Looking for suggestions to modernize the exterior of my house
We're getting rid of the metal awning and satellite dishes, any other suggestions would be great, thanks!
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Lagree Wyndham on Jun 09, 2016Tough question. JMO you cannot get much more modern than black or gray for paint colors. Whatever you choose paint the trim around windows a different color than the shutters. Just me I would paint the door to something bright, say red or teal The one thing I would do is redo the plantings to the right of your entrance. Whats there now are out of shape and unevenly planted. Just my two cents worth. PS mulch around that dogwood, it will thank you.Helpful Reply
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William on Jun 09, 2016I like some of Lagree's ideas. Paint the door a deep rich color, burgundy, green, blue, etc. Paint the window trim a medium grey, and the shutters black. Create a raised bed on the sides of the stairs with multi colored landscape blocks. About three high. I would also create a circle of the same landscape blocks around the tree then mulch. If you can, install a brushed nickel finish light fixture to the right of the door.Helpful Reply
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Janet Pizaro on Jun 09, 2016I to can visualize a pop of color on the door. Once that is decided choose your trim and shutter color. I would definitely re-shape the front of the house with a small retaining wall and assorted plants. Once those are chosen I would also come in with some colorful annuals.I would cut the grass out by the tree and add some hostas,coral bells, or any other shade tolerant perennials.Helpful Reply
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MN Mom on Jun 09, 2016Yes, the classic white/charcoal/black combination always wins. I think a rich color on the front door would make it appear more sophisticated whereas a bright color more whimsical. Depends on the look you're going for. Definitely go for the raised gardens as suggested by @William and add some mulch around the yard plantings. You've got a great canvas...can't wait to see the update!Helpful Reply
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Lori Jackson on Jun 09, 2016How about softening the edges by letting go of the hard pruning and letting things be a bit rounder?Helpful Reply
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Ray Phillips on Jun 10, 2016I would go with an 8" deck from 1 end to the other paint the door a bright red along with shutters trim the windows black. and as Lagree mulch around the tree.Helpful Reply
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Rosemarie on Jun 10, 2016If you are looking for a bit more contemporary look, I suggest painting the shutters a medium to darker gray. Keep the trim white, color of your choice on the door. If you can't put a stone raised bed to the left of the door, just as your local nursery what they suggest as foundation plants. There are so many that will mound up and are perennial. This house looks great and a change of color can make it traditional or a bit modern. Good luckHelpful Reply
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Nancy on Jun 10, 2016Actually I like the color of your shutters but I also understand wanting a change. I like the ideas suggested here. Color to the door, softer bushes flowering plants (color). I really like the idea of adding some type of deck, nothing too big something a little different unique maybe even wrapping around the corner to the left so it might go from the smaller area in front under the window around the left side of the house. Good luck! By the way, I like your house.Helpful Reply
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Cathy Stuart on Jun 10, 2016Find yourself a landscaping student. They work with different programs where they can change the colours easily, design gardens and give ideas without the expense of trial and error. (They need the experience). I have a friend that charges about $100 to do this type of design and that way you can see the changes ahead of time.... and you can do all at once or a little at a time.Helpful Reply
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Kathy on Jun 10, 2016I'd paint the house a warm taupe, and the shutters and trim dark hunter green, or black, or possibly even a muted dark red. Paint the inside front door one of those colors, but not the same as the shutters. Is the storm door necessary? If not remove it, or update it to an almost completely glass door. Add a nice kickplate to the inside door. Front doors can totally change the look of a house. Some differing heights in the shrubbery bed would be great, and make the planting on the other side be similar in size. Soften the hard edges on the corner of the hose nearest the driveway with either a taller evergreen or, preferably a flowering tree. Weeping cherry, or something similar. And as others have mentioned mulch always gives a yard an update. Is that a flower box under the picture window? Fill it up with flowers and put in somethings which will overhang the box. I'd even consider flower boxes under the other windows, which will bring the bottom of those windows "down" somewhat. Cute house ! Have fun with it.Helpful Reply
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ELISA LENZ on Jun 10, 2016Window boxes to extend the size of the windows on the right which look too small. Solar lights along the sidewalk to the porch. Bird bath on the right for balance. And flowers, flowers, flowers.Helpful Reply
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Linda duggan on Jun 10, 2016I agree with Elisa. But I'd get longer shutters to match the height of the big window. The window boxes could fit under the windows and between the extra shutter lengths that extends below.Helpful Reply
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Susanmarvin on Jun 10, 2016what about a patio area with a bench and chairs with a lot of flowers and greeneryHelpful Reply
