Dear Homework,
We purchased an older ranch on an acre lot with lovely updates on the interior, but it also needs an exterior renovation. We would love to see some elevation changes, higher windows and better street presence. Any tip(s) would be appreciated.
—Enhance Our Ranch
Enhance Our Ranch,
Your home has many assets. With its ample yard, brick façade and rambling plan, it can claim many of the assets of a handsome home. To me, its main weakness is at the center of the composition, so that’s where I would like to focus.
Your note mentions the possibility of raising the height of the windows, which I think would be very helpful in the main central gable. Doing this allows me to align the gable ridge with the center of the new, taller box bay window, giving the composition its much-needed dominant element. The adjacent entry porch receives a new arched opening and larger column to increase its prominence. A new drive court helps connect the house to the landscape.
The existing black window frames and shutters give the façade a sophisticated look that I think is improved by painting the white trim a slate green color. Final changes include removing the flagpole and creating a more continuous flow of foundation planting to tie the composition together.
Now, your already-nice house has a more complete and pulled-together look.
Hope this is useful,
—Homework
[HomeWork is penned by Paul Doerner, president, The Lawrence Group. If you would like your home critiqued, contact us at homework@townandstyle.com]
