What's the best way to dress up a plain Jane cedar wood house?

C dee
by C dee
The house is two story with a small front porch without railings. The windows are unadorned and have white casings. There is little architectural detail. The stain is transparent with honey tones. The home is on top of a hill and the view/setting looks like the Cascades. The interior of the home has a classy country feel but needs some updating. The garage door which is connected to the house faces the side rather than the front and is plain and white. While the house is about 12 years old it lacks any sophistication of the newer homes. Ideas would be appreciated. Photo can be Googled by address: 690 Shamrock Rd, Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

  8 answers
  • Mogie Mogie on Feb 20, 2018

    Spruce up the yard. Plant flowering trees and shrubs. Add potted plants in bright colored containers. Outdoor furniture and throw pillows that repeat the color of those containers. A bbq area or fire pit would be nice. Put up a privacy fence. Overhangs over the windows would add some substance too.

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Feb 20, 2018

    paint or stain the house a darker color, make the door a complimentary color

  • Molly B Molly B on Feb 20, 2018

    Why would you want to?

  • Sheila Sheila on Feb 20, 2018

    paint front door bright color and add shutters around windows do them in color to match door add color on the porch also.

  • Tina Shilling Tina Shilling on Feb 20, 2018

    Looked up your pictures.... I think it is wonderful just the way it is.... however, if you want to add to it... how about window boxes or white shutters?

  • Jlnatty Jlnatty on Feb 20, 2018

    Wow - what a great homesite you have. Have you taken a look at ideas on Pinterest? I just did a quick search and up popped some cool ideas here, including the first image of a porch on the top left that I think you could easily do to your porch. I also love the look of beefed up support pillars with chunky cross-bracing and the stone pillar supports - a lovely way to add mountain charm to your home. It reminds me of a ski chalet, I would play up those aspects if you like the look. Here's the link for starters:

    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/659988520363466648/?lp=true


    Might be worthwhile checking for decorators in your area who would be willing to give you a 30 minute consultation for a fixed fee and get some ideas from her or him, too -- see if you can find one that works on adding curb appeal to homes.

    • C dee C dee on Feb 20, 2018

      Oh thank you! You have brought me inspiration and focus. I love your ideas !

  • Eroque022810 Eroque022810 on Feb 20, 2018

    Took a look and yes front is plain because back is gorgeous. In fact inside is gorgeous. I would have porch stained. Add an outdoor rug for warmer weather and large plain planters to go with the style of the front of home that you can plant flowers in summer and add foliage from trees that surround home plus some artificial sprigs for interest in winter. I would paint the side door to match the home so it blends and doesn't distract eye. And to window on garage well it looks so small for that size home. It doesn't blend in and looks off. It appears to have a window box I would have a larger one plus add an arch but more of a squared off one not your typical arched rounded one. That's to enlarge window. In the summer I would plant something green to grow on the arch no flowers leave those for the planter. Once again tie that window box to planters in front of home. Oops I forgot color of porch poles if a light color paint them like home to just blend away and not draw eye to them but to decorated porch. But let me tell you the back is a stunner and that's where the drama and view is so they reversed the home. Most of us have the umph in ftont,OK not me I have no umph,but most homes have it in front but your home on that hill,come on would you trade the look in back for the front. No way. So just a few paint touches and an arch that you can make or by premade and assemble yourself and plants. As for the porch staining I would hire out.





  • Jlnatty Jlnatty on Feb 20, 2018

    You're welcome. I have a sister who moved 2 years ago to a suburb of Boise and I look forward to visiting her one day. They love it and the climate sounds much better than SE Wisconsin, LOL! Good luck with your project. You have a great home in beautiful surroundings. Take your cue from "The hills are alive with the sound of music..." Okay, LOL, I'm getting a little hokey :) You want something like "ski chalet western glam" - that's what I'd go for :)