7 Ways to Hide the Ugly Things Your House Can't Do Without

Call them necessary evils: the utility boxes, septic tanks, and random receptacles that houses require for functional reasons. That doesn’t mean we like looking at them, though. To downplay the visual impact of those homely household helpers, check out the following brilliant disguises.

By Debra Immergut | Updated Nov 25, 2020 01:54 PM

Before: Blue Blemish

1/15
Recycling Bins

Recycling is a good deed (and it’s the law in many U.S. locales), but it does raise a question: where to put the extra bins needed to sort the trash?

theartofdoingstuff.com

After: Boxed In

2/15
Recycling Bin Covers

To add polish to her yard and a hiding place for the bright blue recycling containers, this homeowner fashioned a nifty cover from spare 2x4 boards that she had left over from building a chicken coop. She screwed it together and stained it an attractive dark brown.

theartofdoingstuff.com

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Before: Ghastly Gadgets

3/15
Utility Boxes

Our friends at the gas and electric companies don’t always have the greatest taste in gadgets. Their meters are pretty unsightly.


Related: 10 Money-Saving Gadgets That Pay for Themselves

remodelaholic.com

Afte: Clever Curb Appeal

4/15
House Numbers Idea

A neat, slatted screen comes together quickly with a brad nailer, plywood, and 2x4 boards—and even features the home’s address number as well. Before you attempt a similar project, be sure you understand your local utility company’s needs for clearance around and access to the meters.


Related: Lower Your Electric Bill with 11 Savvy Hacks

remodelaholic.com

Before: All Tangled Up

5/15
Hose Wound Up on the Ground

A garden hose gets tangled and dirty just lying like a snake in the grass, and detracts from your yard’s beauty.


Related: The 10 Best Buys to Make Yard Work No Work

thatsmyletter.blogspot.com

After: Get Growing

6/15
DIY Hose Storage

This homeowner built a neat wooden box to hold the hose, then topped it with a lid that features recessed planter. The flowering plants disguise the purpose of the container and add color to the landscape.


Related: 10 Totally Unexpected Things to Remake as Planters

thatsmyletter.blogspot.com

Before: Uncool Cooling Unit

7/15
Ugly Air Conditioner

This incredible hulk is a genius at cooling your home during the steamy season, but let’s face it: the rest of the year it looks pretty monstrous.


Related: New Front Doors Change Everything in 4 Entryway Before-and-Afters

house-pet.blogspot.com

After: No-See AC

8/15
Air Conditioner Screen

A creative use of segmented wood slats creates a truly eye-pleasing screened cover for the AC unit. Steel rods at each corner allow the screen to hinge and fold away for winter storage. This DIY project is a bit labor-intensive, but the results make it worth it.


Related: 10 Backyard Wood Projects for Total Beginners

house-pet.blogspot.com

Before: Beat Up Back Door

9/15
Ugly Back Door

On many homes, the utility meter sticks out like a very sore thumb. Whose home is painted that drab institutional gray, after all?


Related: 9 Bright and Bold Colors for Your Front Door

younghouselove.com

After: Camouflaged with Color

10/15
Backyard Deck

Simply take a cue from the chameleons and paint the box to match the surrounding wall. Suddenly, the offensive box just blends into the scenery. Use rust-resistant outdoor paint (and consider checking with your utility company before painting).


Related: Hard Sell: 7 Pretty House Colors That Scare Buyers Away

younghouselove.com

Before: Chipped Paint

11/15
Chipping Paint on Foundation

Painting a less-than-lovely cinder block foundation helps a little bit, but it’s not a long-lasting fix—and when the paint begins to peel, it can really detract from a home’s curb appeal.


Related: Before and After: DIY Facelifts for 8 Home Exteriors

akadesign.ca

After: Fresh Facade

12/15
Stone Veneer Foundation

A product called Ledgestone is designed just for spruce-up jobs such as this. It comes in easy-to-use sheets, but you’ll need a diamond blade saw to cut the edges to fit. Epoxy and a sealant keep the whole thing together.


Related: No-Fail Exterior Paint Colors

akadesign.ca

Before: Unsightly Septic Tank

13/15
Ugly Septic Tank

The concrete lid of a septic tank is definitely an eyesore in this otherwise verdant landscape.


Related: Curb Appeal to Steal from 12 Hollywood Homes

freshcrush.com

After: Secret Garden

14/15
Backyard Planting

This clever gardener covered the lid with mulch, which can be easily swiped to one side when access to the tank is needed. A few potted plants, surrounded by more mulch, and a pretty bird feeder top it all off. Guests will never know what’s lurking below.


Related: 11 Low-Cost Buys to Boost a Boring Backyard

freshcrush.com

Master of Disguise

15/15
7 Curb Appeal Ideas to Hide The Ugly Parts of Your House

Necessary evils don't have to look the part.

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