We all have that home or business we drive by and silently envy. Whether its the building or the landscaping curb appeal makes a big impact on our unconscious judgment of homes and businesses. Do you want to make your home one that people remember, are inspired by or just silently envy? Do you want to make passerby notice and remember your business before ever coming inside? Boosting curb appeal doesn't have to be a huge expensive undertaking, it just requires smart use of what your property already has going for it.

Create an Area of Interest

A surefire way to boost your homes' appeal is by adding an external structure that will serve as a point of visual interest. A great example of this are homes that feature pergolas near the front of their yard or attached to the home. Pergolas are stately and never go unnoticed. A sleek white structure that extends or adds on to the home will draw interest and boost your home's value. If a pergola is too much of a change to your home's structure consider a much simpler arbor. Arbors come in a variety of styles and can be customized fully ensuring you have a structure as unique as your home. This structure adds a whimsical element to an entryway instantly pulling the space together.

Create a Memorable Entry

The entry to any building sets a tone - if patrons see old, un-maintained fencing or a creaky gate you are putting them in a negative headspace before their encounter with your business even begins. If overhauling the facade and landscaping is too pricy or unrealistic a good place to focus your attention (or begin a larger project) is the entrance. Simple improvements like replacing old fencing and adding a new gate can go a long way. Smaller touches also don't go unnoticed - think planters and window boxes with season flowers and a lantern on a sturdy lantern post lighting up the walkway. In conjunction with simple garden maintenance you can make any home or business look welcoming. Larger structures like pergolas make great entryway additions as well and can be customized to create a one-of-a-kind impact.

Maintain Your Investment

You could spend thousands overhauling the exterior of your home or business but if you don't maintain your new hardscape or landscaping it will go back to looking dull pretty quickly. Luckily Walpole structures made with the state-of-the-art AZEK cellular vinyl material are virtually maintenance free! This material has the look and feel of real wood without the decay, splintering, chipping and weather related damage. AZEK structures are installed and will never need to be repainted or repaired (under normal conditions). The occasional cleaning will help with seasonal accumulation (pollen, leaves) but your structure will look the same as the day it was installed years later.

What exactly is architectural interest and why should I care? Simply put architectural interest or architectural detail is simple additions to the structure of your home to make its construction more dynamic and interesting. Adding more architectural detail can take a simple space into one with enormous charm and curb appeal. Small touches can make a space look more unique and pleasing to the eye. Generally to add this interest you work with the structures and angles that already exist on the interior and exterior of your home. Adding some architectural interest to the exterior of your home can really change the look of your space and provide a boost to curb appeal. 

Trellis Systems

A great way to add architectural interest to your homes' exterior is with a trellis system. A trellis is an architectural system that uses clean lines to frame entryways, windows and provide space for climbing plants to flourish on your home. Many homeowners add trellis systems over doorways or windows to heighten the otherwise generic looking space. Trellis systems can add a ton of charm to the exterior of any building with simplicity. 

Architectural Elements

There are many other elements you can utilize when adding architectural interest to your home. You can opt to add stylish raised window panels to enhance the look of your windows. Dentils are also a great way to add some interest to your home. The custom vinyl moldings add a touch of unique detail to cornices. Other architectural upgrades include cellular vinyl fascia boards, rafter tails, corbels, and custom pillar posts. Some large additions can include lovely attached pergolas or entryway structures. 

Give the gift of a great first impression! This holiday gives your friends and family a gift they, and their guests, will see every single day - a custom Walpole door knocker! Walpole doorknockers are beautifully crafted and one of a kind, taking the shape of classic elements like sailboats, pinecones, and seashells. A door knocker is the perfect gift - it will add class and style to your friend's or family's home without having to know their size or favorite color! From scallops to sailboats to pine cones to the ubiquitous pineapple, Walpole's doorknockers make a handsome and welcoming adornment. Our door knockers are sand cast in solid yellow or red brass and lacquered for tarnish resistance. Mounting hardware is supplied for use on wood, metal, or fiberglass composite doors. Here are a few of our classic door knockers. 

