Dear Homework,
Our ranch is a great family home, but it looks like so many other ranches in our neighborhood. We have considered new shutters, columns, front door and siding. We would love to make it unique to our family, but we need your advice!
Sincerely,
—Colonial Conundrum
Dear Colonial Conundrum,
I think we should give your home what I call an ‘Atlanta Makeover.’ The citizens of Atlanta love their classical homes, and they like them best with a strong dose of exuberance and swagger. We could change all of the items on your to-do list and, frankly, your home wouldn’t look much different. To create the changes you are looking for, stronger measures are necessary.
In Atlanta, homes achieve an engaging theatricality by interlacing bold architecture with equally strong landscape design. Here, a new entry portal, wider round columns, and a series of longer windows and doors with wider shutters give the long façade new power. These changes are supported by a new patterned drive court and more symmetrical, continuous landscaping, which work together to give the feel of a mini palace.
Color also is important. The brick has been painted white to bring a unity to the whole façade and allow the simple, classic details to ‘play’ with the sunlight. The new shutters are painted to match the gray roof. The existing turquoise front door and urns provide perfect uplifting accents that keep things from becoming too serious.
At the very least, painting the brick and completing the landscaping will lift your home up, but it is in the final, more architectural flourishes that the property becomes really special.
Thanks for asking,
—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.
