Dear Homework,
We are looking to rebuild the front patio of our 1931 home. Over 24 years, we have lovingly restored every other component of our house, but the entrance needs extensive repairs. We like how the semicircular shape adds interest to the sharpness of the facade, but we are open to ideas. We’re wondering if we should incorporate lighting into the pillars and change the landscaping. Can you help us give one last face-lift to this ol’ girl?
Sincerely,
—Colonial Classic
Dear Colonial Classic,
Your home has great bones—nice materials and details. I especially like the working shutters and their slight misalignment, which lets you know that they are real.
I understand what you mean about the shape adding interest while softening the overall severity. I wonder if a delicate, curved, columned porch with a metal, mushroom cap roof might be a more effective way of bringing that interest to the entire façade. A curved terrace helps, but this is much more memorable.
As far as the landscaping, you basically have it right already, but if I were to change things, I would lower the horizontal hedges quite a bit to make the house look taller and put upright evergreens just past the corners for vertical accents. The ivy that you have edging the walkway and terrace works fine, but Liriope grass is another option. At any rate, thanks for taking such good care of the ol’ girl.
Hope this is useful,
—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.
