sonnet yellow' snapdragons and 'Angelina' sedum grow in front of the porch. Both thrive in the summer.

Location: Tampa

Built in: 1908

Paint colors: (house and trim) White Dove, Benjamin Moore; (front door) try Bright Parrot by Valspar for a similar look

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

"We call the house a 'Craftsman Tudor bungalow.' We've never seen another one like it!" say homeowners Meg Russell and Thad Bereday. A glass panel makes the richly stained front door feel welcoming. Meg and Thad relax in a pair of rocking chairs on the front porch, with the ceiling fan for a breeze. The house's X-pattern railings, which wrap around the front porch and the upstairs mini porch, are made of bald cypress, so they'll wear well over time.

The graceful black iron urns are filled with Swedish ivy and bicolor (yellow and purple) pansies.

Location: Tampa

Built in: 1912

Paint colors: (house) Copen Blue, (stucco, foundation and brackets) Silver Gray and (trim) Alabaster, Sherwin-Williams

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

"We adore the large trees that shade our lot and the pretty brick steps leading to the front porch," say homeowners Laurie and Duncan Elliott. To liven up the Craftsman-style windows, the Elliotts painted the wooden frames and mullions between each pane of glass light blue. The covered space is furnished like a comfy living room — with a swing and all-weather woven chairs that resemble wicker.

Ligustrum hedges and boxwoods line the house. Small beds of white impatiens border the walkway. The Elliotts' urns, on each side of the brick steps, are filled with four plants for a lush look. The combo includes mint, red snapdragons, trailing ivy and hot pink geraniums.

Location: Tampa

Built in: 1917

Paint colors: (trim, columns and railing) French White, (window trim and french doors) Beach Glass, and (house) try Shabby Chic for a similar look, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“When we built our place, we wanted both traditional and contemporary style. Bricks salvaged from an old building in a nearby town give the porch character, while the aluminum overhang and paint colors make it fresh," say homeowners Pam and Curt Mitchell. “Everyone paints shutters fun colors in the South!” says Pam. Theirs are mint green.

The antique-looking planters bring home the vintage vibes the couple was after. Ostrich ferns deck out the doorway; caladium and pentas decorate the top step. Sweet olive trees on either side of the stoop greet visitors with a pleasant scent. Recently Pam and Curt put zinnias in punchy colors near the fluffy variegated liriope — they saw them in a neighbors’ yard and had flower envy! Good thing they’re easy to grow.

Location: Shreveport, LA

Built in: 2016

Size: 2,571 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Soft Chamois and (shutters) Feather Green, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“I first toured the house mid-construction and I wasn’t sure about the dark green siding, since my previous homes were all lighter. Once I saw it complete, with a blue door and X-railings, I adored how cozy it looked!” says homeowner Mary Ann Bargmann. “I’ve lived here for a few years now, and I still smile when I come home,” says Mary Ann. “It’s fun to tell people, ‘I’m the house with the blue door.’ ”

Variegated liriope peps up Mary Ann’s yard year-round, and pink drift roses add color when they bloom in spring. She changes up flowers during the summer: “I have two military sons, so I plant red, white and blue ones.”

Location: Shreveport, LA

Built in: 2017

Size: 1,982 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Ashwood Moss, (shutters and front door) Yarmouth Blue and (trim) White Dove, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“We modeled the exterior of our home after one we saw on a trip to New Orleans, re-creating its special elements with the double gallery and the wrought iron railings," say homeowners Megan and Enrique Jimenez. The lacelike ironwork traces back to the European influence on Louisiana’s architecture. To brighten their entry, Megan and Enrique went with big glass panes in the sidelights and transom. And for a unique statement, they did jade green paint. A bench swing is the perfect spot to "drink coffee, sip wine and watch the kids play all year,” says Megan.

The Jimenezes chose locally popular plants including sweet olive, sunshine ligustrum and white vinca. The magnolia on the left, another Southern staple, blooms glorious white flowers from May to June.

Location: Shreveport, LA

Built in: 2017

Size: 4,000 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Navajo White, (front door) Verdigreen and (shutters) Tricorn Black, Sherwin-Williams; (trim) White Dove, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“We fell in love at first sight with this home and its traditional Southern style, though it needed some TLC. We redid the porch and yard — and kept the same inviting green color on the siding,” say Louisiana homeowners Jeannie and Randall Martin. The couple picked an oak door, stained dark walnut, with a quad of glass panes that echo the home’s many windows. “It may be new, but it has that historic charm,” says Jeannie. They also replaced a tired wood porch with long-lasting brick, which continues in the walkway.

