Dear Homework,
We would like to improve the appearance of the front of our house, which is dominated by a garage door. We live in a subdivision of similar homes, so we also don’t want our house to look too different from our neighbors. A better looking garage door seems an obvious starting point, but what else might you suggest?Sincerely,
—Asking for a Modest Proposal
Dear Asking for a Modest Proposal,
As you mention, a carriage-style garage door would add a new level of charm and detail worthy of such a prominent element. Painting it the dark green of the shutters will help it blend with the house portion of the façade, as well as tone down the stark whites of the current situation.
Additional detail changes include a wider porch column, round attic vent and new coach lamps—all noticeable upgrades that don’t change the look too much. It would also be helpful, in softening the impact of the garage wing, to bring some landscape interest to that element. To that end, large terra cotta pots brimming with color now frame the garage door, as well as the porch column. These changes allow the garage façade to read the same as the rest of the house rather than having a façade of two disparate parts. New ornamental grasses fill out the existing planting beds, pulling the whole scheme together.
Sincerely,
—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.
