apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

You beat me to it! I first thought of Maria's Bungalow House back porch. That was such a cool solution! Very zexy!

I'm not sure how well potted plants will do in that space...but I thought of this earlier post on the MOLGER bench from IKEA:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/seating-benches-stools/molger-bench-from-ikea-048227

Get some bamboo fencing and roll it across those plain white fence boards. Add festive lighting and a couple of vining (but not aggressively so) plants in pots. That way they can come down with the bamboo fencing when you move out. Rope lights around the edge of the roof would look terrific. Throw in a bistro table & chairs.

Maybe get one of those recycled plastic "oriental" rugs to put over the carpet, like these: http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/jump.jsp?itemID=3656&itemType=PRODUCT

I have one on my front porch, I hose it off when it gets funky, and I love it.

I would paint the door a fun bright color and maybe put a outdoor chair in the corner next to the window with a patterned cushion that would match the door. I feel like something should go in the corner where the fence and house hit too, but something simple that wont take up too much space. Not sure what though (my ideas went toward a plant but i decided against it), so I guess i'm not much help!

Since it's never going to be a brighty, sunny porch with that fence there, I'd embrace it as a cool, shady retreat.

Maybe you could ask your landlords if they'd be interested in planting clematis or some vine-like plant on their side of the fence where it could get enough sun and then drape over your side of the fence, softening the porch a bit. It could be benefiical to both of you.

I've also seen people hang curtains and tie them back with a sash on porches. Depending on your style, that could make for a pretty dramatic look.

a big WOW for the plastic rug!

a couple outdoor benches from ikea. perfect for plants and a place to rest packages while getting out your keys.

some bright colorful lights will definitely change the whole feel of that porch.

Can you paint a cool stencilled pattern on the fence - perhaps a coordinating color(s) to the blue already on the porch? You can always paint it back to neutral. Lighting would be good - I like paper lanterns (they make them with nylon too so they're weather-resistant). For furniture I'd keep it simple - a bistro set by the fence and perhaps a bench. Maybe some planters running along under the window with shade plants - then they'd kind of hide the a/c window unit a bit. Some hanging plants by the fence as well. I also LOVE the plastic rug idea - I've gotta look into that for my porch!

In addition to the above, find bright (multi) colored plastic / vinyl "ribbon" material to weave in and out of the iron railing, turning it, too, into something bright and welcoming. Think a cross between a beach chair and a basket.

Taureg - recycled plastic bags for that project!

Maybe the landlord never considered how claustrophobic that fence is. Have you thought of asking the him if you could replace the fence with something less intimidating? It looks like a short run and you would, of course, promise to return the original. Or, would he OK lowering it just a bit? Otherwise, that fence is an empty canvas. paint a skyline or a forest or a seascape. (Or get a friend.) And painting it yellow would really be a big improvement. If he says no to changing out the fence, after you've been model tenants for a year, ask again.

Yes! Copy Maria's outdoor space, it is so lovely!

What a fun project! Remember a couple of years ago (well, 10) when re-purposing old window sashes with stained glass inside was popular? Well, how about getting two of those and kind of hanging them horizontally from the roof-edge over the fence. Kind of would let light through, and be pretty, but provide more privacy. Second, the area seems to need light for security; a sconce outside the door, for sure. Third - would the landlord let you replace the black iron railing with short fencing to match the tall fence; this could kind of unify the space, also provide privacy without compromising security. And I might even add a cross beam along that short side, even with where the roof ends, to "box out" the whole area and further make it feel like one room. Finally, really really good quality paint.

The big fence could actually be a good thing. You can leave your front door wide open and still have privacy.

So the carpet. I would be afraid that putting a plastic rug over it may result in some funky odor build up. Not in the plastic rug, but in the carpet underneath. I dunno how much time and $$ you're willing to spend. But I would get some wood planks to create a deck-like flooring. On the steps too. It's easier to sweep clean and the carpet could still breathe underneath.

I don't think you need to paint the fence. Instead, paint the wood planks above you. A bright color for the ones going long-ways. A darker color for the shorter support beams.

I would stay away from potted plants taking up floor space. I love the idea of vertical hanging succulents on the fence. I think vines could potentially become too bushy and dense. Also, maybe you could put a long narrow planter on the outer side of the metal railing, so that you don't take up any room on the inside entry. Plant something that grows vertical, like skinny bamboo, that will add color and privacy.

Because it is your entryway, I think one or two metal lanterns -- either hanging from above or screwed into a post -- would look more classy than stringing lights. Stringing lights makes me think of college parties. Like, there should be a permanent keg on your porch.

You could make a small faux cabinet to cover up the AC. Same idea as a radiator cover. It could still be functional as a shelf space. I would not put anything more than a very small bistro set here.

I actually think you should consider this weirdo fence to be a blessing in disguise-- I have a New York apartment with a patio that faces into about 700 other buildings and open windows with people's faces, noise and smells in them. I would kill for some outdoor privacy, so enjoy it!

But, definitely flowers, i think. Like big baskets that hang from the top of the fence with lots of wildflowers spilling out.

If anything, see if you or your landlord will repaint that black railing white or in the very least the gray of the trim. There is a LOT going on there even without any new additions.