Dear Homework,
My husband and I bought this home four years ago. I wouldn’t even have walked in, based on what the front looked like; however, the interior and backyard have everything we need. We love the English Tudor look and are also fans of French Country. I have painted the top to make it more classic Tudor (the old colors were awful). Now what? The back has some nice gables. The home has been added onto on both sides and in back. The front porch and pillars belong to a much smaller home. Please help!
— Desperately Seeking Tudor
Dear Desperately Seeking Tudor,
To begin with, I think your house looks pretty good. You have chosen a classic Tudor color scheme, and your foundation plants are properly scaled and grow together to create a continuous, flowing presentation.
The improvements need to happen in the details. As with most ‘period’ houses built after the ’40s, the historic details that would give your home character need strengthening. First, all of the wooden, half-timbered trim on the second floor needs to be much wider to feel authentic. Also, as you point out, the porch columns are not visually up to the task and need to be wider as well.
Next, I would install a new roof with more color, variegation and texture, as well as a new stained-wood front door with hammered metal hinges and Tudor details. The final changes are seen in the fences to either side of the house. By introducing brick piers and wood fencing stained to match the half-timbers, the fences become part of the architecture and add supporting details that enhance the Tudor feel.
The landscaping is basically fine, but I show trimming the lower branches of the shade trees to open up the view and adding some window boxes.
The house now has the charm you sensed was missing. Good luck with your improvements.
—Homework
[HomeWork is penned by Paul Doerner, president, The Lawrence Group. If you would like your home critiqued, contact us at homework@townandstyle.com.]
