Trying to update this 1986 home.
by
Ann
+79
What would you suggest I do to update this home we just purchased. It definitely needs help.
71 answers
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It needs more color - it all blends together. I see two options. One is changing the colors on the gable/porch area to provide more contrast. That change may be enough or the shutters and door may need a color change also. Option 2 is landscaping with color and focal interest. The right corner as the picture faces the viewer would benefit from something with height and color. Stagger the foundation area with different heights and types of plants. And structure this area to have a more fluid shape, not a straight line. Then add some interest in the yard with planting beds, unique trees - something to break up the expanse. Actually, consider the landscaping first and then if it still needs something you could change up the colors on the exterior and you'll still benefit from the landscaping.
Vicki
on Sep 16, 2016
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I would focus on one project first. Decide what you do not like and would like to resolve asap. Before drastic decisions are made take a browse through garden magazines to update the landscaping.From experience a few times live there for a while and study your outside with lighting, area etc.
Janet Pizaro
on Sep 16, 2016
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Paint your front door a bright color, add more color in the landscaping, pressure wash your sidewalk. Those are all simple and inexpensive updates that can make a difference.
Cindy Hagemann
on Sep 16, 2016
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What a wonderful house, just as it is it's wonderful. Janet is right, live there a while, things will come and go in your mind before you land on the ''thing". The one thing that struck me though is the walkway looks like the house is on a stick. I'd do a wider entrance, maybe a half circle, make your steps the same shape, and if you don't need the walkway down to what I'm guessing is the sidewalk, I'd curve it toward the driveway and sod the lawn. That's my two cents, oh, and paint the shutters so they stand out a bit more maybe, with a colour you love. I love your house.
Lori
on Sep 16, 2016
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change the landscaping to curvy beds and add colorful plants and flowers. Chänge the sidewalk, to spill from the brightly painted front door, and flow to the street.
Susie
on Sep 16, 2016
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Beautiful home! Just needs your personal touches. Here are a bunch of pics to look at. You can click on a design and it can take you to the site. A combination of various design concepts that appeal to you may work. Post your progress when you decide to start. Would love to see what you do. https://www.google.com/search?q=ranch+home+la...
William
on Sep 17, 2016
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It's a beautiful house, but I think the shutters and door need to be brighter, with more contrast to the bricks. And some flowering shrubs or trees, maybe a planting "island" in the big expanse of lawn. But take your time, doing it a little bit at a time to gauge your results. Congratulations on your lovely new home!
Ellis
on Sep 17, 2016
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To have seen many ppl change the colour of their brick! One couple near my home painted their brick yellow painted the shutters and front door black ! Let me tell you when I seen them start their project I thought how crazy is that going to look let me tell you that finishing project is a neighbourhood show stopper then they added shrubs and beautiful coloured perineal gardens looks amazing and so rich
Linda
on Sep 17, 2016
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watch Fixer Upper--Jo and Chip Gaines are exterior geniuses!
Mem11328879
on Sep 17, 2016
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The single most effective way of increasing the appearance and value of the home is by painting with an expertly chosen colour scheme., followed by some complementing yard work. i.e. smart plant choice and placement which highlights the homes best features. (Sorry that the spelling is Australian)
Steve Boccalatte
on Sep 17, 2016
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Remove the bushes along the front of the house. Extend the overhang to incorporate a porch to each side of the entrance. Add Indiana limestone up to the windows. Consider changing the brick for wood siding. Repaint the shutters. The colour would depend on what you choose to do with the brick. If you keep the brick I would paint it a buff colour and then paint the shutters either burgundy or dark green. Door could be dark mahagony. Finally, hire a landscaper. Check out our website www.invernessdesign build.ca. for more ideas.
Debi Gerson-Locke
on Sep 17, 2016
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New large front porch and change shutter and door paint colors.
