Dear Homework,
How can we turn this ’80s beauty into a 2015 cutie? More brick, stone, siding—or all of the above? Please help!Sincerely,
—Trapped in the ‘80s
Dear Trapped in the ’80s,
At the moment, your house has the feel of a contemporary farmhouse, and I agree that the diagonal wood siding does give it a look that (perhaps justifiably) has not been popular for three or four decades. That said, it does provide a perfect background for some upgrades that can carry it into the next 40 years in style.
Since you seem open to it, I would remove the existing siding and replace it with cedar shake shingles, stained gray. You also seem open to additional brick, which I would deploy in the form of a bold, new chimney and long garden wall. These new elements give the façade much needed ‘oomph.’ I would then whitewash the brick to help it blend better with the gray cedar.
New supporting details, such as a new box-bay in the living room, new dormer windows, lantern piers and an arched opening at the porch intensify the details and move the façade into the ‘classically handsome’ territory that should always be in fashion. Finally, a new circular drive and upgraded landscaping add the finishing touch to a much altered and improved composition. Your ’80s charmer has definitely been given a second wind.
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.]
