Help improving kerb appeal

[nc1806]

I have no clue what to do with the front of this house, any ideas?

I've attached images with identifying info removed and nc just in case..

I can take away the green bin but not the black one. I'm thinking maybe a lighter blind? Roman one? (there's a black Venetian but you can't see it). Maybe a little wreath for the door? If I move the bin I can plant something in that space.

I just absolutely do not know what to do it looks horrible, please help if you can.

Many thanks in advance.

Wooden ‘shelter’ for the bins, clean the window ledge, and grow a quick-growing, hardy clematis up the space between window and door. A nicer outside light.

Get someone in to soft wash the house - especially the windows, window ledges, the boxing in and path / paving outside the house. It makes a HUGE difference, it'll look like a brand new build again.

Do you have a back garden for both bins? Even if it's inconvenient it'll look so much better.

You could consider putting in some trellis to cover the piping (cut it round the boxes so you can still access them) and grow honeysuckle or similar up the trellis?

Yes only a tiny one @ThisWorthySwan

I know it's vile, could do hanging baskets but not great at drilling. It's HA so I can't do much and they recently repainted that door believe it or not, and also washed it down apparently although I was at work

I'll see if I can do something about that window ledge.

I've always hated it and just can't seem to see what to do with it

The windows look awful because of trapped condensation too.

Like the clematis/climber idea and will have a look at some outside lights too

That grey bin is just so heavy to drag through the house when it's full, I'll see what I can do though

For a climber get something like a jasmine as they are evergreen - a clematis will die back and you'll be left with a bare patch over the winter.

Also having an outdoor door mat & door knocker would be nice

Can you give the path a scrub, and get rid of the weeds?

Is it mould or dirt on the ledge?

Move or hide the bins - if not possible, cover them with some patterned Fablon. Window box with flowers in. Tubs of flowers.
Get rid of the terracotta slab(?)
Ensure that the windows are clean

Yes, good point. Or both, though they might get a bit overwhelming in a small space.

Basically, OP, your issue is that all the utilitarian stuff of this house is very evident on the front facade — bins, meter, boiler pipe, other pipes. I mean, everyone has them, but usually they’re more scattered over several external walls. You need to find ways of concealing them that won’t impede their function. I do think the bin storage is key, though, if you don’t want to drag them through the house, which I get is a pain.

You should report the 'trapped condensation' to the HA as actually the double glazing unit has failed and should be replaced.

Get a really nice bin screen. They have nice ones on amazon for around £115.

Paint the door- dome nicer colour.

Add wreath.

Paint the window sill with white paint.

Add hanging basket with bright flowers.

Under the window some nice planter full of flowers.

clean what you can (that teracotta thing looks grubby)
Cheap bright bedding plants in the area underneath the window, hanging basket. Bright coloured flowers can really cheer up a dull area.

I will start with cleaning it all down I think, just looking at some products.

Not sure if mold or dirt it's just black, there is damp throughout the house so mold wouldn't surprise me.

The terracotta slab is actually a gas meter, really in the way there!

Unfortunately the windows always look dirty because of the trapped condensation between the panes. I have reported this but they said they don't do it, it happens in all houses and they will probably be resealed "at some point"

Thanks for all this some great ideas here

Are you allowed to paint anything? If so, the liberal use of a pot of white paint would help. Window, doors, window ledge, electricity meter etc.
And pots of flowers.
And create a bin store from old pallets.
What a shame that HAs give no thought to how a place looks.

Weed killer on path/driveway to tidy that area up a bit.

Is there no other place to keep the bins that doesn’t require you to bring the bins through the house and isn’t under a window?!! I thought that was against planning laws/building regs for new builds? Also, the bin storage area is down a step, I’m pretty sure that isn’t permitted if the front garden is the official bin storage area.

If you can’t move the black bin, a bin store or screen would help. A huge wheeled pot (for access to the service box etc) with a small tree/shrub/conifer to hide all the utility stuff. You could fill the space with potted plants.

@nc1806 a few things might help a lot - do you know anyone with a power washer? If not can you ask in local area? You'll need access to an electric socket and a tap.

Power wash the path and gently do the window sill and meter casing. Do some weeding out the front and in the sunshine it'll look a whole lot better. Keep an eye out for cheap bedding plants now - they won't last long, just till the end of the summer, but if you cut off dead flowers as they die they'll brighten the place up for a few months. You shouldn't need to spend too much on all this.

Bin store would help, especially if you find a decent one. This is a triple but gives an idea.

I think you can make big improvements with weeding and a scrub! Wet and forget is brilliant on pavers.

Then as many others have said, a bin screen or move the bins. Personally, I think greenery is your friend and I'd want those beds plated with some attractive/flowering evergreens.

I think this is where a lot of houses lack visual appeal, lack of greenery and nature.

Soft wash isn't the same as soap and water. It'll kill all the moss /mould etc that naturally builds up on brick and stone. For example below. It makes your place look brand new!

People need to be realistic about the depth of the space in front of this house before the path - bin covers / sheds / hides are unlikely to fit here unless they are bespoke and ££££.