Dear Homework,
We just bought this house and think it needs help. It looks just like all the houses built in the early ’80s. It needs curb appeal and maybe a new door and porch overhead. What do you think?
—From Humdrum to Humdinger
Dear From Humdrum to Humdinger,
Your house is of a very popular type that was built from the ’70s to the ’90s. Its restrained Colonial styling appealed to many families, but today it seems a bit predictable and dull. If you want to upgrade its appearance without completely changing its character, I would suggest the following changes:
>> Add more color and texture by replacing the roof and siding. An architectural grade, slate-colored, asphalt roof will give the Colonial styling a more authentic feel and lend a color theme to paint the new cedar shake siding.
>> Add architectural interest and depth with a new cupola, wider shutters with hinges and tie backs, a wider door surround, and a raised center gable. These changes give the façade a feel that exudes quality.
>> Develop a bolder landscape scheme, starting with a new curved-stone retaining wall. This wall makes the house seem taller and meshes the landscape with the architecture. A composition of evergreen hedges, vertical evergreens and seasonal flowers works to make the home feel more welcoming and more architecturally important.
With these subtle but significant changes, your house could be a humdinger. Thanks for asking.
—Homework
[HomeWork is penned by Paul Doerner, president, The Lawrence Group. if you would like your home critiqued, contact us at homework@townandstyle.com.]