Pine trees used to block the view of the house from the street. “Removing them made a huge difference in our curb appeal,” says Randall. Beds of red, pink and white begonias are a happy contrast with the green of the boxwood, the other shrubs and the house.

Location: Shreveport, LA

Built in: 1920

Size: 3,200 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Rosemary and (trim) Oyster White, Sherwin-Williams

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“We almost didn’t look at this house — it was blah beige, and the front was covered in ivy. But we did, and since we added siding painted modern gray, box columns and railings, we love coming home to it!” say homeowners Jamie Thomas and Ivan Skripnik. Original to the house, the door has traditional Craftsman-style dentil molding. It was basic black before the couple changed it to cheery aqua. The swing is also original to the house. “Sometimes on weekends, we take a break from yardwork to sit and relax with a cold drink,” says Jamie.

Pink Garden Show dahlias in the beds are a nice contrast with the door. Next to them, Jamie and Ivan planted melampodium, or butter daisy, an annual that grows easily in full sun.

Location: Birmingham, AL

Built in: 1920

Size: 1,600 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Universal Gray and (front door) Capri Teal, Glidden; (trim) Vibrant White, Behr

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“We added a second story in 2015, and we wanted it to really blend in. False jasmine that crawls up the columns and old-school seating make it seem like the house has always looked this way," say homeowners Raegan and Alan Bellenger. When the couple renovated, they converted a window on the right side into a second entrance that opens into the family’s laundry room. “It’s nice to have a dumping ground for dirty shoes and backpacks that our guests don’t see!” says Raegan. The brick foundation peeking out from under the porch is one part of the house that’s never changed. It’s a feature common of early-1900s homes.

Cottagey white wood planters hold a cheery mix of gerbera daisies, vinca and lantana. Tall blue salvia offers height, while sweet potato vine provides lushness.

Location: Birmingham, AL

Built in: 1939

Size: 2,500 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Gray Matters, Sherwin-Williams; (front door) Beacon Hill Damask and (trim) White Dove, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“To play up the clean, symmetrical style of our Colonial revival, we accentuated it with a row of boxwood. Filling up the beds with ground cover keeps the hedges from looking too formal,” say homeowners Andrea and Goodloe White. Louvered shutters up the impact of the home’s mostly flat front. A subtle blue-gray color keeps them from overwhelming the house. The six-panel wood door, original to the house, still has the old brass door knocker and mail slot.

Fast-growing creeping fig (also known as fig ivy) transforms brick steps into the been-here-forever kind. In Birmingham, it’s an evergreen. An elegant pair of concrete urns perched at the top of the steps hold a mix of bright pentas, lantana and vinca.

Location: Birmingham, AL

Built in: 1926

Size: 3,500 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Night Blooming Jasmine, (shutters) Teton Blue and (front door) Blackout, Behr

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“The sweeping lawn and serpentine sidewalk going up to the front caught our eye immediately, and that yellow door jumped out, too. Together, they pull you right in!” say homeowners Kathy and David Shows. The off-center roofline of this midcentury home, with two different pitches, creates a cool alcove for the front door. The house’s original six-lite wood door lets in a whole lot of sun; the hue is a traditional 1950s shade. “When I tell people I live in the house with the yellow door, everyone knows where it is,” says Kathy.

David built a rot-resistant cedar planter along the left side of the house to hold shade-friendly cast-iron plants; you can get the same effect with a cedar-look slat wall panel. The front yard’s low-maintenance shrubbery came with the house and looks good year-round. Score!

Location: Birmingham, AL

Built in: 1956

Size: 3,750 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Alabaster, (trim) Dovetail and (front door) Decisive Yellow, Sherwin-Williams

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“This house has so much character that you almost can’t tell it’s new construction," say homeowners Brit and Zack Drozda. "It makes our day when people walking by compliment the porch and front door. We honestly wouldn’t change a thing.” Seeded glass panels and an arched top make for a showstopping entry. “It adds historic appeal whether you look at it from the street or from inside the house,” says Brit. The double-gable roof above the porch is a feature pulled from classic Craftsman architecture. Board-and-batten shutters, secured in place with wrought iron shutter dogs, boost the home’s cottage-like charm.

