Despite careful attention to yards, patios and porches, homeowners tend to leave their carports unadorned. It's a waste to neglect that much outdoor space. When you decorate your carport, you only need move the car to have extra space to host an outdoor party, or an attractive spot for alfresco dining. If your carport faces the street, you'll enhance your home's curb appeal. Does this Spark an idea?
Paint the Floor
If you're tired of boring gray, paint your carport floor with outdoor concrete paint. Use a solid color, try a big black and white checkerboard or paint a faux rug to store your car in style. For a checkerboard, first paint the floor white first. Once it dries, mark the squares with painter's masking tape, and then paint the black checks. For a painted rug, use masking tape to mark off the different colors for a geometric or kilim pattern. Or, show off your artistic side and freehand an oriental design, including faux fringe.
Hang Artwork
Don't limit hanging art to interiors. Hang a collection of old wooden advertising signs, some salvaged tin ceiling tiles or a sculptural piece of ornamental iron. For country style, hang some old farm tools or a big wagon wheel. Make your own outdoor artwork by weaving strips of copper flashing--the stuff used for roofing--into a big square. It'll take on a lovely patina over time.
Create an Outdoor Mudroom
Place a long wooden or iron bench against the wall. Try a salvaged bus stop bench for kitschy charm. Add an umbrella stand and hang a few iron coat hooks. You'll have an attractive place for umbrellas and raincoats, and you won't have to hop on one foot to change out of your gardening boots.
Enclose the Side
Hang bamboo roller shades--or the weatherproof PVC look-alikes--on the open side of your carport. For something more permanent, mount vertical lattice panels, leaving a few open feet between each one. Use traditional woven lattice for cottage charm, or try a geometric Mission, Art Deco or Chinese chinois pattern. For a Zen touch, trade the lattice for Japanese shoji screens, and use translucent Plexiglas instead of the traditional rice paper.
Hang a Ceiling Fan
Replace that ugly, bare bulb with an outdoor ceiling fan. Choose a style that complements the architecture of your home.
Tags: your carport, masking tape, with outdoor, your home