Dear Homework,
Our home is located in a charming ’20s-era enclave in Olivette. We have completed many interior projects and now would like to tackle an addition and exterior refresh. We would like to move the existing garage forward and add a master bath above it. We also want to give the entire façade a Tudor feel and would like to create some guest parking as well. Having said that, we really don’t know how to pull it all off! Please help.
Sincerely,
—Asking a Lot
Dear Asking a Lot,
While I know that a proposed addition could give your home a more substantial feel, I originally was skeptical of producing a believable Tudor look, mostly due to the shallow roof slope. But your sketches helped quite a bit. By using numerous Tudor elements and playing up the existing asymmetries, we can make an interesting Tudor façade emerge.
You already have started adding small, dark brown windows to the façade, and I would like to continue that with the rest of the existing windows and all of the new ones. Next, I would replace the horizontal siding with wood and stucco ‘half-timbering.’ I would build a bolder, arched front porch and also use an arch over the new, carriage-style garage door. Shutters, overhead brackets, coach lamps, a window box and brick planter walls complete the design.
Exposed aggregate concrete parking by the front door and more urbane landscaping add the finishing touches. Not only does the house look more Tudor, it also looks completely different and more stately.
Thanks for Asking a Lot,
—Homework
Homework is penned by Paul Doerner, founding partner of The Lawrence Group. If you would like your home critiqued, contact us at homework@townandstyle.com.
