Hmm, not sure about the ctrl thing. Haven't quite figured it out yet. I'm level 14 now and play on normal and hard.
I've figured out how to place things outside your house if you want. Just push the item towards wall when in placing mode, let go, push it tiny bit more and inch it through.

Sometimes its best to push all the way out when its halfway through. :P
Pretty much that's good for if you want pots outside your house or something. I have a plant on my balcony. ; )