Deb C
on Sep 17, 2016
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I think it is a nice house. Embrace the 80's! A new door color and a new color for the shutters would update. Landscaping would help. I think the row of bushes should be transplanted elsewhere and then create curvy beds that tie in with the walk for a welcoming entrance. Plantings, and maybe a charming garden gate would be nice by the street where side walk ends. Power wash the sidewalk and steps. Do Google image searches for 80's brick ranch homes for ideas. I also agree about watching HGTV Fixer Upper. The show is set in Waco, Texas. Many houses that Chip and Jo have remodeled, look like your home.
512181
on Sep 17, 2016
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Power wash brick and sidewalk then paint shutters for some colors. and add multi level scrubs and some flowers with color. Burning bush for fall color. Bulbs for spring. Not just straight lines but curves. Use an old hose to form your curves before you dig. None of this costs a great deal but adds large impact. Happy days ahead enjoy.
Bsq1746019
on Sep 17, 2016
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Black shutters add drama and a caramel door is a good choice. I just did it to my own 1950's brick and am adding black guttering. I had the 'overhang' painted black too. Great combo for me because the roof is a black and deep gold to caramel, too.
Lynne Webb
on Sep 17, 2016
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I love the porch idea but with that addition, the light source to the flanking windows beside your entry will be dimmed and maybe not what you ultimately want. Start with paint colors for your shutters and the columns on the overhang. The red door is inviting, but the columns are browning out the house. Do a drive around your neighborhood and see if others having the same brick style home as you have done. Get inspiration from this and then pick your favorite hue and make it your own. As suggested, color in the plants will give you a face lift--kind of like adding make up and eye shadow to your homes facade. As suggested, hire a good landscaper and get a quote on a plan
Lindy
on Sep 17, 2016
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Widen the sidewalk with brick pavers, then add landscaping with evergreens and flowers on both sides. Paint all exterior trim, and shutters with a mid-range yellow. The door, gutters and down-spouts very black.
Barry Doyle
on Sep 17, 2016
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new windows and shutters eves trough ... r
Luke Jonker
on Sep 17, 2016
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Watch Fixer Upper on HGTV. They have redone several homes similar to yours. Very nice house! I would change the color of your shutters, paint the front of the porch a lighter color. The front door I would paint a coordinating color that pops
Sharon
on Sep 17, 2016
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Change front door color, paint shutters in contrasting color, & if possible, change downspouts or paint them so they don't stick out so much. Update sidewalk & flower beds, & you will have a brand new house !!
Bec4750872
on Sep 17, 2016
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Convert the area around the front entrance into a cozy court yard with a fence or wall that matches the house.
Wil11162474
on Sep 17, 2016
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The front entrance would be so striking if it was enlarged to provide a deck/sitting area. Give the door and shutters a new color, and add colorful perrinials and a water feature. This would make your own little oasis a joy to come home to. Check out lighter colors for your interior, maybe a tube light in a dark area, and good lighting throughout. As your budget permits, update bathrooms, kitchen and laundry area. Look like a beautiful home!
Darline
on Sep 17, 2016
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I agree with Barry Doyle, widen the sidewalk and then at the top of the two steps I would add 2 pedestal planters. You also need some height around the front of the house and some color. Painting the shutters, trim and front door would help update too! Good luck!
Sheri N
on Sep 17, 2016
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Not sure what the drive looks like, I would get rid of the sidewalk and put in a circle drive and line with scrubs and trees. Lighten up the shutters and door. I would try to either move or hide the down spots of the gutters. Paint the trim.
Usmc007
on Sep 17, 2016
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Paint the outside White with a bright color for the door
Com8091197
on Sep 17, 2016
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I think the house looks nice right now. Maybe paint gutter downspouts to blend in. Less is more situation. Beautiful home Ann.
