Dear Homework,
I am an admirer of your work. We are looking to update the exterior of our Frontenac home. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
—Flummoxed in Frontenac
I think you can update your contemporary-style home with a few simple upgrades. The biggest impact would come from painting the brick white, for a fresh new feel … but I have chosen to leave it alone to see if the other changes make enough impact for you without resorting to that rather drastic step.
First, I show creating a wider drop-off area for the driveway. Exposed aggregate concrete will blend well with the brick color of the façade, and it helps bring the rectangular geometry of the house into the landscape.
Next, I show adding four large, low, red urns in line with the façade to help reinforce the asymmetrical aspect of the composition and add a modern feel, especially with the bold, simple planting I’ve put in them.
A new asphalt roof with more character and texture would add depth to the architecture. The sketch also shows removal of the planting currently hiding the garage wing, and, on the left side of the house, the foundation planting is extended to stretch out the horizontal line of the existing shrubs.
These changes make the home feel more comfortable with its contemporary styling.
Hope that helps,
—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 .]