Dear Homework,
We remodeled our University City home 20 years ago, and it’s time for a second round of improvements. We would like a fresher look to give it a new level of elegance. We need new windows and are open to painting the brick. We would like your analysis before moving forward.Sincerely,
—Ready for Round Two
Dear Ready for Round Two,
My initial response was that this is already a great-looking house. It has a nice, long, elegant façade with carefully manicured landscaping. Painting the brick would make a dramatic difference, and it could change the look from sort-of Georgian to Mediterranean, which better suits the horizontal lines and casement windows. Pairing white painted brick with dark bronze windows, gutters and shutters will create a bold, simple look with new drama and elegance.
Beyond this, I would like to reverse some past remodeling features. The front porch does not have the reserved and classically correct detailing of the rest of the façade, so it should go. A simple, arched brick porch and centered carriage lamp reinforce the new Mediterranean feel. Additionally, the six arched panels over the French doors need to be removed and replaced with more ’20s-era detailing. Since the two windows on the left of the façade are not actually arched, the panels should be discarded.
I love the carefully clipped rows of evergreens along the entry walk. I would add vertical evergreens and ground cover to increase their impact. Frame the façade with two tall, pyramidal evergreens and add low ground color to allow the full length of the French doors to be seen. A pink dogwood and ornamental grasses soften and differentiate the asymmetrical portion of the façade on the left. These changes make the handsome elevation look fresh and striking yet classic.
Hope that 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.
