Ready To Invest In Pretty

Dear Homework,
We have a house in Frontenac that needs a new roof, siding and trim. The squirrels and birds have enjoyed our home as though it’s made of gingerbread! Since we are replacing so much, I would love your opinion on how to make it pretty and inviting. The buff brick, dark siding and landscaping could all get an upgrade.

Thanks for your input,
—Ready to Invest in Pretty

Dear Ready to Invest in Pretty,
You can create a total transformation of your home if you redo the areas you mentioned. I advise using lighter colors, adding charming architectural details and planting a restrained, formal landscape. These changes will give your home an inviting, French country elegance that its existing symmetry and Mansard roof hint at.

If you start with a new roof featuring slate colors, most of the dreary dark brown will be replaced with a lighter surface. Painting the upper window trim and wide band above the ground-floor windows a buff color improves the proportions and impact of the entire façade. New architectural details such as slate green shutters, window boxes and a new copper roof entry vestibule add elements that underscore the French country vibe.

A new landscape of clipped evergreen hedges framed by tall upright evergreens adds a simple, more coherent presentation that pulls the whole composition together. I think it all looks much more inviting and “pretty.” I hope you do, too.

Thanks for asking,
—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.