
Design Report & Material List
## Design Concept
This refresh builds curb appeal through classic layering—rich color at the entry, symmetrical lighting, and soft plantings that hug the foundation without crowding the open lawn. The palette stays timeless: deep navy, warm terracotta, and blush pink against your existing red brick and black shutters.
## Key Decisions
- **Deep navy door with oversized brass hardware** draws the eye to the center of your flat façade, creating depth without structural changes
- **Scaled-up carriage lanterns (24-28")** balance the two-story height and provide warm evening ambiance from the street
- **Substantial terracotta planters with sculpted evergreens** flank the entry year-round, softening the brick-to-concrete transition
- **Curved foundation beds with layered heights**—evergreen anchors, hydrangea masses, low perennials—add texture while keeping mowing simple and sightlines clear
## Material List
| Item | Role | Est. Price | Where to Buy |
|------|------|------------|--------------|
| Navy blue fiberglass entry door with 3/4 glass | Focal point, visual depth, weather resistance | $800-1,400 | Home Depot, Lowe's, Wayfair |
| 28" black carriage-style wall lanterns | Scale, symmetry, evening warmth | $180-320/pair | Amazon, Wayfair, Lamps Plus |
| 24" terracotta classic planters (2) | Entry framing, seasonal flexibility | $90-160/pair | Target, Wayfair, local nursery |
| Boxwood shrubs (4-5 gal, 6-8 plants) | Year-round structure, low maintenance | $35-55 each | Local nursery, Lowe's |
| Endless Summer hydrangeas (5-7 plants) | Color massing, long bloom season | $25-45 each | Local nursery, Home Depot |
| Creeping Jenny or dwarf catmint (groundcover) | Soft edge, weed suppression, pollinator-friendly | $8-15 each (12-15 plants) | Local nursery, Walmart |
| Wrought iron or aluminum seating set (sofa, 2 chairs, coffee table) | Left terrace function, outdoor living | $650-1,100 | Wayfair, Target, IKEA, Overstock |
## Budget Snapshot
| Category | Est. Cost |
|----------|-----------|
| Entry door & hardware | $900-1,600 |
| Lighting & planters | $270-480 |
| Foundation plantings | $650-1,200 |
| Terrace seating | $650-1,100 |
| **Total** | **$2,470-4,380** |
## Sizing Note
The 28" lanterns suit your 10' entry ceiling; for the 8' side wings, drop to 20-22" versions to maintain proportion without overwhelming. Keep planters 22-24" minimum—anything smaller disappears against your brick mass.
