Dear Homework ,
I have lived in this 1904 home in the Central West End for about a decade, and it’s time for needed maintenance, including a new slate roof and copper gutters, exterior painting and possibly new high-wood trim. I would love a critique and suggestions for improving curb appeal.
Sincerely,
—Historic Jewel Needs Polishing
Dear Historic Jewel Needs Polishing,
I always open a reader’s submission before I read their comments. I like trying to identify what I see as the home’s weaknesses before I find out what the owner thinks. When I opened this submittal, I thought, “This house is beautiful—what could they want me to do with it?” This is a stunning piece of architecture. It is thoughtfully landscaped and beautifully maintained. I have some thoughts on the paint color issues you brought up.
Pick colors by looking at the existing architecture for clues. In this case, we see a muted palette of buff and gray. I think the buff color used for the cornice and window trim is perfect and would leave it alone. Some of your other existing window and door frames are painted black, which lends an air of urbane sophistication to the property.
I suggest changing the slate roof to have a balance of blue/gray, maroon and green/gray slates. This will give a more romantic feel and provide new colors to re-use elsewhere. Switching out the louvered shutters for a more Northern paneled look and then painting them the blue/gray color adds a degree of charm to the façade while still feeling appropriate.
When I first drew this, I left all the shutters off. I thought it would look better; instead, it looked bland. But it did look right with the shutters on the second floor only, so that is what I show. Finally, I have painted out the window mullions on the dormers black. The lower windows have no divisions, so this helps the upper dormer divisions disappear.
Hope that helps.
—Homework
[HomeWork is penned by Paul Doerner, president, The Lawrence Group. If you would like your home critiqued, contact us at homework@townandstyle.com]
