Dear Homework,
We love our 40s-era Georgian in Creve Coeur and recently re-landscaped the front yard. To our eyes, there is still something missing. Is the front door surround (which is rotted and needs replacing) too modest? Would a circle drive or parking area help? If it’s useful, we have two additional matching light fixtures that could be used on brick columns. How could we improve the first impression of our house without taking it over the top?
—Questioning in Creve Coeur
Dear Questioning in Creve Coeur,
I, too, have a soft spot for the architecture built between the wars and find your house to be a fine example of it. I particularly like the long windows with authentic shutters, tie-backs and hinges. I think you are right in your observation about your door surround—a larger and more detailed surround would better balance the whole composition. I show a taller and wider door frame that becomes the focal point of the façade. Adding wood trim is a quick and easy way to upgrade this feature without a costly porch, new sidelights or a transom window.
As for the landscape and driveway, if possible, move the two tall evergreens at the sides of the front stoop about a foot away from the front door to allow them to grow taller without blocking the home’s central section.
To aesthetically support these landscape features, a new circle drive with a widened parking area bordered by a low, curving yew hedge would make sense. Finishing the drive court with new brick light piers (utilizing your available light fixtures) allows the landscape to work in harmony with the refined symmetry of the architecture. To me, your initial observation about the ‘weakness of the front door’ is the fascinating aspect of your submission. It shows that homeowners can use their own eyes and sense of design to identify the weaknesses of a property and work through possible remedies.
Thank you for sending this in.
—Homework
[HomeWork is penned by Paul Doerner, president, The Lawrence Group. if you would like your home critiqued, contact us at homework@townandstyle.com]