Deep Sea Scallop Door Knocker: 

These hand cast door knockers are sand cast in solid yellow or red brass and lacquered for tarnish resistance. Mounting hardware is supplied for use on wood, metal or fiberglass composite doors. Yellow Brass 6 3/4" dia.

Nantucket Basket Door Knocker: 

Bring a bit of picturesque Nantucket to your front door with this finely crafted door knocker. Made of brass this unique piece will add a lovely touch to your home's exterior decor.

Pinecone Door Knocker: 

The pinecone is one of nature's best decorations, adorning the trees and grass with their unique shape and beauty. Bring that natural beauty to your front door! Made of brass, the Walpole pinecone door knocker looks like the real thing, coated in a beautiful brass finish!

Pineapple Door Knocker:

Sand cast in solid yellow or red brass and lacquered for tarnish resistance, this charming piece would look perfect on your front door, for all to see and use!

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When designing an outdoor area or building facade for a client or a project a lot of thought goes into the functionality of each structure. Will it last? Is it strong? While keeping that in mind, think more about the details of the project - Is this striking? Will this create a positive association in people's memories? A great way to accomplish both is by utilizing lattice panels as both decorative and functional structures.

Privacy Screening

Custom lattice has a unique way of creating a more private space while also not making a space feel suffocating. Clients have used lattice panel fencing, custom large-scale lattice pieces and even lattice fence toppers to create breathable areas of privacy. Rooftop gardens, pool areas, storage enclosures and courtyards have all been improved with beautiful and low-maintenance Walpole lattice panels and fencing. Large scale projects are also a great way to introduce some natural elements into the design of a building or outdoor area. Just coax some ivy or another climbing plant and any outdoor area is bright to life. 

Areas of Visual Interest

Creating a beautiful lasting memory is the goal of any designer or developer. A classic way to do this with an outdoor space is to utilize standard or decorative lattice panels. Panels can be custom made in any size and can be attached to bare walls or freestanding. Lattice panels provide an almost limitless number of opportunities to be creative in a specific area of the garden - with spectacular results. The custom Lattice Arch shown here was handcrafted for a function facility and serves as an appropriately charming backdrop for treasured photographs. 

Enhancing Architecture

While beautiful in a garden, lattice panels don't always have to be where nature is. Adding symmetrical panels to either side of an entryway is a great way to create some visual interest at the first point a visitor is in contact with your space. Made with a long lasting, maintenance-free, solid cellular vinyl, Walpole lattices are fully customizable to truly fit the aesthetic of your building.

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Adding some charm and interest to your home or garden doesn't have too be difficult or even too expensive. You can go big or small with something geometric or with romantic curves. Custom lattice panels come in all shapes and sizes and fit into almost any home or garden setup. If you can dream it we can do it!

Small Attached Pieces

Small lattice panels are a great way to add a little interest to a bare wall attached to the exterior of a home, garden enclosure, shed or garage. You can go with something simple and rectangular like the Standard Decorative Lattice Panel or something more custom that is built to match your exact spec. Each piece can be made to order in any size that you need to complete your project and each solid cellular lattice panel is finished in white but can be painted any Sherwin Williams vinyl safe color to best suit your needs.

Large Free-Standing Pieces

A little creativity goes a long way. We've helped customers bring their unique visions to life by crafting the intricate large-scale free-standing lattice structures in their imaginations. Each structure serves a unique purpose whether it be a visual statement, fence or a privacy screen. Lattice panels provide an almost limitless number of opportunities to be creative in a specific area of the garden - with spectacular results.

Historical Replication Lattice

Preserving the look and feel of a historical location is important when renovating. Walpole has worked with numerous clients to craft lattice panels that maintain the historical appearance of old, treasured buildings. In 2013 a New York City customer sought Walpole's help in replicating an historical lattice motif for their rooftop garden at a location originally built by Fred F. French in the 1920s. This distinctive lattice was handcrafted in cellular PVC, so the apartment owners will have little maintenance concerns for years as they enjoy the great looks of this classic presentation high above the bustling metropolis.