Sue
on Sep 17, 2016
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Nice house. I like faded painted white brick, it has a nice southern comfort quality to it, but it is not for everyone's taste. The plants out front have to go, they are Ozzie and Harriet leftovers. Nice colorful garden mix of perennials and annuals with various colors of flowers, and heights, for year round color and textures, not one color (and not azaleas, they make a mess). Pick a light color for the door and shutters like a robin egg blue or if you go with the faded white brick, a darker color. I agree even though you likely will not use the walk much it should be improved with a good acid cleaning and color staining for now, and get rid of the rocks on the sides, and just make it a clean line to the eye.
Johnchip
on Sep 17, 2016
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Where the inset area is at the front door, either add a pergola & patio (flagstone, brick, etc) or add a peaked roof. Remove & replant shrubs in a curved area leading to front door. Try out different patterns & add seasonal color. This could really be stunning!
Cynthia
on Sep 17, 2016
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Get rid of the steps it's dangerous when you come home drunk at night .....ho ho ho English joke Here In England there would be Two or Three Bungalows located on that precious plot. Aganst our wishes the population has mushroomed from 40 millions to 80 ...or 90 ...or perhaps even 100 millions ...holding british passports ... The invasion from Europe has only lasted for twenty years, it's like standing room only... hereabouts ...trouble is the newcomers absolutely hate our guts . Were putting securiy cameras and PIR lights everywhere and building walls around our properties there will be barbed wire on them soon.. Some Aristo's have made a fortune letting them in ... they will be living elsewhere when it all starts getting nasty..
Sus6904261
on Sep 17, 2016
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Change the sidewalk to pavers and make it wider, at least 36" wide. Also change out those over pruned bushes in front. A fuller border with some variation in height will improve the look tremendously and should not cost too much.
Katie
on Sep 17, 2016
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Add a pop of color by painting the front door a bold color.
Bonnie Murray Sullivan Keen
on Sep 17, 2016
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Take the step and make wider with a curve and make a sitting area up to the house. Two levels. Trees, shrubs & flowers
Ange
on Sep 17, 2016
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I agree, the sidewalk does need to be wider and also made of brick or large flat stone. Remove the planter boxes from in front of the windows next to the front door. Add brick or the flat stone to this area and take it out even with the front of the house. Add some furniture, a fountain, statuary, or planted pots to give it some warmth. Remove the hedge in the front of each wing and put a graceful garden in its place, taking it up next to the new sidewalk. Here you can put some low growing specimen trees, and colorful perennials of different heights. Also paint the front door and the shutters your favorite color. If you want to add some more character you can add a simple pergola to the areas along side the front porch entryway. That will give you some shade while you are sitting there enjoying your accomplishment. But remember, nothing is permanent, and it can be changed. That's the beauty of owning your own home. * If you decide on the flat stone be sure to put it under the existing porch as well.
Kathleen
on Sep 17, 2016
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If you like it, then go for it. But make sure you choose the whole colour scheme first. Try looking around your neighbourhood at homes, to see any similar paint combinations that would really appeal to your tastes. Take a Sunday drive.
Steve Boccalatte
on Sep 17, 2016
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Well, not knowing the budget...if it was unlimited. I woul remove sidewalk, fill in with grass/landscaping then put a brick circle drive to accent house near door. Match front porch brick to circle drive in more of a wider oval shape. Its hard to see close up detail so that is first that comes to mind. Also take dated looking shurbs out and update landscape. I think I would take the two windows out on each side of the door and widen the entry door to match the new wider porch. Think I need to draw pictures!!
Zeo11483438
on Sep 17, 2016
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Try power washing the front sidewalk first to see if you can live with it. I also agree that a more noticeable color on the front door and the shutters would help perk the place up. Try taking a few of the bushes out and adding something new preferably taller for some variety.
Nancee
on Sep 17, 2016
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I would paint all the trim a soft yellow color. Then, I'd paint the door a nice shade of red, like a colonial red. Then, I'd get rid of about a foot of grass on each side of the walkway and line each side with a nice rubber (eco friendly) mulch chips. I'd go with Red and black mixed together. Then, I'd get a garage floor paint kit and paint the walkway and porch. Maybe a bright gray with your choice of paint flakes to put on it. I will show you a couple pictures of a patio I put in and surrounded with the rubber chips. Also, I'll put a picture of the painted porch I did too, with garage epoxy. Brightens everything up. Then, you can gradually add some flowers in front of or in between your bushes. Maybe daffodils or black susans.
