Dear Homework,
We bought this house about 10 years ago and have mainly focused on updating the interior. The neighborhood is fantastic, and we love the large lot, but it is now time to focus on the exterior and improving the curb appeal. Do you have some suggestions to make this house pop? Any recommendations are welcome.Sincerely,
— Pop this Property
Dear Pop this Property,
The easiest way to make this house pop is to shed its mid ’80s Colonialization (if that’s a word) and return it to its late mid-century architectural roots. My guess is that at some point a more traditional look suited the previous owners better, but the facade’s strong horizontal proportions and the shallow roof slopes don’t gel well with shutters, double hung windows and Colonial coach lamps.
I show how the facade could be treated, including some updates that are popular on modern designs today. Note that all the windows are casements clad in dark brown. The existing and new brick elements are painted a dark charcoal. New vertical siding is stained a redwood color as is a new entry courtyard fence. The remaining siding and fascia are shown in a dark putty. The line between the redwood color and the putty helps to accentuate the composition’s horizontality.
The landscape has been simplified with just a few carefully clipped horizontal hedges. A birch tree and two upright evergreens act as vertical accents at useful locations.
To my eyes, the house now looks the way it always should have. I hope it is not too dramatic a change in direction, but at least I got rid of the cream siding.
Thanks for the fun challenge,
—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.