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What says "thank you mom" like a gift for the home or garden?! This Mother's Day surprise mom with a gift for the home or garden - one that she will see and use everyday. From birdhouses to garden helpers, you can't go wrong with a gift from Walpole Outdoors.

Birdhouses

A great gift that will get plenty of use all spring and summer is a classic birdhouse. Whether she likes to birdwatch or just likes adding whimsical touches to her outdoor spaces you are sure to find a piece she will love. One of our classic houses is the adorable Lazy Hill Large Shingled House. Our selection of Lazy Hill birdhouses are made in the USA from vinyl and wood. If you are looking for something with some modern touches try the Lazy Hill Ultimate Martin House. Fabricated in solid cellular vinyl, the homes have a roomy interior and handmade copper roof. Shop our range of birdhouses online or at any Walpole Outdoors showroom.

Kitchen Garden Tools

If mom is an avid gardener (or even a novice) she would really appreciate a piece from our collection of cedar garden tools and helpers. A great simple gift would be our Garden Hod Basket to use carrying tools while she works or as a basket when picking flowers or foods to bring in the house. Versatile and adorable, this garden helper truly lends a hand. Another great gift is the Suburban Gardener's Bench. This attractive wood bench setup is the perfect place to store tools and function as a workstation for repotting and transplanting. This setup would work perfectly outside near the garden or inside a potting or storage shed.

Wind Chimes

Make the wind sing with a beautiful wind chime. This is a great gift for Mother's Day if mom spends a lot of time on the patio, in the garden or just has the window open in the spring and summertime. Each wind chime is finely crafted with a personality all its own. A great example is the Pinecone Wind Chime; an iron chime that embraces the sights and sounds of nature. The pinecone blends in with nature producing an enjoyable sound. If you are looking for somethings little more classic looking then the Harbor Bells Wind Chime would be an excellent choice. Designed and produced here in the USA.

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Though it may not feel like it, we are well into spring. You may not think it's warm enough to get your garden in shape but there are many ways to get your early spring garden in order.

Get Weeding

The first and most important thing you can do is weed your garden and yard. After months of snow and intense storms if you live in the Northeast your garden is going to be a mess. Grab your tools and gloves and spend some time doing a thorough weeding of the area you will be using to plant this year. This may be a good amount of work so break it up and work on small areas at a time so you don't hurt your back.

Prepare Your Soil

The cold wet winter can really suck the nutrients out of your soil. Early spring is a great time to start tending to the soil since it is unlikely to freeze again. First start by tilling the soil about 8 inches deep where you are planning to plant. Remove all rocks and debris that may have found its way over during the winter. After cleaning you will want to add some nutrients in the form of some kind of fertilizer. If you have a compost now is the ideal time to put it to use but you can also use store bought soil or add some coffee grounds to the dirt to add some needed nitrogen.

Get Seeds Started

If you can't wait to get planting and it is on the cold side then start your seeds indoors! Get a few seed trays or small containers and plant seeds now. Keep them by the sun and water them well and once the weather improves or you finally have the opportunity to spend some time in the garden transplant them.

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It's the season for gifting! If you have a homeowner or gardener in your life that takes pride in their home and yard we have a few gift suggestions this season. A gift for the home is personal. What we put in our homes and gardens is a reflection of our style and taste and also the home we want to make. But giving a gift for the home doesn't have to be difficult to be perfect. Small items can make a house feel like a home. From lanterns to planters to birdhouses and feeders finding a quality gift for the home is easy if you look in the right place.

Lanterns & Posts

A great gift item during the holidays is a lantern. Choose from dozens of styles that range from classic to nautical to contemporary. All you have to know is what style your friend or family would more appreciate and in what way they would be mounting it. If they are likely to put it by a walkway or driveway you will want to go with the post mount lantern. If they would prefer to add some light to the doorway go for a side-mount lamp. You can also go the extra step and purchase the post in which the new lantern will be mounted if you have an idea on the recipient's specific needs. 

