Appealing for Curb Appeal

Dear Homework,

I just bought my first house and really need help with curb appeal. Not sure when, but someone enclosed the front porch. Even though the extra space inside is nice, the outside needs help! What can I do to gain a front entrance again—something that matches the rest of the house maybe? I am on a budget, so would like a suggestion that doesn’t kill the bank.

—Thanks, Appealing for Curb Appeal

Dear Appealing for Curb Appeal,

I often receive requests like yours and wonder about the best way to answer them. I am going to suggest a three-tiered approach to possible changes to your home. You can judge for yourself how far you want to take things.

Phase 1 | The first scheme shows a landscape-only response that requires very little expense but packs considerable impact. The use of four large terra-cotta pots turns the very wide entry walk into an instant formal garden. Clipped boxwoods provide year-round foliage, while sweet potato vines and red geraniums add a feeling of abundance. An additional line of bright flowers underplant the existing bushes, drawing the eye horizontally and making the property appear wider. These modest changes give the home a more charming and ‘cared for’ feel.

Phase 2 | The next step adds additional architectural elements, including a bold canvas awning and a long flower box. The clumsily enclosed porch needs some modification, and these two elements are quick additions that draw the eye away from the unfortunate scalloped shingles. Add tall evergreens to frame the home and block the view of the neighboring backyards.

Phase 3 | The final step simplifies the detailing around the front door and replaces the weak Tudor gable detailing with a more appropriate Craftsman look. In addition, the entry walk is stained a charcoal gray to add a touch of elegance, while darker gray on the house adds a look of sophistication.

These changes can be done separately over time and require only modest skills. Taken together, they result in a more tailored appearance that makes the best of the home’s assets and shows homeowners with similar conditions an incremental approach to remodeling.

[HomeWork is penned by Paul Doerner, president, The Lawrence Group. if you would like your home critiqued, contact us at homework@townandstyle.com]