With a low budget, how can I turn a plain ranch house with vinyl siding into a country cottage look?
-
Lori J on Sep 06, 2012An 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.Helpful Reply
-
-
Cindy Mink on Sep 06, 2012I 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!Helpful Reply
-
-
AK Complete Home Renovations on Sep 06, 2012The 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."Helpful Reply
-
-
Michela M on Sep 06, 2012Actually, 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. <3Helpful Reply
-
-
Miriam Illions on Sep 08, 2012Michela, 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/diy/-3xaug0ad9vHelpful Reply
-
-
Michela M on Sep 08, 2012Miriam (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.Helpful Reply
-
-
Miriam Illions on Sep 09, 2012Thank 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.Helpful Reply
-
-
Michela M on Sep 09, 2012Miriam, 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? :)Helpful Reply
-
-
Miriam Illions on Sep 10, 2012Oh, that sounds amazing! If i'm ever in Athens, OH I will come see it:)Helpful Reply
-
-
Hamtil Construction LLC on Sep 10, 2012Michela, 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/products/Helpful Reply
-
-
John Temmel Siding Guy on Sep 11, 2012Hello! 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!Helpful Reply
-
-
Michela M on Sep 16, 2012Thank 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....Helpful Reply
-
-
Hamtil Construction LLC on Sep 16, 2012You'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 HamtilHelpful Reply
-
-
Lindcurt on Jun 17, 2015That stone accent panel was a wonderful suggestion. I'm saving that one. An arbor with a curved top and some climbing roses would be my suggestion. Always wanted one with some stone pillars to hold it up. Maybe someday.Helpful Reply
-
Related Discussions
Vinyl plank flooring vs pergo (laminate)
I currently have stinky dirty carpeting in my living room and I want to replace it with a durable flooring that can stand up to dogs and kids.
How to remove popcorn ceiling that has been painted?
Does having a paint over a popcorn ceiling change how I'd remove the popcorn ceiling?
How to apply peel and stick wallpaper?
I want to spruce up my walls with peel-and-stick wallpaper. Has anyone used this before and can advise me as to how to apply it properly?
How to stain wood floor?
I've heard staining is a good technique for updating floors. So how do I stain my wood floor?
1952 Cape Cod.
I need some advise on what I can do to improve the looks of my house. I need door, window and landscape suggestions. The house will remain white as I am on a budget. ... See more
How can I make this hidden door more hidden and less hideous?
I have a hidden door though it doesn't look so hidden at the moment and I like the appeal of a hidden door. We do need to use the door, but not often. This is in a b... See more