The Drozdas bought the orange hibiscus topiaries at a nursery, then planted them in pale blue pots to show off their striking braided stems. The terra-cotta container by the front door gets its good looks from a mix of variegated ivy, white vinca and pink impatiens.

Location: Charlotte, NC

Built in: 2012

Size: 3,877 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Oyster White and (shutters) Drizzle, Sherwin-Williams

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“We’re only the second owners of this corner-lot charmer, which we painted yellow shortly after moving in,” say homeowners Susie and Jerry Jernigan. “We especially love our non-gardener’s yard of easy-care plants.” With so much yellow siding, “the house needed a door that would stand out,” says Susie. She and Jerry liked this deep coral so much, they painted the storm door the same color. Wrought iron embellishments decorate the chimneys. Susie believes they are S’s for the original owners’ last name.

Because mature water oak trees shield the yard from sun, the Jernigans stuck to shade-loving plants, including autumn ferns, hostas, dusty millers and red impatiens. Large areas of shredded hardwood mulch keep them looking tidy.

Location: Charlotte, NC

Built in: 1938

Size: 2,800 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Crowne Hill Yellow and (chimneys and trim) White Opulence, Benjamin Moore; (front door) Ravishing Coral, Sherwin-Williams

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“Because we built our home in a historic neighborhood, we merged our contemporary tastes with traditional architecture,” say homeowners Heather McLarney and Christopher Kosa. “The result is a mash-up style we call modern Craftsman.” Positioned between two columns, a pair of doors makes the portico look grand and helps highlight the symmetry of the first-floor windows. The couple loves the steel roof’s look and durability. “Ours is rust-resistant and should last at least 60 years,” says Christopher. Veneers meant to look like white ledgestone add texture to the columns and the front steps.

The flowering vine mandevilla trails up small bamboo stakes in the blue pots that flank the steps. The flower bed that wraps around the walkway is filled with sweet flag and white and fuchsia vinca.

Location: Charlotte, NC

Built in: 2013

Size: 4,546 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Foggy Day and (trim) Snowbound, Sherwin-Williams; (doors and mullions) try Midnight Hour by PPG for a similar look

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“With its multi-gable roof, two styles of siding and pergola-topped porch, our house is interesting to look at from every angle,” say homeowners Michelle and Kelly Frenzel. “We’ve loved all its quirks from the start.” When the Frenzels moved in, the door was painted almost burgundy, and they decided to take it a few notches brighter. “This apple red is so inviting to me,” says Michelle.

The larger set of terra-cotta pots on the steps hold red geraniums. Michelle loves how the blooms are almost the same color as the door. To keep the cedar pergola over the porch low fuss, the Frenzels left it plant-free. It still offers a bit of shade.

Location: Charlotte, NC

Built in: 1936

Size: 3,244 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Heron Grey, (scalloped siding) Grand Canyon Tan, (trim) Antique White and (front door) Candy Apple, Glidden

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“We weren’t crazy about the yellowy brick when we moved in, especially next to the existing faded teal door and shutters. Repainting them bright green perked up the whole house,” say homeowners Kathleen and Ken Moore. This Georgian-style house has classical influences — a columned portico and half-round pediments over the door and the first-floor windows. The front door is original to the house, but when the couple moved in, it was partly hidden by a storm door. Removing that showed off the six-panel style.

A leafy mix in the planters by the front door pop against the light brick, with shades ranging from chartreuse (coral bells) to deep purple (ornamental peppers). To play up the house’s neat, symmetrical style, the landscaping is super manicured. Two rows of evergreens include cherry laurel in back and Encore azaleas in front. Tall sky pencil hollies set off the front steps, with a Japanese maple on the far left.

Location: Greenville, SC

Built in: 1926

Size: 3,500 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (front door) Jadite and (trim) Oyster White, Sherwin-Williams

About the House

“When you see my house, it’s hard to believe that it’s a new build — the look is classic Craftsman, and it blends right in with our neighborhood’s older homes," says homeowner JJ Cantrell. "The big front porch makes it quintessentially Southern.” Two types of siding turn the house into a standout: linear lap siding on the base of the house and the chimney, and shingle siding on the gable over the porch. Louvered vents skirting the porch add even more texture. The front door with eight lites lets in plenty of sunshine, even under the covered porch. “The black color is so elegant and classy that I’d never dream of changing it,” says JJ.

