Dear Homework,
We love the great style you always bring to the projects people send you, and we hope you can help us with some decisions. We recently had a lot of hail damage to our roof, shutters and the top of our bay window; what do you recommend to increase the curb appeal of our house? We plan to stay long-term and hopefully to add on to the house in the future.
Thanks so much,
—Ready for a New Look
Dear Ready for a New Look,
I think your house looks pretty good to begin with, but I would like to make two observations: the first is that the center arched window looks like it has been retrofitted with a somewhat unfortunate rectangular unit. Second, the facade is slightly asymmetrical and would look more convincing if it were even more so.
That said, you will notice new plantings at the edges of the façade are balanced but different, playing up the asymmetry. They also help keep the focus on your home rather than on neighboring properties.
Regarding the top arched window, you will see that I have put in a real arched unit with appropriate muntins. Beyond that, I perhaps got a little carried away and drew a much more elaborate doorcase to show a way of making the overall presentation more distinctive.
Hope that helps,
—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.
