Dear Homework: I purchased this home recently and have been remodeling the interior. Now it’s time to start on the exterior. It was built in the ’50s and has not been well-maintained. I would like to relocate the front door from the right side of the front porch to the front of the house, where the large window with long black shutters is. The entry foyer will open into the house much better that way. Also, the large front yard has no landscaping—please help, as it is dreadful!
Sincerely,
—Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch
I understand your desire to relocate the front door, but your solution will look awkward. I suggest a more helpful architectural solution: make the entry a taller, wider element and then build retaining walls and a flight of steps to make it the main aesthetic focus of the home’s long façade. Attached shorter retaining walls tie the composition together and add a needed extra layer to the rather flat existing composition.
Next, I suggest turning the existing picture windows into French doors and making the secondary windows much taller. I would then paint them a dark brown to match the new color of the gutters, lamps and decorative urns.
At the moment, the house has the color scheme, shutters and decorative wrought iron columns of a New Orleans Colonial, but the ‘bones’ of a midcentury ranch. I think the structure most comfortably wears a contemporary look. To that end, I show a tan paint wash to tone down the Georgian brick color. Simple brick columns replace the wrought iron ones, while simple light fixtures and minimal window grids underscore the modern vibe.
A new brown circle drive gives purpose to the front lawn, and a simple landscape scheme works to enliven the new architecture. I think it could become rather impressive.
—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.