Front Yard and Garage Update: Motion Sensor Lanterns and Progress Report
Sorry for the quiet week here — we took some much-needed family time together since Robert has been away for the past month. For privacy and safety reasons we don’t share our travel plans publicly, but I will say he was away in Georgia for training to become a mortgage loan originator. He’ll still be working with me full time managing the blog and projects at home, and we’re excited to build new, more stable opportunities for our family that don’t rely solely on the blog.
We finished the front yard makeover right before he left at the beginning of July, and I’ve been meaning to share the garage transformation ever since because the change is remarkable. A few years back we limewashed the brick, painted the trim and shutters, and gradually improved the landscaping. Those earlier updates gave the house a fresh, more cohesive look and set the stage for the new additions we completed this month.
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A couple of years ago we limewashed the exterior brick with a white finish, refreshed the yellow-cream trim to a crisp white, and painted the gutters and shutters a dark charcoal. We also removed a couple of dying trees that had become a hazard and refined the flower beds with stone edging and fresh mulch. Those efforts made a noticeable difference and helped the curb appeal feel intentional and clean.
Recently we replaced the broken motion-sensor spotlights with decorative motion sensor lanterns. The previous lights were droopy and unattractive; swapping them for lantern-style fixtures immediately elevated the front facade. The new lanterns provide better illumination, improved function, and a warmer, more welcoming look at night.
The lanterns are significantly more attractive than the old fixtures and function much better. They give the front of the house a finished, polished look both day and night. We toyed with several styles and sizes before deciding on the final fixtures to make sure the scale and finish complemented the house.
Some of the other motion-sensor light styles we considered included:
- Compact flood-style sensors that provide broad coverage for security-focused lighting.
- Traditional lantern-style fixtures with built-in motion sensors for a classic look and automatic activation.
- Sleek, low-profile wall-mounted sensors designed to blend into modern exteriors.
- Solar-powered motion lights for an energy-efficient option without running new wiring.
Eventually we’ll replace the garage door, but in the short term painting it black gave it a fresh, cohesive appearance that ties into the darker trim and shutters. That simple cosmetic update bought us time while we plan and budget for a full replacement down the road.
Inside, the garage still needs a lot of work. It’s currently a catch-all space and not presentable, so tackling garage organization and storage solutions is next on our home project list. We’re planning a comprehensive reorganization that will include better shelving, designated zones for tools and seasonal items, and solutions to maximize floor space. We’ll share that whole process when we get to it.
Other projects on the horizon include replacing the fence and considering new driveway finishes. It’s a long list, but we’re happy to be investing time and planning so these changes are thoughtful and long-lasting. We’re in this house for the long haul, which makes taking the time to get each step right worth it.
Have any great garage organization tips, storage systems, or trusted resources you’ve used? We’d love to hear your recommendations as we prepare to tackle the interior renovation. Share what’s worked for you—every idea helps as we plan the next phase.