“Since my house sits high up on a hill, I wanted the landscaping to feel like it was reaching out to the road to invite people in,” says JJ. A mix of taller plants — including Encore azaleas in front of the porch and a butterfly bush to the right — and shorter ones in front make the beds impressive and welcoming.

Location: Greenville, SC

Built in: 2015

Size: 3,600 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Blissful Blue, (trim) Extra White and (front door) Inkwell, Sherwin-Williams

About the House

“As cute as the cedar shakes and white trim are, the porch is our favorite thing. We always tell neighbors, ‘When you see us outside, grab a glass of wine and come on over.’ We’ve fit 20 people on it!” say homeowners Erin and Scott Anderson. The front door is a vintage find, installed by the previous owners. The extra-wide size makes the entryway seem grand. “We couldn’t stop talking about the door the whole time we were house hunting,” says Erin. “Lots of visitors — even delivery guys — comment on it.” A low dormer, which matches the gables in front, spiffs up the roofline. Its white trim hides attic vents — functional and attractive.

Simple white planters at the base of the steps are filled with dracaena and portulaca oleracea (a type of succulent). Both require little watering and thrive in warm environments, which is ideal for South Carolina. The row of reddish Chinese fringeflowers to the left of the entry gives year-round color, while tall Japanese hollies frame the steps. The crape myrtle tree in front of the rocking chairs offers showy pink blooms in summer.

Location: Greenville, SC

Built in: 1940

Size: 4,000 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (shingles stain) Flagstone, Sherwin-Williams; (front door) Off Broadway and (trim) Polar Bear, Behr

About the House

“Our house used to be a boring white box. We added taupe shutters with iron hardware, sconces and a window box. It’s classic yet not at all formal — the way a farmhouse should be,” say homeowners Michelle and John York. For the door, “we went with a stain instead of paint because it’s more farmhouse-y,” says Michelle. The four-lite style matches the windows. A standing seam metal roof on the portico gives the mostly traditional house a cool modern twist.

A giant pot by the steps is full of fast-growing red begonias, with creeping Jenny trailing elegantly over the sides. Two low antique-ish pots on the porch bring extra charm. For lots of volume and minimal upkeep, Michelle filled them with caladium and Bacopa. Stones cut in irregular shapes, with grass growing up in between, boost the charisma.

Location: Greenville, SC

Built in: 2013

Size: 4,000 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Simply White, Benjamin Moore; (shutters) Foothills, Sherwin-Williams

About the House

“Even though we built our house, it’s in a historic neighborhood, so we wanted it to fit in. We love all its cottage-y touches, like the window boxes, the brick path and the cutouts on the shutters,” say homeowners Chris and Colleen Austin. Diamond-shaped cutouts, a Colonial-revival detail, give the flat-panel shutters a distinctive look. The ceiling of the portico is finished with tongue-and-groove boards painted to match the shutters and the door. The curved glass at the top of the wood front door echoes the shape of the portico. “It may not be a traditional door, but I love all the glass,” says Colleen. “It really brightens our entry.”

Location: Knoxville, TN

Built in: 2011

Size: 4,250 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Pebble White, Glidden; (shutters and front door) Wedgewood Gray and (trim) White Dove, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“When I bought this house, the whole thing was painted white. Choosing a few different shades of beige for the siding added dimension and highlighted the home’s charming Craftsman style,” says homeowner Tim Helton. “The oak door used to be covered with paint and hidden behind a storm door, so you couldn’t see how beautiful it is,” Tim says. He removed the storm door, then stripped, sanded, stained and sealed the wood. Two tall tapered pots mimic the shape of the porch’s substantial columns. Tim wanted a flagstone path leading to the front door, but it was too pricey. His affordable alternative: stamped concrete.

Location: Knoxville, TN

Built in: 1920

Size: 2,000 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Safari Bisque Beige, (white trim) Meeting House White and (brown trim) Grey Squirrel, Glidden

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“Many houses on our street are registered as historic places. It’s so picturesque, like living in a Norman Rockwell painting. We love the way the buttery yellow of our house looks against all the greenery around it,” say homeowners Kim and Shannon McCullock. The home’s original wood door was nothing special, so Kim and Shannon replaced it with a steel version with a leaded glass window. The burgundy color gives it a throwback feel. A unique fixed-pane window — four glass diamonds set within a diamond-shaped frame — breaks up the expanse of staggered shingle siding, a hallmark of Craftsman-era homes.

