Exterior Tour: The Outside of Our Home

I realized recently that I’ve never properly introduced the exterior of our house — the front, the patio, the pathway and the little corners that greet visitors. So today I’m inviting you over for a relaxed, informal tour of the outside of our home.

Here’s a view of the whole house, taken from the front yard. It shows the general layout and the areas I’m planning to refresh as part of our outdoor makeover.

The front patio is where I do many of my weekend projects, so please excuse the temporary clutter. It’s a working space that will eventually become more polished and welcoming when the landscaping and finishing touches are complete.

If you arrived for a cup of coffee, you’d walk along a charming stone path that leads through the yard to the front patio. The path is one of my favorite features — simple, rustic, and full of potential for planting and softening with greenery along the edges. And yes, you’ll probably meet our friendly donkey, Dorothy, who often hangs out behind the fence to say hello.

Turning the corner, you come to our front door—another focal point in the exterior plan. The entry needs some attention, from fresh paint to improved plantings that will frame the doorway and create a warm welcome for guests. I’m picturing potted plants on either side, a tidy mat, and subtle lighting for evening visits.

Both the pathway area and the entryway are at the “in-between” stage right now — what my mom used to call “things get worse before they get better.” That’s exactly where we are: a little messy in the moment, but full of promise. The foundation is solid; it just needs a thoughtful approach to landscaping, a bit of pruning, and the right accents to bring everything together.

The garden beds around the patio are being reworked. I’m enjoying the physical work of digging, planting, and experimenting with textures and colors that will complement the house’s exterior. There’s something satisfying about seeing fresh soil, new plants, and gradual transformation. The process is slow but steady, and it’s teaching me a lot about what plants do well in this light and soil.

I’ll be updating the project as it progresses. Expect small improvements like fresh mulch, trimmed shrubs, and planted borders first, followed by larger touches such as outdoor lighting, comfortable seating on the patio, and any decorative elements that feel right for the space.

Thank you for taking this little exterior tour with me. I love sharing the process—from the imperfect, active workdays to the quiet moments when the sun hits just right and the yard feels like a welcoming extension of our home.

Stay tuned for updates as the front yard and patio evolve. I’ll share progress photos, design choices, and plant picks as they come together so you can follow along with the makeover and maybe pick up a few ideas for your own outdoor spaces.