Where do you own up to as the step seems to stick out further?

i remembered this london based company from Houzz from years ago however I’m not sure you have the depth to do it.

Has anyone else in the road done what you’ve suggested? I’m just not sure a bin shed will fit with the bay and how do you get that last bin out? A gate may also take some manoeuvring??

I like how next door have done the steps, are they old or relatively new do you know as it may be good to match/complement?

https://bikebox.london/projects

Railings will look very smart. Your house is very pretty, is it Victorian? A bin store would be good but having a gate, then railings and a bin store will make it difficult to manoeuvre the bins and can make it all a little cluttered. I think a good size planter under the window may work planted up. I would suggest some short evergreens like Skimmia with some small flower pockets to add some colour in the summer. Depends whether you like frothy and fluffy plants or a modern formal look. I feel lots of planting will soften and add even more prettiness. Patterned Victorian tiles on the steps would be nice but make sure they are reasonably non slip.

I would do the railings that will make it look more finished and also provide a small barrier as I think you are right next to the footpath. I would have lots of greenery but not pots. Plant them into the pea shingle. Plants like lavender and box do not need watering once established. I would stay away from country style flowers. That style will not suit your house and need frequent watering in hot weather. High maintenance. Minnie's pic of the corten planter + privacy fence is incredible but even small corten planters can be north of £1000. It depends on your budget.

Hi Ciara,

Thanks for sharing your project, some great suggestions from the Houzz community

A few other ideas for you:

- Take a look here at Bike-Box Works https://www.pinterest.co.uk/bikebox_london/: whilst they are specialists in designing bike storage solutions, their expertise lends to accommodating mainly fronts of Victorian Semi-Detached homes and providing unique and interesting designs whilst enhancing and celebrating the beauty of the Victorian Architectural splendour.

There are lots of alternatives listed to railings-of varying slimline sizes and encouraging like Rinked has suggested 'a living roof' filled with greenery and planters and enabling your storage underneath, and a slimmer version at the front (as slimline as the bricks already placed - or square planters this depth providing a privacy barrier)

- Some exterior lighting should include a copper or copper accent, it will really provide some warmth at the front of the home and in addition contrast perfectly with the greenery (or perhaps pops of purple Lavender) you are planning on implementing

- Further future plans might include a change of colour with the front door, and the black base of bricks (if changed for a lighter shade will elongate the illusion of the height of the property further)

Hope these ideas help, please share with us the final outcomes, happy renovating

Warm and best wishes

Team SPEAK

Hi, I think there isn't enough space for most of these ideas, unfortunately. Is the surface level? I would build a smart structure along the boundary to store the bins so that they are easy to pull forward when needed and give it a green roof. Really focus on making it beautiful and then turn to the steps. Matching your neighbours' could be really nice. I'd pause then to see how much space is left and what light it gets. You could just paint the slabs or pull up the middle ones only and plant the space up with tall grasses.

Or consider having a window box fitted that matches the bin store and planting that up with similar plants so that the the structure is tied to the house.

Best of luck!