Playing Catch Up

Dear Homework,
We recently moved into and renovated the interior of our home in Town and Country, but we are out of ideas for the front elevation. We have removed many overgrown yew bushes and cut back other plants. The shutters need replacing, and we have a bit of a deer problem. Can you help our exterior ‘catch up’ to our interior?

Sincerely,
—Playing Catch Up

Dear Playing Catch Up,
My first reaction to your photo was that your home sits a bit uncomfortably on its sloping lot, causing me to suggest something a bit drastic … cutting down the shade tree close to the facade. Once we have done that, we can build more architectural stone retaining walls that will enhance the formal feel of the symmetrical elevation. Other changes include new French doors with metal railings, wider shutters, bigger coach lamps and a much bigger (and centered) cupola at the garage. All the white trim goes to a slate green, and the shutters turn a blue/green to complement the orange brick.

The planting is kept simple and formal, including some espalier vines between the garage windows. To my eyes, the whole composition now comfortably presides over its surroundings.

Hope this is useful,
—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.