Dear Homework,
My husband and I recently purchased this 1920s Spanish Revival gem. It’s clearly been neglected for some time and in need of some TLC. How might you make it a little less Alamo and a little more Beverly Hills?
Sincerely,
—Revive My Revival
Dear Revive My Revival,
While your house does look a little forlorn at the moment, it has some great assets that we can work with. I love the long, asymmetrical composition and the abundant Mediterranean details. It also is nicely framed by a mature shade tree that sits high, so you can look up at it.
That said, the white stucco seems more than a bit stark in your winter photo. A more muted color will work better in our less intense Midwestern light.
As you will notice, I have added a dramatic double flight entry stair to give the composition some three-dimensional flair and some visual height. Hornbeam trees at the left block the view to the neighboring house, and a variety of foundation plantings gives a finished, welcoming look to the scheme. With the stucco painted a soft greenish-tan color and the window frames a traditional dark brown, your 1920s gem will sparkle in St. Louis as it would in Beverly Hills.
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.