Location: Knoxville, TN

Built in: 1920

Size: 3,000 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house, top) Sail Cloth and (bottom) Summer Bliss, Behr; (front door) Spanish Tile, Valspar; (trim) Antique White, Sherwin-Williams

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“We dreaded the idea of buying a house that needed a full renovation, and this one was in bad shape. But we were smitten by its old-fashioned slate roof and the oversize window box, and we could see the home’s potential, even if it would take lots of work,” say homeowners Chris and Bethann Williams. In 2011, the Williamses replaced the cracked slate shingles with new ones, which have developed a patina that feels in sync with the 82-year-old house. The original door needed only a coat of paint. Chris and Bethann chose this taupe to complement the color of the mortar between the bricks.

Location: Knoxville, TN

Built in: 1935

Size: 3,100 sq. ft.

Paint color: (door and trim) Pashmina, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“Our first impression of this cottage was that it was so plain — there was a white and gray exterior and no landscaping," say homeowners Michael and Jerry Keehn. "Then we noticed the heart pine porch and original shutters. This is the 12th house we’ve lived in, and it’s definitely our forever home.” Yes, there are two front doors. Back in the day, some Southern homes were built this way to boost ventilation. The couple painted the shutters a fun color to emphasize the symmetry.

The yard was weeds and mud central before the couple came to the rescue. They planted matching beds of local blooms on both sides. Two crape myrtles frame the entrance.

Location: Mobile, AL

Built in: 1852

Size: 1,430 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (shutters) Perfect Periwinkle, (trim and front doors) Extra White, Sherwin-Williams

About the House

“I updated the walkway and the landscaping, but there’s still lots of 1920s charm!" homeowner Erin Henry says. "The casement windows, arched door and decorative vent are what make this house feel like a home.” The cottage’s stucco stands out among the typical wood siding in the midtown district of Mobile, AL. “And there’s less maintenance,” Erin says.

In the yard, Erin went for easy-care picks. “The evergreen vines that curve around the door started out in two planters,” she says. “They really took off when I moved them into the ground.” Both trees were in place when Erin bought the house. “They’ve practically doubled in size,” she says. “The palm adds a tropical vibe. It reminds me how close I am to the beach!”

Location: Mobile, AL

Built: 1929

Size: 1,335 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Creamy Mushroom, (trim) Polar Bear and (front door) Stiletto Love, Behr

About the House

“We weren’t looking for a fixer-upper for our first house, but we fell for this one. It was dirty yellow and a tree hid the window," say homeowners Mae and Sam Dennis. "We took it down and brought out the house’s character with fresh paint and plants.” Mae’s favorite feature is the little Tudor-style window next to the door. “It’s especially nice at night, lit up by the lamp I keep there,” Mae says. Mae inherited the front door from her parents when they renovated their 1950s home. “We get a lot of compliments on the color,” Sam says. “People say it reminds them of something from a fairy tale.”

“Our neighborhood has large oak trees that curve over the streets and full azalea bushes everywhere,” Sam says. “We wanted that same storybook look in our yard.” They scored it with lush ornamental grasses, boxwood left untrimmed and whimsical sky pencil holly.

Location: Mobile, AL

Built in: 1940

Size: 1,940 sq. ft.

Paint color: (front door) Iced Violet, Glidden

About the House

“This shotgun house has been in John’s family for four generations, and it sat empty for 25 years. The paint had blistered, there was termite damage — everything was in disrepair. A big reno and the airy blue color gave it life again," say homeowners John Baker and Rick McGowan. Tall columns (the ones here are 9 -1/2 feet) and hanging baskets help the narrow home seem more grand. The couple had the original door stripped and repainted a golden yellow, which contrasts nicely with the eggshell blue siding.

John and Rick’s yard echoes the lighthearted feel of their house. “We chose plants that are simple yet unexpected,” says John. Plus, peep that hitching post on the curb. John bought it at an antiques store in Mobile, AL. White geometric planters (two with snake plants and two with dumb cane) give the old home’s porch a touch of modern flair.

