Dear Homework,
We purchased, remodeled and built an addition onto this classic Colonial five years ago. The original front door was not centered, too small and recessed. We thought adding on to the right side of the house, expanding the width of the front door and creating a covered porch would increase its curb appeal. Unfortunately, we feel the hip roof above the custom front doors hides the craftsmanship and does not make our house more appealing. Any suggestions for fixing this dilemma?
Sincerely,
—Domestic Dilemma
With a one-story home as long as yours (some of it extending well past the photograph), it is difficult to make a memorable composition without adding some height or emphasis around the main entry. In this case, you will note that I have added a brick tower element with a curved, copper canopy over your new custom wood doors. This allows some cover for guests, but also shows off the doors to better effect.
To the left of the entry tower, I also have added two new dormer windows. These three taller elements draw the eyes to this center section of the façade—where the attention needs to go. Without these elements, people search the length of the building for hints as to the entry location. Now they can find it.
From your photograph, it appears that the new wings have a slightly darker roof shingle than the central portion of the façade. When adding the new ‘second-story’ elements to the original area of the roof, this portion will need to be redone anyway, which will allow all shingles to match.
I also would point out that I think you are right not to add shutters to the façade. Since they wouldn’t really work on the living room’s very wide, arched, picture window or any of the upper windows, this allows all parts of the composition to be detailed equally.
I think the existing landscaping will mature in a way that will frame the house well, so the only thing I’ve changed is to upgrade the intensity at the entry by including a curved hedge, flower urn and flower bed. With these changes, your impressively long house has now become impressively handsome as well.
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.