Help improve the front of this house
by
Jane Oakley
+7
Hi all, we bought this house which has so many reno options. But I just don't know what to do with the front. The original veranda has been enclosed with aluminium windows which makes our front office freezing in winter and sweltering in summer. I'm going to get the bricks cleaned but would love suggestions on what else to do to make it a little more appealing. All suggestions welcome. Over to you hivemind. :-)
I should add that the boys use the front wall as their soccer practice wall and I'd like them to be able to keep doing that.
I should add that the boys use the front wall as their soccer practice wall and I'd like them to be able to keep doing that.
9 answers
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RIp off awning, shape or replace the big bush. White wash the brick ASAP! (alternative, but more expensive and time consuming, paint all trim and brick a nice light colour), paint garage door to match, colorful plants plants plants in front. The house is a retro modern look with all that glass up top, you have to embrace that look or you will have a miss-matched monstrosity. Also you could use that yard space with a nice center sitting and garden with center feature, fountain, sculpture, etc..
Johnchip
on Aug 02, 2015
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Landscape and better define the entry steps to the house, possibly by using a different color on the step wall.
Gina P
on Aug 02, 2015
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OK - what I'm going to suggest is an investment, but if it is in your budget it will be money well spent. It looks like there's a major style disconnect between the glass enclosure and the bit of the original façade we can see on the left of the picture, which looks like a Spanish revival with that tile roof. The glassed-in area also obscures the entrance and robs the house of a welcoming focal point. Consult with an architect or an experienced contractor and re-open the veranda. Get rid of the glass, extend the roofline and add columns so you have a shady, breezy place to watch the world go by. Add wide, welcoming front steps and your house will be a knockout. Good luck, and post pics when you are done!
Rachel
on Aug 02, 2015
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Trouble is we use that front room as our office so going back to it as a verandah won't work. Maybe adding a front deck, extend the roof and incorporate the other comments re painting/columns/landscaping could be good?
Jane Oakley
on Aug 02, 2015
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I couldn't tell at first if or where there was a front door. I agree with Gina to better define the steps with a path to drive way in instead or addition to the other? Also a couple trees to bring some proportions to the veranda area. A front deck could be cool but would it take away the light to your office? I'd look at old episodes of Curb Appeal" with Jon giddons I think was his name he was great at reworking front entrances like yours. YouTube or Hulu? For access
Trixie63
on Aug 02, 2015
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How about some eucalyptus by the stairs? It would act as a sort of railing and shade and it would have a good smell too. And then under plant that with whatever is colorful and grows well in your area. I think with the right plants, it would make a big difference. Tie the landscaping in with the house lines.
Justfixit
on Aug 03, 2015
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OK, you did not say what you want to spend, so I'm gonna bust the budget. Remove all that glass, add walls, insulate, and vinyl or whatever to match current siding at end of house, and add more appropriate sized windows, clean the bricks, and a deck and new steps and paint the trim, and a new garage door with windows. Then re-landscape, its pretty much a blank slate now.
Lagree Wyndham
on Aug 03, 2015
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Where is your front door? It is undefined in the picture you furnished. Those windows don't go with the style of house you have. Making an extended deck would look good too. Have you seen any of the episodes of FIXER UPPER? Several houses with brick facades have been painted and they look nice. You can watch it on HGTV demand. I feel that you need some landscaping in front of the house to lessen the height of the house from the view of any passers by. A landscape gardener would help you to draw up a plan., and you could do it in stages. Also I would remove the awnings and let more light in.
Chris Leckington
on Aug 03, 2015
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The sky is the limit based on your needs and desire. Here are some inspirations... http://www.listotic.com/17-easy-and-cheap-curb-appeal-ideas/ Additionally, I think you should look into repairing/replacing the awning that is falling as that can cause other damage and issues. Best of wishes on your project :)
Michelle Frederick
on Aug 04, 2015
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