Location: Mobile, AL

Built in: 1868

Size: 1,960 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Watery and (front door) Butterscotch, Sherwin-Williams; (trim) Dove White, Vaslspar

About the House

“This house used to be mustard yellow, but it’s Mediterranean in style, so I wanted to paint it white like houses you’d find in Greece or coastal Spain," says homeowner Briana Lang. "It’s one of the first changes I made.” Lang painted her eight-panel door a shade of blue inspired by the ultramarine doors and trim she saw on a trip to Cadaqués, Spain. Glazed terra-cotta tiles on the front porch and steps fit the home’s architectural style and the Spanish theme Lang had in mind for the exterior. Striped awnings were popular for Mediterranean homes in the 1920s. These black-and-white ones are a nod to the house’s history.

Bowl-style stone planters along the walkway are filled with succulents, including aloe, firestick plants and flapjacks. Lang reserved the front half of her lawn for a mix of spiky mondo grass and dwarf boxwoods. By her home’s foundation are bright pink Hawaiian ti plants.

Location: Orlando, FL

Built in: 1925

Size: 1,147 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Greek Villa and (trim) Caviar, Sherwin-Williams; (front door) try Seaport Blue by Benjamin Moore for a similar look

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“My late wife, Joan, and I designed this house using our past homes and other homes in the area as inspiration," says homeowner Pat Dougherty. "My favorite thing about it is the big covered porch. I can sit outside even when it’s raining.” Durable stucco is low maintenance and long-lasting — it holds up well in Florida’s humid climate. The dormer adds a hit of color to the roof, and its window floods the second floor with sun. “I never have to turn a light on during the day,” says Pat. A pair of white rockers on both sides of the porch makes the house look welcoming from the street.

The mostly green plantings that line the walkway include boxwoods, liriope and variegated schefflera, all surrounded by pine bark mulch. Croton Petra, known for its bright-colored, leathery foliage, sprouts from large and small pots outside the door.

Location: Orlando, FL

Built in: 1999

Size: 2,572 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) try Sea Glass Green by Glidden for a similar look, (trim) Swan White and (front door) Candy Apple, Glidden

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“Since repainting, we love our exterior more than ever," says homeowners Christine and Joe Persaud. "We felt a little nervous about the colors at first because they’re bold, but they make the house look so happy.” Flanked by matching French doors, the green 15-lite entry door is the focal point of the house. The home’s drop-channel wood siding requires regular maintenance but has an authenticity that’s hard to re-create. Latticework on both gables gives the bungalow a touch of gingerbread-house appeal. It’s functional, too: The lattices allow air ventilation to the attic.

The navy pots by the front steps burst with red begonias and pink sunpatiens. During the summer, the begonias are relocated to a shadier part of the porch.

Location: Orlando, FL

Built in: 1920

Size: 1,333 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Blue Plate, (trim) Pure White and (front door) Ionian, Sherwin-Williams

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“We love the way our home merges modern and farmhouse styles," say homeowners Ashley and Sean Dishman. "The biggest changes we’ve made have been out front. We added the brick path and new grass and plants.” Barn lights emphasize a farmhouse feel and shine more light than an average porch light would. Galvanized-metal fans, which also fit the look of the house, keep the porches cool on warm Florida days. The Dishmans added wire and metal upper railings and loved the utilitarian look so much, they picked the same style for the railings inside.

Two sleek planters filled with spiky African irises and yellow, purple and white pansies flank the front steps. Cone-shaped eugenia topiaries surrounded by beds of yellow pansies flank the walkway.

Location: Orlando, FL

Built in: 2011

Size: 3,020 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Polar Bear, (shutters) Classic Cherry, (trim) Dolphin Fin and (porch ceilings) Granite Boulder, Behr

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

“We love the fresh feel of our modern farmhouse, which we had built. The wide wood steps, the white paint with the blue door and the tall windows are all just so welcoming," say homeowners Katie and Matt Bellerino. Plus, the porch railing has a custom crisscross design adding a touch of unique charm. “The railing is one of our favorite things about our home’s exterior,” says Matt. Of course, the front door is another. Katie had this color in mind basically since childhood. “When I was growing up in California, I used to walk by the most cheerful blue-green door,” she says. Adds Matt, “We hope it gives off the vibe that happy people live here.”

With a traditional Southern garden in mind, the Bellerinos lined the front of their home with a neat row of boxwood. The azaleas behind them add texture.

Location: New Orleans

Built: 2015

Size: 3,100 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Chantilly Lace, Benjamin Moore; (porch floor and treads) Front Porch and (front door) Mint Condition, Sherwin-Williams

About the House

“When we designed our new home, we blended the traditional look of local historic houses with the industrial vibe of the warehouse district. There’s a cool yet timeless effect," say homeowners Heather and Erik Pfefferle. As for the front door, Erik made it himself with reclaimed heart pinewood, modeled after vintage ones in the area. The walnut-color stain stands out against the green exterior.

