People often dream of one day owning a big house. Sadly, I have seen too many big houses that, while spacious, lack character. Given the option, I choose character over size any day of the week. I am such a big proponent of homes that evoke emotions, not two wine cellars and a movie theater. I think the biggest challenge for people with big square-footage is how they bring it down to scale. My friend’s family in Atlanta has a beautiful big home, yet it has superb dimensions. When you see a large house that accomplishes that, there is a large chance there is someone with a very skillful eye as an occupant.

I love large homes, but I love character above all else. A home that has a personality, a whit, and a charm tends to have soft lighting, sweet shutters, and well-appointed landscaping. Curb appeal is real, and these sweet homes prove it. I think it is a great reminder as we start the week…

“ability may get you to the top, but character keeps you there.”- john wooden

 

A perfectly happy home that I took a picture of yesterday in my best friend’s neighborhood. Landscaping makes all the difference! Via The Potted Boxwood.

 

A beautiful Greenway Parks home in Dallas. Just look at that garden gate. Via The Potted Boxwood

An inviting yellow home with lovely shutters and ivy covers. Via The Potted Boxwood

A black garden gate leads you to the type of home you would want to grow up in.

Large potted boxwood and a pup that looks perfectly content sitting on the porch all day.

 

A plethora of flowers in window boxes, along the pathway, and on the home. A definite case of the more, the merrier. Wonderful! Photo by L.A. Brown Photgraphy

White house. four column entry, black shutters and lovely landscaping. My absolute favorite of them all.

Any type of espalier, climbing ivy, jasmine., etc….ALWAYS works. How enchanting is Cotswold Cottage!

A southern charmer.

A charming entry way. Just looking at this, you know that the occupants live well and happily. Via Country Living

Green is the best paint there is! Just fabulous! Via BHG

An old school house turned real house. What a great history and design. Via Country Living

I love the railings, long black shutter, and potted palms. Such a coastal southern ambience. Via Southern Living

Simple, classic, and always in style. Via Veranda

A white picket fence and very splendid landscaping. Potted Boxwood included. Via Southern Living

Hydrangeas cover this cottage that is fit for a New England coastal island. Via Homebunch

A steep eave and classical approach to this stone covered home. Via Traditional Home

An idyllic sweetness that makes you want to have a book, cup of tea, and an afternoon in the front garden.

A wisteria covered entrance that oozes casual chic curb appeal.