Seventh Ward New Orleans home uses landscaping to hide a boring cement high foundation.

Gentilly home brings the focus forward with a round bed in the front yard.

Home in Lakeview brings the attention to the curb and to the circular drive with attractive landscaping.

Small bushes or trees can hide the foundations below elevated first floors and even give privacy to porches. There are other methods of disguise, including a single large bush or tree on either side of stairs or a thick shade tree. A deep garden can hide the foundation and give you something pleasant to gaze upon from your porch or front windows.

But- who says you have to hide the elevation at all? Distract the viewer by planting away from the home. Draw attention to the curb or a spacious front yard or tree by planting in the yard. Corner houses can bring attention to a side yard. Edge a driveway or walkway with plants or draw attention to the home itself with large window boxes.