all I can think about lately is a dream house :) I want a house here in Tucson in a slightly southwestern style. I want to paint the outside something fun -- a bright, rusty orange or a deep pomegranite red. Or just have it be a tan color with colorful (red, turquoise) accents on the door and window frames. The inside would be a really open floor plan and I want all tile or wood floors. The kitchen either has to be retro (avocado and red-orange and taupe everything) with a fun retro table and chairs to match, or else it's going to be super southwest with red walls, bright blue tiling, mesquite/wormwood furniture, and of course, red chili party lights.
The best part will be the front and back yard, though. The front yard will have a small covered porch and there WILL be a porch swing. I don't know if I'd plant a lot in the ground, but I'd fill the walkway and front porch with potted plants of all sizes. And the front would be really welcoming -- I hate the new houses where the entire front is a driveway and garage, with the front door hidden in the back on one side.
The back yard will be a party/gardening paradise! I want a covered deck filled with party lights and candles everywhere, and lots of comfy chairs for people to sit on. I'll have a grill and maybe a mini-bar and we will have parties and dinners all the time out there. Again -- lots of potted plants. And a saguaro would be nice. Behind the deck will be a fabulous veggie/herb garden. I think I'd do boxed gardens for these and follow the guidelines of
square foot gardening. It would have tons of herbs, carrots, tomatoes, greens, peppers, and garlic. And providing partial shade would be some fruit trees -- lemon, orange, and lime. I'd want a nice little walkway going through the garden (I imagine two rectangular above-ground boxes on either side) and large rocks and chairs throughout to sit on. I'd have sun jars in the back to light things up for night gardening.
sigh! if only!