V Nichols
on Sep 17, 2016
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The shutters make the front to boxy looking, wider ones would look better to give more width, Get rid of the pinkish house color. And get rid of the side walk. The shrubs in front are to boxy looking too. The high arch over the front door looks like the entrance to a funeral home, and to much higher then the rest of the house roof. . Out of proportion! Dont know what you have for a back yard or space for parking etc. Most keep parking to the back. and for entertaining. First get rid of the sidewalk, shrubs and the odd house color. Good luck. Enjoy your new home.
PLT
on Sep 17, 2016
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Lighten the fascia and trim with white or similar light trim. Make shutters black or white. Make your door pop with a rich color like deep (not dark) red, light yellow, deep blue or green/black. Power wash or put brick facade on sidewalk. Tear out the tired old bushes. Re-landscape with variegated and colorful plants plus create new landscape beds. Make it lush. You have a beautiful canvas to work with....it just needs minor updates and refreshing!
Bonnie
on Sep 17, 2016
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I think covering the entry area all the way to align with both right and left sides. Create a front porch area including wood and stone columns to update the look.
Alicia
on Sep 17, 2016
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I agree with Phyllis, the sidewalk needs to go. Try a curved one or large pavers used as stepping stones leading up to the entrance. I usually take a year before I make any big changes and learnt the hard way to write all my (and the husband's) ideas down. I find that as the months go by, a lot of the ideas are struck off and what is left is what will work in the long run.
Lee Govan
on Sep 17, 2016
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I would make a porch all the way across to match both ends. Use cedar post and change the shutters to cedar as well. Paint the door a more vibrant color to stand out. Then add a curved landscape on both sides with flowers to accent the house. Good luck!
Cindy Cantrell
on Sep 17, 2016
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I agree with Alicia and Cindy. You need to get rid of the old porch roof and make it go all the way across. That alone would be a huge improvement. Then work on the landscaping and sidewalk.
Rosie-Jim Dryer
on Sep 17, 2016
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Not knowing your financial situation, I agree the walk way is where I would spend my money. It is much narrower then the porch, so causing everything to look out of balance. Widening it the same as your porch steps and changing some of the landscaping could be the less expensive way, although it is a long walk way. Outside lighting around the house can make the most drab house look exciting. The colors on your house are a little drab, but if you have an HOA , they might be dictating your style. A wide sidewalk is always more welcoming. a curved one sometimes just make people walk the shorter way across the grass. Flowers bordering the walkway can be inviting. Easy to take care of would be alternating mums, autumn sedums, and iris, these will come back every year, they just require watering. Sprinkle in some petunias and you'll have color all growing season. The petunias will have to be replanted but they are inexpensive and flowers always brighten up everything. Putting some kind of plant between your shrub will also change your curb appeal.
Mary
on Sep 17, 2016
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I would definitely widen the walkway on a more winding path and remove the stair portion which enables a wheelchair or those who are more unsteady . The walkway would be beautiful with small garden patches alongside with different shapes & a tree or two planted in the garden centers which would break up the huge space in front. I would definitely pull out the shrubs border the front of the house and create a simple but rustic with elegance type garden with hydrangeas, hostas, ferns, marigolds, iris, begonias etc. with a barkdust covering. I agree with others regarding tying in the roofline on both sides and then creating timber columns with brick or stacked stone and implement an iron & wood combo porch rail in the front. This would say "Welcome" and you can decorate with the seasons too. The shutters could you a bit more color as does the front door. I would also change the color of the downspouts so they blend in better or have the system changed so the downspouts are of the sides of the house.
