Dear Homework,
We moved to St. Louis a year ago and have done extensive remodeling on the inside. How can I bring this ‘charming’ old home that’s been added onto a few times into the 21st century? I envision a Craftsman-style home with new siding and a porte cochere to the garage area.
—Time to Reassess
Dear Time to Reassess,
Over time, some homes receive so many remodels and additions that the original essence of the house can be overwhelmed. In this case, your home has so many different roof forms (with differing angles) that the eye doesn’t know where to land. Some subtractions are in order.
By removing the front porch, the cupola and the shallow gable to the right, a simpler, cottage-like character starts to emerge. I think with some minor adjustments, we can give the structure the feel of a charmingly converted carriage house.
I would begin with a simpler roof at the front door. Support that with a bracket instead of columns. I would add long shutters to either side of the door to restate the blue accent color, and add a coach lamp to balance the bracket. Next, I would add two simple dormer windows to break up the largest roof surface and give it a more historic feel. To complete the carriage house feel, I would extend the stone wall forward, adding some light piers to frame the access to the garages.
To my eyes, the house now looks like it’s not trying so hard. It now has an elegant feel where the parts work together rather than against each other.
Hope that helps.
—Homework
[HomeWork is penned by Paul Doerner, president, The Lawrence Group. If you would like your home critiqued, contact us at homework@townandstyle.com]
