As moving week arrives, we wanted to take one last look back at the exterior progress we’ve made over the years. Before we share photos of the empty house and a list of what stayed with the property, here’s a final outdoor tour recap. We recorded outdoor video tours in 2011 and 2012, and the recent clip we shot right before packing becomes our third and final installment documenting the yard, porch, patio and other exterior updates.
*A quick heads-up: I’m awkward on camera when I’m the one holding it and talking, so expect a few clumsy moments — including me flirting with the deck. It did not respond.
With that out of the way, here’s a clear look at how the exterior evolved during our time in the house.
Front yard improvements were one of the first things visitors noticed. We focused on curb appeal by simplifying planting beds, adding clean edging and selecting low-maintenance shrubs and seasonal color. The result was a more welcoming approach that framed the house without overwhelming the facade. Thoughtful plant placement and some hardscape touches made the front feel intentional and balanced.
We also reworked the carport area to make it both functional and visually cohesive with the rest of the yard. Improving surface treatments, streamlining storage, and adding subtle lighting helped the carport feel like an integrated part of the property rather than an afterthought. These changes made arriving and leaving easier and more pleasant.
At the back of the house we intentionally pared things back in spots to reveal the original brick walkways and to create open grassy areas for kids and dogs to enjoy. Removing overgrowth and simplifying planting beds not only highlighted the home’s original charm but also created usable outdoor space that welcomed everyday play and relaxation.
One project that really changed the flow of the property was transforming the narrow alley beside the house into a decked pathway. That “alley” became a practical, attractive transition space that connected areas of the yard and added a bit of outdoor living real estate. It was completed last summer, so it didn’t appear in previous outdoor tours but it feels like a natural extension of the improvements we’ve made.
We also completed a front porch makeover that introduced color and contrast to the entry. A fresh paint palette, updated trim, and well-placed planters helped define the porch and make it more inviting. While we packed up and moved many planters to the new house, the structural changes and color choices remain part of the home’s visual identity.
My favorite exterior transformation continues to be our first outdoor project: the patio. It underwent a dramatic change early on and became the most-used outdoor space on the property. By combining durable materials, comfortable seating zones and layered lighting, the patio turned into a true extension of the home where we spent countless evenings and gatherings.
Full disclosure: one of the photos is from last summer at the height of hydrangea bloom, so it doesn’t reflect the exact current state—most of the lawn furniture and planters were already packed up and moved to the new house. Still, those seasonal images capture the spaces when they were in full use and remind us why the outdoor changes were worth doing.
We’re proud of each of these exterior projects because they added functionality, aesthetics, and a stronger connection between the house and its surroundings. As we settle into our new place, our list of outdoor ideas is long: more plantings, additional seating areas, and a few new hardscape details are at the top. What exterior projects have been your favorites at your own house, or what are you most excited to tackle next?