Michele
on Sep 18, 2016
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I always wait 1 year before doing anything. It helps to learn how YOU live in the house and to gather ideas so when you dig into the projects, your efforts are truly appreciated and not deflated by discovering a better idea AFTER you've done tons of work. Check out DIY's Rehab Addict. She had a walk like this and made it really nice with bricks. Google Walkways.....Tons of ideas will surface! I would paint the downspouts to hide them.
Wowhavs
on Sep 18, 2016
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Upgrade your landscaping, add trees, get rid of bushes in front of the windows. Change door color. You don't need to add to much..
Karen
on Sep 18, 2016
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Hello and Congratulations on your new home. I'm not sure what your priorities are nor your budget, but here goes. Small budget: Paint all exterior wood, porch, ect a white or light gray. (Of course vinyl soffits would be great) That would be the cheapest start. landscaping with dwarf variegated gardenia that is evergreen, some purple leafed loropetalum, gold splash euonymus would add enormous curb appeal. If you have intentions of enlarging the porch to cover the indented front of the house, put plants far enough away from house to avoid moving at a later date. I would concentrate on the indented are for the plantings and maybe some type of ornamental trees on each corner with a couple of the same types of shrubs at their base. Now if you can enlarge the porch area now, awesome! Depending if you spend more time out front than the back, you could even extend the foundation of the porch forward of the footprint of the house so you have a usable space for rockers, bench, etc. I envision columns with the curved soffits facing the street. Oh, note on windows-if they are not insulated, that would be my priority as they will save money daily for years, and opt to paint for now. If you use white paint for the trim, light to medium light grey shutters would brighten the facade. At this point in my life, taking care of the necessities that will give you efficiency and comfort in areas you use daily would be my first consideration-great kitchen, bath, family gathering area. A home and landscape are always a work in progress to me, as my life is with God. He's still working on me! Good luck and do what is most satisfying to you, not others.
Denise Lynch
on Sep 18, 2016
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I again with the wait approach. The house will "tell" you what it needs. After living in it for some time you begin to k ow what the needs of your situation and the needs of the home. But, I would take a page from Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper fame and paint the brick a lovely warm white shade and replace shutters with wider ones and paint them a charcoal shade. Changing a front door is always magical in its transformation. Good luck.
Dpa7468593
on Sep 18, 2016
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I believe you can update your home with a significant landscape change. I would widen the path and add lighting, remove the bushes and update the beds with more colour and different texture plants. Changing the gutters, soffits and facias to black as well as the shutters. If the roof is due to be change, black slate would be stunning. Do not forget to update the door hardware and street numbers. You can then pick a door colour of your choice, it does not need to be bright you might prefer a more conservative gloss black with stainless or pewter hardware. I would do to equal beds on each side, it will suit the style of your house, red roses or white hydrangeas are some possible options. You don't need to everything at once but mane sure you do make a plan. Good luck!!
Goody
on Sep 18, 2016
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The fung shui is bad with the way the walk way heads straight to the front door and I would paint the front door a lucky color.
Beverly Ann Vermont Rossi
on Sep 18, 2016
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Thank you so much for your suggestion.
Ann
on Sep 18, 2016
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I definitely would change the entrance to a larger landing a porch across maybe >It looks set back in\to much. Change walkway, at the grade steps in yard add a circular spot with a bench maybe some planters on each side of walk. Total new landscaping. Untill you can do all this let your shrubbery fill in full not individual bushes. I would use 2 topiaries in between the two window beside the front door. And you could repeat smaller topiaries in planters at yd. steps. The yd steps could be circular form also to repeat the house ones. Yes paint your door a bright color and the trim a round the door windows also. Take the lightest color from your brick of tan and paint you shutters and trim. You have a beautiful home to work your magic with, Good luck
Naydene Cook
on Sep 19, 2016
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Once you paint brick it becomes a maintenance issue in most cases and will require re-painting in the future. I would paint the shutters/trim a nice bright color to add contrast to the brick as well as painting the front door in a complementary color to the shutters/trim. Once the paint is done, then live with it awhile and start on the shrubbery.
