Dear Homework,
We want to remove the large shade tree to the right of our garage, which has made us wonder if there are some ideas you could suggest to enhance the early ’60s vibe of our house. The roof is new and the unfortunate vinyl siding is in fair shape. We wouldn’t mind widening the ‘one car’ portion of the driveway, and a more modern garage door appeals to us. Most of the landscaping could go, except that we like the small wisteria tree by the front porch. Finally, what do you think about removing the gutters and downspouts?
Sincerely,
—Raise Our House Out of the Gutter
Dear Raise Our House Out of the Gutter,
Thanks for the detailed submission. Let’s start with the gutters and downspouts. Since your house has very wide overhangs and the ground slopes away, I think the house would look much better without them. It would also allow us to paint the fascia boards a dark gray to blend with the roof, which will help give a more minimal feel. A new garage door with translucent panels will add to this aesthetic direction.
For some additional supporting details, a relocated brick mailbox, a new concrete drive with an interesting pattern and a bold red front door complete the architectural changes.
The landscape also could use some help. The Sweet Gum tree to the left and the Blue Spruce to the right frame the house perfectly, but the Burning Bush clump overwhelms the façade. Remove them and plant a continuous bed of liriope grass as a foundation for a new Japanese Maple, ornamental grasses and a red, abstract sculpture. New street trees frame the composition. I think your house now has a curated feel that raises its contemporary vibe far above the gutter.
Hope this inspires,
—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.
