The front of the house needs something. Help!!!!

Question

I feel the house needs something. The little covered roof over door just seems off. I thought maybe a pergola on the front? Really not sure what, just know it needs something. Would really appreciate any tips

Helen Mays · Answer

Hi, I think what is really missing, if you could possibly afford it; is a curved colonial style covered veranda right along at the level of the porch, which is then extended right to the end of the house. And paint the shutters white or another colour.. I know, it's so much fun spending someone else's money!

Donna Hawley Mullenax · Answer

The shutters get lost being the same color as the house, also they are too small, I would make them a bit larger( currently 3 boards each, I would add just one more board making them  4 boards each ).  Then paint them a different color than the house ( maybe black or a hunter green )
.  Also trim out around the front door and paint the same color as the shutters

Lynne Webb · Answer

How about instead of full fledged porch roof, a simulated roof using only rafters from the door either to the edge or all the way around. A house near me did that and it looks fantastic. I have too much overhang or I'd copy. You have the perfect set up. I agree with other posters, the shutters need to be another color. You're loosing all that cozy look because they are blending. See your banisters how cute they are? Adorable pattern. Just envision that same openness above allowing the light to come through and create a pattern and add pizzazz on your house. Is there any way you could actually use the same banister overhead? Very cute house. How about black for the shutters? Cream if you decided to go lighter?

Sue Ryan · Answer

This is what I would do.

Cws9905804 · Answer

Remove the deck from the front. Add a pitched roof with a  new patio with steps up and wood railing to enclose patio painted. Add a pop color for the front door and shutters.   More of a colonial look.

The6421086 · Answer

EXTEND THE DECK IN FRONT OF THE DOOR, AND ADD A PERGOLA.
THAT IS WHAT I DID THEN COVERED THE TOP FOR SHADE, AND IT'S NICE PLACE TO SIT, AND WATCH THE SEASONS CHANGE.

Jane · Answer

Repaint the shutters a Winterberry or Black, I would repaint the front door as well.

Sandra. Jackson · Answer

Paint the windows , door and the shutters a  brighter colour, and you need to put up something on the space left of your door as it's an empty space, ex: hanging plant or something like that

Jan · Answer

Agree with the other posters, the shutters & door need to be a different, contrasting color. The pergola idea is great, but make sure it extends it thru to the end of the decking, not just to the end of the building. Re: stone columns on the pergola. I'd use stone only if it is something that is used in that part of the country historically because of availability so it doesn't look out of place. If you cover the pergola with something vining, get advice from local nurseries as to what is not invasive in your area....that rules out wisteria, & ivy! And remember some vines attach to the building, & can destroy it.  My experience is I'm now chasing vines of wisteria popping up all over my yard thanks to the previous owner planting, & not corralling the stuff...& I love wisteria. The advantage of vines is the leaves fall in the winter so you have light in the windows/door when the sun is low. Don't know which direction the front of the house faces, but if south, you need the shade in summer & don't want it in winter.  Since I'm spending someone else's money, LOL, have you thought about getting a wider door to give it more 'presence?' Will be looking forward to hearing what you decide, & the 'after' pictures!

Jan Diolosa · Answer

Your house needs color in the garden and that is an inexpensive way to make it look alive..

Sue Ryan · Answer

I was going to say something about the front door, but not knowing the layout, i was not sure if that was a possibility.  I think the main thing is adding a contrast color to make it pop.  Having the same color makes it look flat.  I always like to have both warm and cool colors.

Cathy · Answer

I like the idea of painting those shutters and door a nice color--adding some metal sculpture or a living wall would be a nice accent on that blank piece of wall.  A pergola would be nice but if that overhang is to protect the door from rain and snow, you would lose that protection.  You might consider a larger roof to cover your deck, thus making it a porch--but extend  it around to the side if you do.

Sandra. Jackson · Answer

I can't see any trellis but that would be good to put up even paint that aswell so it shows up , i feel that space on the wall needs something to fill it

Mary · Answer

Hi!  I would paint the shutters, door and porch railings a distressed white. Then extend the porch roof from corner of the home to a little more past the entry.  If you can afford it....copper roof to age with the home or tin.  And pretty flowers and colorful interesting shrubs!

The6421086 · Answer

NO I DON'T HAVE A PICTURE, I THINK YOU SHOULD ASK A CARPENTER FOR AN IDEA ALSO A BID TO DO THE WORK.

