Dear Homework,
I recently moved into a kinda Tudor, kinda Colonial home that I would like to start updating. Since the first floor diamond-pane windows don’t match the second floor double-hungs, I don’t know what to do. Also, the landscaping is a mess, but my new neighbors say that the existing azalea is stunning. Do you have any thoughts?
Sincerely,
To Tudor or Not To Tudor
Dear To Tudor or Not To Tudor,
As you observe, your house is an unusual blend of Tudor and Colonial architectural elements. To help you decide which style your house should move toward, let’s take a look at what it would look like as a purer example of each.
In the end, the two new looks are very different, but both are much more impactful than the existing home.
Hope this helps,
—Homework
scheme 1
The ‘bones’ of this structure are basically those of a symmetrical, center hall Colonial. As you can see from the sketch, it’s fairly easy to take this somewhat confused composition and turn it into a handsome and convincing Colonial charmer. Note the addition of a more appropriate front porch, an elegant double flight of entry steps and two sets of French doors with Juliet balconies. Additional details such as new shutters, more formal landscaping and a flight of stairs to the sidewalk pull the whole picture together.
scheme 2
As you can see from this sketch, it’s fairly easy to turn a symmetrical scheme into a more ‘Tudor-appropriate’ asymmetrical one, with the addition of an off-center entry porch. By incorporating the beloved azalea into a new composition of brick retaining wall and stairs, the symmetry of the basic house is further eroded. Final details, such as the left side French window and window box, add to the Tudor charm. A revised landscape with tall evergreens helps to focus attention away from the neighboring homes.
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.