Bird Houses and Feeders

A bird house is a charming gift that can bring joy through the spring, summer and autumn. All of our birdhouses are constructed either in natural white cedar or the long lasting wood alternative AZEK. The AZEK structures will fit in beautiful with nature without rotting or splitting like natural wood does over time or during weather events. The Lazy Hill collection of houses and feeders is one of our most popular and features dozens of handsome homes for the birds. 

Mailboxes & Posts

If you own or live in a home then you are always in need of a mailbox. A great gift for the holidays or a housewarming is a brand new mailbox. A mailbox is something you see each and every day so you might as well enjoy it. Choose from one of our beautiful sturdy boxes in a variety of colors. Each mailbox is ready to adhere to a post so you can get to using it right away.

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We may be headed toward winter but there is still time to enjoy the birds! A Lazy Hill bird house or feeder is a wonderful addition to any yard in pretty much any season. These high quality structures are stylish and durable creating a place for birds of all kinds to find food and shelter. And with a variety of styles there is a house or feeder to suit any home's decor. With the holiday season right around the corner Lazy Hill bird houses and feeders also make great gifts!

Bird Houses

Lazy Hill bird houses truly bring the charm. Crafted in Maine from the wood alternative AZEK each house is unique, low-maintenance and beautiful. One of our more popular birdhouses is the Lazy Hill Large Shingled Birdhouse that features a shingled roof, decorative finials and eight compartments for a family of birds. Each house is pre-finished white and ready to be mounted on a post, railing or on your fence.

Bird Feeders

Our selection of bird feeders is just as wonderful. Choose from large to small, shingled and rustic to sleek with copper or verde roofs. Each feeder has ample room for multiple birds to feed at once whether from a tube or from loose seed. A popular selection is the lovely Lazy Hill Small Tube Bird Feeder. This smaller feeder features a 4-inch acrylic tube for dry seed with a stamped copper shingled roof and an AZEK body. 

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Finding the perfect gift every year can be stressful. But what better way to celebrate your friend or family member who loves the outdoors than a piece they can appreciate for years and years to come. A great gift this holiday season is a Walpole bird house or feeder, a piece that your friends and family can enjoy all spring and summer long! Walpole bird houses and feeders come in a variety of shapes and sizes for all types of homes. We offer simple classic hanging houses and feeders to more ornate post houses and feeders depending on your taste and the look of your outdoor space. Birds will come flocking to Walpole Outdoors products strategically placed around your yard. Our more classic birdhouses are crafted in low maintenance AZEK cellular PVC - pre-finished white and have decorative finials. Bird feeders are crafted from clear polycarbonate and steel hardware to ensure long life. Ceramic birdbaths bring a daily splash of pleasure until your visitors fly south. And, with a handcrafted AZEK cellular PVC or cedar post, you can locate your birdhouse or feeder anywhere you choose. Houses and posts are sold separately. Place your house or feeder within sight of a window so you can watch the beautiful birds enjoy their new outdoor space! Here are a few suggestions...

Single Family Square Houses

A smartly crafted house with a great deal of room inside. At home in a yard where birds are always welcome. Painted white with color accents to match your choice of faux copper or verde finished metal roof. Small, 11 3/4"H, 8"sq. Medium, 16."H, 10 1/2"sq. Large, 22 1/4"H, 13 1/2"sq. Mini House Post Cap Decorative House

Yes it is possible to enhance the charm of a classic Walpole fence. Simply add a delightful bird house, designed to fit snugly and invitingly on a 5" sq. post. Equally appealing, of course, on a Lattice Obelisk. Painted white. Metal roof in copper or verde finish. 17"H, 9" sq. base.

Yankee Flipper Feeder

Birds love to eat from it but squirrels can't. When a squirrel steps on the perch, a connection is made with a motor that makes the perch spin and the squirrel is flipped off. Unit comes equipped with rechargeable nicad battery and a recharger. 4 qt. capacity. 21" H

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