Marietta, GA on Sep 05, 2012

With a low budget, how can I turn a plain ranch house with vinyl siding into a country cottage look?

I plan to add board & batten shutters, window boxes, a cottage garden with a picket fence, and some container flowers on the front stoop, but what else can I do to the exterior with a limited budget?? Also, for color, I was thinking either white siding, black shudders, periwinkle color front door OR buttercream yellow siding, black or white shutters & front door. Any suggestions, feedback, reactins, helpful ideas?? Is this a possible goal or will it look like a purse from a sow's ear?Thanks in advance everyone.

13 Comments

Lori J Broken Bow, NE

An English cottage garden, a meandering path perhaps from repurposed cement chunks and an arbor. Now is the time to be walking the neighborhood, scoping out the gardens and being brassy...ask for permission to gather seeds and you may get lucky and find a generous soul who will divide a plant or two for you.

on Sep 06, 2012 · Like 2
Cindy Mink Winston Salem, NC

I like Lori's ideas, and I am all for adding color splashes to the house structure. I am blessed to have one of those neighbors right across the street from me. Honestly, I need to submit photos of her 'secret garden'. She is sharing flowers, seeds and even trees with me. She has the garden I've always longed for, and at 80 is still creating new things in her yard. So, yes, take the neighborhood tour, stop and ask questions, gush over the beauty you see and ask for ideas. Real ...»
gardeners are always excited about sharing cuttings, seeds and ideas!

on Sep 06, 2012 · Like 2
AK Complete Home Renovati... Marietta, GA

The roof is often what gives the cottage it's unique appeal! Since you don't see too many like this here in Marietta, you can pick up on the other elements: Stone, Natural hues (white, cream, deep golds for the home and periwinkle for the garden) box hedges mixed with ivy and roses, carriage lights and so on. The feel of an English cottage, we think, is much more appealing than the feel of a 'gingerbread' style house which sometimes people refer to as a "cottage."
on Sep 06, 2012 · Like 2
Michela M Marietta, GA

Actually, the house I'm asking ideas for isn't even built yet. We bought 6+ acres in the country in Athens, OH & will move there when our current home sells. We're on a tight retirement income & since we can't afford the house of my dreams, I'm trying to fashion a country cottage from the plain ranch we'll be building. So although I LOVE the thatched roof above, that won't be an option for us. So thanks for the input and keep the ideas coming please. <3

on Sep 06, 2012 · Like 0
Miriam I New York, NY

Michela, I don't have any specific suggestions, but I just wanted to say that your vision sounds darling. I think you will enjoy this Hometalk member's posts: http://www.hometalk.com/3xaug0ad9v

on Sep 08, 2012 · Like 1
Michela M Marietta, GA

Miriam (love your name..) Yes, you nailed it as to what I like.. I have a basement full of items to put to good use for these kinds of projects once we get to our final home.
(Much to my husband's chagrin... he keeps muttering about what in the world am I saving all this "junk" for..) Thanks to you and Barb Rosen for the ideas to add to my own. I appreciate you taking time to respond.

on Sep 08, 2012 · Like 1
Miriam I New York, NY

Thank you, Michela! You're so sweet :) Everything you described reminded me of Barb Rosen's posts. I'm so glad you liked them! Best of luck with your new home.

on Sep 09, 2012 · Like 1
Michela M Marietta, GA

Miriam, when our cottage in the country is finished & looking comfy... you should come see it! Athens, OH is very different than NYC, (funky, artsy college town) but it might be a fun experience if you like to try new things. Did I mention we're going to have a small chx coop for fresh eggs? :)

on Sep 09, 2012 · Like 0
Miriam I New York, NY

Oh, that sounds amazing! If i'm ever in Athens, OH I will come see it:)

on Sep 10, 2012 · Like 1
Hamtil Construction LLC Saint Louis, MO

Michela,
Since you have not built the home yet, you can certainly consult with an architect/ designer to value engineer the exterior. Perhaps the front entry might be a space to introduce a different material such as stone or stucco panels, and limit the amount to simply be an accent from the rest of the siding. ...»

You might also look at the siding offered by The Foundry by Tapco Group. They have premium designs which mock cedar shakes, stone, etc.. at a fraction of the cost.
http://www.foundrysiding.com/homeowners/prod...

on Sep 10, 2012 · Like 1
John Temmel Siding Guy Atlanta, GA

Hello! Painting of vinyl use to be a forbidden process. If you do paint the siding, try the Sherwin Williams Paint designed for vinyl. You will encounter problems if you do not use the proper products. Good luck!

on Sep 11, 2012 · Like 1
Michela M Marietta, GA

Thank you, Hamtil Construction Guy! (My brother lives in St. Louis.) Love your ideas and they sound affordable. Will make note of The Foundry by Tapco Group. Hopefully, all this pre-planning will reduce the stress of the hundreds of decisions we'll have to make before signing on the dotted line in the future. Besides, it's fun!
Thank you again, everyone....

on Sep 16, 2012 · Like 1
Hamtil Construction LLC Saint Louis, MO

You're welcome, Michela. Hope that helps and we'll be looking forward to hearing about the home when you get started! :) Having fun with it is important.
Best,
Paul Hamtil

on Sep 16, 2012 · Like 0