In the yard, shrubs and grasses — boxwood, fringeflower, mondo grass and muhly grass — bring variety without overpowering.“We have crazy weather patterns here in NOLA, so we chose plants that can withstand the cold and extreme heat,” says Erik.

Location: New Orleans

Built: 2013

Size: 3,800 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Green Smoke and (trim) Cooking Apple Green, Farrow & Ball; (shutters) Urbane Bronze, Sherwin-Williams

About the House

“We’re both New Orleans natives, and we wanted a home that reflected our city’s charm. The formal landscaping, arches and brick path make it really special," say homeowners Terry and Joe Drolla. The fact that the porch is two stories and has arches originally sketched out by Terry aren’t its only allure — it’s outfitted with speakers, and Terry and Joe often listen to music here.

Terry likes to mix up the flowers in the planters and window boxes throughout the year. “These pink and white kinds soften our manicured landscaping,” she says. In the flower beds, lily of the Nile offer hints of light purple. The couple used bricks recovered from demolition projects for their walkway and porch. “The faded color completes the historic feel we were after,” says Terry.

Location: New Orleans

Built: 2014

Size: 3,200 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Greek Villa and (trim) Snowbound, Sherwin-Williams; (shutters) Coastal Fog, Benjamin Moore

About the House

“When I repainted a couple years ago, I went with the same color scheme but made the gray concrete porch purple, one of the colors of Mardi Gras. Bike tours often ride by my house and people snap pictures!” says Clare Brown, homeowner. She changes her porch flag regularly. “I have flags for Mardi Gras, the Saints, Jazz Fest and more,” she says. This one, the New Orleans flag, is always in season.

To play off the porch color, Clare planted purple petunias with some yellow horned pansies in the white pots on either side of the steps. In the yard, Clare kept the sago palms, grassy-leaved sweet flag and indian hawthorn that came with the house, since they're a low-maintenance bunch. The sago palm next to the porch has a lively tropical vibe.

Location: New Orleans

Built: 1933

Size: 1,773 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Svelte Sage, (porch floor and steps) Poetry Plum, (trim) Creamy and (front door and window trim) Antique Red, Sherwin-Williams

About the House

“Our favorite thing about our house is that every exterior wall is lined with original windows — 27 of them total," say homeowners Brooke and Jeff Wexler. "They make our cottage cheerful, like it’s saying a friendly hello to people walking by.” Original to the house, the door was black when Brooke and Jeff moved in. “A black door is timeless, but our home is too cute to not have color,” she says. They experimented with mint and purple before settling on a whimsical peachy-pink.

In the yard, the couple created a welcoming stepped effect, putting low-lying Asiatic jasmine by the street and slightly taller English ivy behind it. On the left, a pindo palm adds a touch of the tropics.

Location: Savannah

Built: 1928

Size: 1,496 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Whispering Woods and (trim) Simply White, Benjamin Moore; (front door and window sash) Mermaid Cheeks, Valspar

About the House

“My home may be modest, but subtle details like diamond-grid windows and exposed rafter ends make it special. I painted the siding and the door, and installed new shutters," says homeowner Bradley Wallace. "My old mail carrier once said that every time he walked by my house, it looked better. That’s the best compliment of all!"

The eight-lite door was installed early on in the home’s life span. Bradley painted it robust orange, which pops against the cream trim and gray siding while nodding to the traditional Craftsman-era color palette. The shed-style dormer, a Craftsman classic, breaks up the steep roofline.

The exterior's 2.0 landscaping has variegated jasmine by the sidewalk and coral impatiens next to the porch. “Before, the yard was framed by azalea bushes trimmed into cubes,” says Bradley. “Since the house is so angular, I wanted a softer look.” Ombre blue pots at the base of the steps hold a freewheeling mix of greenery and flowers.

Location: Savannah

Built: 1920

Size: 1,501 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Senora Gray, (front door) Soft Glow, (shutters) Bittersweet Chocolate and (trim) White Sand, Benjamin Moore

About the House

“We found the house online, then later realized Michael grew up next door!" say homeowners Beth and Michael Meeks. "It needed saving — it was a rental in sad shape, with an overgrown yard." The couple repainted the pale yellow a warm coral, put in a stained-glass window in place of a broken one and prettied up the landscaping. "Now it looks new, but with the handmade feel we love," they say.

