Dear Homework,
I have recently moved into a very interesting U-shaped ranch in West County. I have transformed the dated interior and now need to move to the exterior. I have two questions: the first is how to transform the front façade’s look from dull to dramatic with minimal expense. Next, I would like to add a pool house structure to the home’s standout feature—a courtyard with swimming pool. I would love to have a simple, elegant structure that would have sliding/stacking doors and a simple multiuse space. Could this look good? I’m also considering rebuilding the pool.
Sincerely,
—Exterior U-Turn
Dear Exterior U-Turn,
Your issues are so extensive that I have saved them for an Extra Credit column. Having a house surrounding a swimming pool in this area is truly unique, so I would like to be of help.
To begin with, your front façade is a bit tired, but there is a lot we can do without changing it totally. The focus should be on the front door. The arched frame looks so dated that I would like to start over. We need a bit of a vertical accent, so I would suggest a gabled porch that follows the existing roof shape and side walls that mimic the handsome new front door you’ve added. I also would use plantings to add additional verticality in the windowless corners. A low brick retaining wall with light piers helps keep the focus on the entry and drive drop-off. A coat of charcoal gray paint brings the final layer of ‘cool’ to the scheme.
The pool house will work well here because it reinforces the feeling of a courtyard. A simple gabled rectangle with huge folding doors and impressive night lighting will create a great effect. If you rebuild the pool, make it a simple rectangle and finish it off with a fire pit/fountain for maximum impact.
Let the parties begin!
—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.