Elaine · Answer

This all depends on your Budget and if you have  toddlers.   If you don't have little ones, remove that railing and widen the steps onto the grass.  It will look less cramped.  You will have to move some shrubs.   Have a nice good size pot or urn each side of the door.  Paint the shutters a soft taupe.  The tiny overhang is too small to make any statement.  Look up landscaping on Houzz and ideas for 'Porticos' - that will help guide you because again, not knowing your budget and taste, it's difficult to go any further with suggestions.

Trish · Answer

Very cute place!  I would paint the shutters a different color.  Perhaps white, and add window boxes.  Paint the patio fence to match as well as the wood around the front door.  I would also take the little stone walkway and make it curve a bit, as the house is so square.  Remove the large hedges ( to the right of the picture) and those little bushes that are in front of the porch.  Perhaps use 2 of the small bushes to flank the step up to the patio, and keep them cut round and small.  Remove the door overhang and create a rounded trellis (white) over the front door.  It could be flat against the building or actually 3 dimensional.  Place large pots on either side of trellis and train greenery over trellis.  I don't think this would cost much to do.  Just paint, trellis, two pots, and elbow work!  Good luck!

Nick1010 · Answer

I think you really need the porchroof to extend to the left side of the house, or maybe even wrap around.  The house is great looking, otherwise, but face it, the part of the porch without a covering  of some sort isn't practical--sun, rain, etc.

Pennypincher · Answer

Thought this one would be great inspiration

Sharon · Answer

I would extend the porch roof out and to the left, either to the corner of house, or around the corner over the deck. I would also replace those shutters with actual, usable, shutters in a different color. Paint the trim around door and porch to match shutters. Good luck, what ever you decide to do.

Jackie Hendricks · Answer

Yes, the small overhang roof appears out of scale and lost with the rest of the house.  When able, build a porch roof to reach the side of the house, and around the corner as others have suggested.  I would also paint the shutters a complimentary color to the house.  A very light color would be too much of a contrast.  Getting paint samples (actual paint) of your faves can help you decide better.

Robert Yuhasz · Answer

Take down wreath from front door. Move tree to other side of house. Paint shutters a dark marron.Extend porch to end of house. Paint front door same color  as shutters. Canopy to extend over door and paint same as shutters.

Ann Carr Riffe · Answer

A pergola from where the entrance is, to the edge of the house, at the height of the stoop will give the appearance of a large front porch.  It need not be deeper than the stoop, but will camouflage the assymetry of your house.  Window boxes on the windows will help, also.

Sharon Heisley · Answer

It appears out of proportion because the shutters are painted the same color as the house.  Paint them a dark green or even black or gray and see if that helps.  It's an inexpensive fix and it will help balance the look.  Even the porch trim could be painted to match the new shutter color.

Bernadette Staal · Answer

The only thing I see is brown on brown on brown, hence the features that already exist are absorbed into the back ground making the house look like a box.  I would add colour to the porch roof, shutters, window frames and front door.  I think you will then be seeing a very different house.  I would also paint the deck fence / railing.

Carolyn · Answer

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/318771098416635... I agree about adding color. How about adding a faux hanging window with flower boxes underneath. should be about the same size as window on other side of door. Add a flower box on that side also. If I added the link correctly the picture is sort of what I mean. Add shutters, pop out that trim to draw the eye away from the rectangular shape of the house. More stuff would be breathtaking. Add color to rails and porch stuff too. More budget friendly until you can do more. They even have planters that perch on the railing. Saw them somewhere. PS there's a ton of ideas at that link.

Lynne Webb · Answer

Yes, as early as it was when I was responding it's the only word that came to mind. Their house is U shaped and to fill in the area over the porch, that's what they did. It does provide some shade or maybe filtered light is more appropriate. Would it keep you dry in a downpour? No, but it is so attractive I don't think they care. Another plus is less weight to have to support. Your house looks so 'New England'.

ObiaMan · Answer

You think so???  Where's your porch?  That house was meant to have a porch.  Looking at what you have, I'd put it from the middle of the front on around where your deck is with maybe steps at each end, depending on where you drive up.  6' out is a sufficient porch, 4' would suffice, but 8' would be primo.  The benefits of a porch immeasurable.   Even a small porch on just half of the front.   You could grow things  under it or screen in part of it.

Robin · Answer

I agree the shutters just blend right into the rest of your house, also lighting would stand out more & maybe long shutters  the length of your door on both sides it could be dolled up with a pergola roof over the decking

1268409614 · Answer

I can clearly see the white 'W' on the door , but the brown on red  makes your home seem muted.  I would paint the shutters and  the rails white of your deck white. Maybe add a walkway.

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