Both the original three-lite front door and the louvered screen door used to be chocolate brown. “We picked green paint for them, the trim and the columns’ piers because it grounds the house color, like leaves on a flower,” says Beth.

The old crape myrtle in the very front was a must-keep. For the rest, “we needed our yard to be on the subdued side so our home would really stand out,” says Beth. Ultra-easy arborvitae ferns fit the bill; Beth and Michael planted them on either side of the sidewalk. Larger, lighter green cream de mint dwarf mock orange on the far left and right fill out the beds.

Location: Savannah

Built: 1923

Size: 1,456 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Determined Orange, (front door) Leapfrog, (green trim) Great Green and (white trim) Crisp Linen, Sherwin-Williams

About the House

“When we bought our house, it was a muddy gray-blue that faded into the background," say homeowners Kim and Dale Cheney. "Painting all the siding and trim white instantly brightened it and made it seem bigger, too.” The original door remains, with a fresh color: “I wanted something breezy and coastal,” says Kim. Seashell-inspired blush pink is light enough to let the door’s Craftsman details stand out. As well, the home’s windows have vertical mullions on the top panes, which echo the style of the door.

Cement containers perched on either side of the steps hold plantings that have color, height, lushness and texture — a winning combo. The foxtail fern looks extra sophisticated in a classic fluted white urn next to the front door.

Location: Savannah

Built: 1913

Size: 1,616 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Falling Snow, (trim) Looking Glass and (front door) My Sweetheart, Behr

About the House

"I spent a lot of time researching paint colors that would fit the period and style of this house," says homeowner S. Allister Fisher. "The blue siding makes me smile every time I get home." The house has 40-plus original windows in varying shapes and sizes, including one with stained glass (not pictured). The oversize glass pane on the front door mimics the airiness of the house’s many big windows.

"When I bought the house, it was obscured by overgrown trees and shrubs," says Fisher. He cleared out the yard to make way for a manicured garden, including pink and red Knock Out roses right in front. Six viburnum hedges, which are split by an ornamental podocarpus tree on the house’s left side, offer lots of greenery for little effort.

Location: Jacksonville, FL

Built in: 1911

Size: 3,000 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Deep Sea Dive, (trim and front door) Pure White and (porch floor and steps) Red Theatre, Sherwin-Williams

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

The house is faced in two types of siding painted different shades of gray. The first floor has lap siding; the second floor’s Hardie Shingle siding replicates the look of cedar shakes. "Even though our home is newly built, we designed it with the surrounding historic neighborhood in mind," say homeowners Karie and Joseph Kovacocy. "It has modern amenities but really suits the location." The sunny set of doors with glass panels is one of 10 sets throughout the house — mostly on the back — so the Kovacocys can take full advantage of indoor-outdoor living.

On the far right side of the house, purple Chinese witch hazel and a short European fan palm liven up the otherwise uniform yard. Spiky yucca plants, which get pruned regularly, jut out from tall metal pots by the porch’s seating area. A stepping-stone-style path of square concrete pavers echoes the clean lines of the house.

Location: Jacksonville, FL

Built in: 2012

Size: 3,400 sq. ft.

Paint colors: Try (siding, top) Gray Area, (siding, bottom) Iron Ore, (trim) Snowbound and (front door) Nugget by Sherwin-Williams for a similar look.

From: HGTV Magazine

About the House

"Only two families owned this house before us, and its charm is still very much intact," says homeowner Teresa Wood. "The traditional red-brick facade and spacious front porch remind my husband, Joe, of his childhood home." By extending the walkway into a brick parking pad, the Woods created space for cars without compromising the house’s character. The Woods’ dog, Hunter, loves to peer out of the glass-paneled door, which is original to the house. Teak rockers look welcoming on the porch. With three there’s always an extra seat if a neighbor swings by.

A feathery Boston fern looks sweet suspended from the porch ceiling. Like the rest of the landscaping, this plant will keep its color all year in the warm climate. Copper-color planters complement the painted porch floor. Each one holds a Eugenia topiary surrounded by variegated English ivy.

Location: Jacksonville, FL

Built in: 1940

Size: 3,000 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (shutters) Yorktowne Green, (trim) Dunmore Cream and (porch floor) Country Redwood, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

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