Crystal Meyer Griffith
on Sep 19, 2016
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Do you have any suggestions for colors?
Ann
on Sep 20, 2016
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How about a circle drive?
Tammy Caudill Stines
on Sep 21, 2016
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If you love the color of the brick, then change other things. If you really do not love the brick color, stain--don't paint it. Stain penetrates the brick and will not flake off. We stained our brick 7 years again and it still looks new--through 100 degree summers and snow in the winter. You can get semitransparent stain that will slightly alter the brick, but let some of the brick color show through or you can get solid stain and completely cover the color. (Our house was ugly orange brick, so solid stain for us.) Your roof appears to be dark gray or charcoal, so what about a soft gray stain for the body with bright white (or go the other direction and use charcoal) for the shutters and paint the door bright aqua, apple green, yellow--whatever color you love. Replace areas of grass with beds of low perennials like mexican heather and yellow lantana. These are super easy to grow, low maintenance, and look great together. Remove the bushes in front of the house and replace with curved, layered flower beds.
Debi53
on Sep 21, 2016
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Red is the Chinese color of luck and happiness
Beverly Ann Vermont Rossi
on Sep 21, 2016
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Maybe clean the brick if it seems it needs it. Update or paint the shutters. New door maybe. And landscaping, some flowers. And flowering trees and the sidewalk could use something just not sure what. Seems so very long but not sure what to do about that. Circle driveway did sound good. But it's a nice house if you didn't do a thing. 😊
Linda
on Sep 21, 2016
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The original owner was Chinese.
Ann
on Sep 21, 2016
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I appreciate your advice on the stain. Did not know about it. We were considering the German Smear on the brick. Yes, I hate the color.
Ann
on Sep 21, 2016
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Not a bad idea but while the yard looks big, I'm not sure it is big enough to do that. Thanks for your suggestion.
Ann
on Sep 21, 2016
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Just remember when considering doing your brick with a different finish...it is near to impossible to undo. So...consider other cosmetic changes before painting or refinishing your brick. Live with the changes for awhile, maybe that will be enuf. Oh, and your front yard is HUGE...and needs some personality.
Faith Rosborough
on Sep 22, 2016
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All new landscaping with 3 trees. Plants that flower in beautiful colors. Paint the shutters and the door and the dormer a color that would stand out but still coordinate with your brick. Be sure to landscape not only a large three tiered from the house but have beautiful pots at the steps half way down with soft delicate greenery on both sides maybe several kinds of plants in each. Out in the yard have a birdbath. And bench the other side have a table and chairs.
Jon9956642
on Sep 22, 2016
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Thank you soooo much!! I have a hard time with this kind of stuff. You just brought it to life.
Ann
on Sep 22, 2016
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Flowers Flowers Flowers
Debbie
on Sep 23, 2016
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Make your front inviting and accessible. A circle drive, decorate the fron door with urns, flowers, wreaths, etc. than add landscaping to the new front lawn. This will add interest and invite visitors to the front door.
Jonesths
on Sep 24, 2016
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It's very dark, maybe the Windows need painting a lighter colour and it would look nice if you had a half circle patio built at the front incorporating the steps, you could then put pots of flowers on it to give you more colour.
Sandra. Jackson
on Oct 01, 2016
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Paint the trim arround windows and doors a light color, landscaping with flowers, straw beds - break up the straigt walk way, having it redone maybe with a curve and parking on the side - would make a big difference.
Dina
on Oct 01, 2016
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Paint the shutters and front door a barn red or maybe dark teal color. Big pop of color goes a long way!
Caryn Moy
on Oct 18, 2016
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Think you need some landscaping - the shrubs are all in a line, and the same height. You have a lot of room to create some beautiful beds with a variety of vegetation. Need some taller trees at the edges of the home to frame it.
Marion Nesbitt
on Oct 18, 2016
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