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C on Jun 10, 2016Window boxes under smaller windows would balance the look more. Or add a painted trellis in between the two windows on the right. Add non-invasive ivy or colorful blooming vines that will climb up the trellis. Create a simple open deck where the left window and door are (all the way over to include your mailbox), by using cinder blocks, either doubled up or turned on their sides laying down, as a base and add rows of boards on top. Waterproof it and you have a nice simple inexpensive deck. Use flower boxes along outside perimeter of the deck to hide the deck base and create color or fill with greenery. Or just plant shrubs along the outside of deck. You can also use cinder blocks, or large planters (or build your own box base) and add 2x4 boards across to create easy seating along top of deck edging and to give it an enclosed look. Add a small trellis (2-3 ft out from window) over left window to replace awning removed and hang a couple window framing flower pots or vines. Add two black elegant porch lights on each side of front door, along with two potted green plants on each side of door (will have room if you create a deck first) to create a nice bold accent to your entrance. A soft moss green or a softer, smoky, grey-blue on windows/trim would give your home a beautiful French country look. Paint a trellis to match shudders or use a deeper matching color for accent.Helpful Reply
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AndradeTea on Jun 10, 2016Window boxes would be a lovely addition. My uncle has a white house with black trim and it looks so crisp and fresh!Helpful Reply
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Linda on Jun 10, 2016I think that it depends on how much money you have for this project. The house paint looks to be in good shape so I'd probably just re-landscape. Those four little boxed plants don't add interest. Use some variety of heights and colors. Love your tree; you might want to add another. I think you might be surprised what great landscaping does for a house.Helpful Reply
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Kathleen on Jun 10, 2016How about painting your shutters charcoal to go with the roof. And the trim also. Does your tree bloom in the Spring? If not pick one that has flowers in the Spring. Believe me they dont bloom very long but when they do Wow. Crab Apple. Can anyone think of the one with white flowers or pink? Cute house though. You will miss your awning if you remove it. Charcoal would be better. Unless you dont get a lot of sun in the afternoon.Helpful Reply
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Roxann on Jun 10, 2016The the roof over your front door? Extend that out, sort of a pergola. Remove those small steps and and a front deck. The picture doesn't look like it is too tall. But the deck could be two levels that extends out into that side of the house. Then a little bit of landscaping around the edges.Helpful Reply
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Kathy Lovenburg on Jun 10, 2016After watching Fixer-Upper on HGTV, Joanna tends to stick with various shades of gray. Go to a paint or hardware store and get some samples and look at them outside pick 2 or 3 that you like and buy samples--paint a 2x2' section of each color. See which one you like the best! Then decide on a trim color. Landscaping---remove the bushes in front on the house -- replace with some smaller bushes. Some greenhouses/nurseries have services to help you design landscaping. Not knowing your budget or how many years you want to take and transform your home makes a difference. I would watch Fixer Upper to get some fresh ideas on homes built in different eras. Also look in Pinterest and this site for inspirational ideas to freshen your home đŸ˜‰Helpful Reply
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Its6268865 on Jun 10, 2016I like the previous answer with the window boxes. Also, the trim painted black and new black mulch around the tree would be nice touches. I really don't think the shaped bushes are very attractive. Replace them with some that have multi-colored leaves or some that have some small blooms to add some color. Don't forget to choose plants that have some variety of height and texture. The house looks well taken care of, neat and tidy. It just needs a little color to give it some personality!Helpful Reply
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J. Jacobs on Jun 10, 2016First of all you have a nice home which is obviously very well maintained. Paint the door, window boxes, new shutter color, extension on roof over door all great ideas. Stay neutral but maybe add a pop of color with the door and window boxes. They are small items and if you don't like the color, you can always repaint them easily. Maybe add an edging of brick the same color as the ones on your steps along both sides of the walkway - this will pull the hardscape together. Add a few large rocks (varying sizes) under the tree for interest and I like the idea of black mulch too. It will give that whole area presence.Helpful Reply
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Liz Straughn on Jun 10, 2016Paint the shutters, awning and handrails green or black. Paint the door and mailbox a shade of red to complement the green or black. I'd pull out a couple (or all) of the shrubs and put in hostas that can tolerate the sun. Plant geraniums in between the hostas, but closer to the front of the flower beds. You can do the same on the other side, too. I'd also get some solar lights and put along the flowers/sidewalk. You could also put one of those large metal stars between the windows on the right side.Helpful Reply
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Lyn2398900 on Jun 10, 2016If you have the money, I would do what Roxann wrote. The front entrance needs to be larger. It would be such an improvement! Your house is cute!Helpful Reply
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Jackie Hendricks on Jun 11, 2016I would leave the white, shutters most any shade of gray, lose the big bushes and replace with ornamental grasses with height (in time) along with larger perennials in between. If you use that entry frequently, you will want some kind of roof to replace awning. A gabled roof there would not be too expensive and provide protection from the weather. Paint the door above all else. Forget red - that color is overdone. A teal or green would be lovely.Helpful Reply
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Gina Maylone on Jun 13, 2016I would lose the shrubs and do something like you did on the other side of the door. Paint the railings to match whatever color you paint the shutters. Some fancy numbers for your address and perhaps line your sidewalk with plants/flowers. Please post after pictures!Helpful Reply
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Juli on Jun 15, 2016Thank you everyone so much for your advice. It has been incredibly helpful! We painted the shutters a dark grey, the door is a really pretty blue and built a raised flower bed for under the window on the left. We also removed the awning. Next step is landscaping to jazz up the place. I will make sure to post an after photo!Helpful Reply
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