Asked on Aug 17, 2015
Inspiration needed for front of house facelift
by
Jean
+18
When we removed 2 large evergreens from our front yard, we realized that our 70's built house lacks personality - we are thinking of taking out the sidewalk, extending the porch, rearranging the pillars & twinning them and extending the landscaping around the newly extended porch. We need to replace the roof soon, so we were thinking of charcoal grey, and new darker shutters. Our brick is a creamy taupe color - Any ideas for surface changes, colors or landscaping ideas?
12 answers
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I would paint the shutters and front door a brighter color. I would remove/transplant the bush nearest the front door. I would move the wreath to the left side of the door. I would plant more of the little "Christmas tree" evergreens all along the porch and keep them pruned to not grow higher than the bottom of the windows. I would add a seating area perhaps with rockers and small table (in coordinating color of shutters etc.) on the left where the wreath "used" to be. You could have plants in colorful pots and the porch that you could move as you like.
Debbie
on Aug 17, 2015
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I would do the house charcoal grey. The shutters black, but the window frames white. The posts black and the front door bright burgundy red. But, I would add white or black frame around the door. Creamy taupe brick would look great. What planting zone are you? Get some colorful plants... not just green. Red japanese maples, smokebush, etc. Depends on your tastes... Tropical? Country?
Emily
on Aug 17, 2015
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When replacing the roof remember that dark colors absorb heat, light colors reflect heat. Most people don't think it matters but I'm a former roofer and I can tell you that dark colors get really hot up there!
Joe Smith
on Aug 17, 2015
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besides painting the exterior of the house you must decide on curb appeal. I feel a focal point is needed to draw the eye to the house.Once you decide on that other ideas should come to mind. Try for instance to add color.Besides flowers there are many conifers that will do that. Houzz website or better gardens has inspirational ideas.
Janet Pizaro
on Aug 17, 2015
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No worries about that. The color of the house does not matter on your landscape.If you decide to paint or not.Depending on your hardiness zone there are many options. If you need further advice I know a lot about landscaping. I managed a garden department for twelve years as well worked with paint.Let me know willing to help with a challenge
Janet Pizaro
on Aug 17, 2015
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I would make a larger porch with larger post and rails. Then add great flower beds. Tall plants on right end with a curve bed on this area. Add curve beds so the bed will also add better design than straight beds. Enjoy your new home!
Lelia Swain
on Aug 18, 2015
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Thats a great idea. I only other thing I would do is expand the gardens,Maples have a large root system so you need to plant them away from the house as much as possible. Keep me posted.
Janet Pizaro
on Aug 18, 2015
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start by enlarging the front porch outward from the house. Then enlarge the columns I would go with a stacked faux stone and wood paneled column( think craftsman style) carry this through with all new larger darker shutters ( deep charcoal gray) I would paint the house a taupe collor just a deeper shade than you have now.( Lowe's Lyndhurst mushroom) looks great with gray and red accents. Paint the front door a red or blue to make it pop out. then put in low growing grasses(aztec) and spreading junipers( blue) You can then add seasonal color with perennial bedding plants. seating on the porch and colorful pillows and you are ready for guests.
Karlotta Stephenson Brown
on Aug 18, 2015
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Since the front of your home seems to be shaded, I would make sure to use color that 'POPS" on the shutters and another bright color on the door - beef up the pillars. You have a large porch so can jazz it up with patio furniture, flowers in colorful pots, pillows, etc. I would probably use lattice (or cool screen dividers) on one end to create a private space. Good luck. I agree with the curved flowerbeds comment - they look SO MUCH better than the straight across ones. Hopefully, you will be able to replant the shrubs you remove in your new flower beds (or somewhere else)...lessons learned the hard way - allow more space in your garden beds than you think you will need.
Arlene Fitzpatrick
on Aug 18, 2015
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In the dream picture the steps in front don't lead any where. Would you curve a walk around to the garage or how do people get into your house looks like there is driveway on both side of house or is that street in second picture. Curves would soften the angles that idea I like.
Betty Miller
on Aug 18, 2015
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I think that's a good plan. I would do that part first then take another look before you paint to decide. Will depend on what stone color you use in the stone work. Get that done then think about house color. The curves will really change the look. I would carry the curves in the walk to the driveway not just in front of door area. May just need shudders to pop with color.
Betty Miller
on Aug 18, 2015
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Hi Jean, your house is a little different than the suggested image attached but something to maybe help spark ideas. We offer a free consultation on home design at our blog www.homeideashq.com (I'm owner and architect) just for this very reason - generate ideas, provide cost estimates, and give you some more perspective into the project. We can very easily help you visualize what a change in color, roofing, etc would look like. Some real opportunity you have with a beautiful house! Good Luck.
Home Ideas HQ
on Sep 14, 2015
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