Dear Homework,
My husband and I love the neighbors and convenient location of our U. City home. Now that our children have moved out, we think it’s time to hit the refresh button. We need to remove the struggling dogwood and the dying sycamore at the edge of the driveway. We are also considering reinstating the former walkway from the front steps to the sidewalk. That said, our main question is about the style our renovations might take. To our eyes, the house is rather drab; what suggestions do you have?
Sincerely,
Unclear in U. City
Dear Unclear in U. City,
I understand how decades of living in the same residence can make one a bit blind to its possibilities. To my eyes, your all-brick home presents a unique opportunity to delve into several aesthetic directions. You will notice, though, that all three schemes remove the sycamore, add the new walkway and replace the dogwood with some vertical evergreens that help block the view of the house on the left. Leaving those issues constant allows us to study the aesthetics of the façade in isolation.
[scheme I]
This version enhances the home’s Mediterranean architectural features. The wide roof overhang has been augmented by the large wood brackets characteristic of fine Italian buildings. In addition, new stone balusters, coat-of-arms details for the blank arched areas, and a new coach lamp add supporting details that reinforce an Italianate feel. A tan paint wash ages the home, again making it feel more Mediterranean.
[scheme 2]
The next version paints the structure white and adds black shutters, which give the façade an urbane feel. Versailles-type planter boxes ornament the entry terrace, and a new copper roof at the front door adds drama. A new coach lamp is placed between the French doors. The overall impression of this scheme is totally different from the current residence. Different colors, of course, could be used, but these create the greatest contrast with the present façade (and with the next-door neighbors).
[scheme 3]
The final design takes the property into a more Georgian direction. A new, columned and pedimented porch gives an elegant focus to the composition. Dark green shutters contribute to the Georgian feel, and new window boxes add an additional detail and a big dose of charm. In this version, a wood bench accessorizes the entry terrace.
All three of these schemes show ways to improve a drab home through many different initiatives. I hope these options open your eyes to your home’s potential.
–Homework
Homework is penned by Paul Doerner, president, The Lawrence Group. if you would like your home critiqued, contact us at homework@townandstyle.com.
