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Need help with design on exterior remodel

15 years ago

Our house was hit by hail and we are replacing siding, windows, fascia, soffits and front door.

I'm looking for help with our house re-design. We are replacing our siding with James Hardiplank Colorplus. Our windows will be Marvin Ultimate Double Hung and James Hardie Trim and Soffits. We are really struggling with colors and how to trim out our windows. We want to get rid of the semi-circle arch but not sure what to replace them with? Just square trim out?

Here is the picture of the house in current state: Link

Here is the door that we are looking at (with regular glass): Link

Anyone have any advice?

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Comments (6)

Jon1270
15 years ago
Like this?
chrisk327
15 years ago
I would square out the trim like done in the previous post. I'd consider changing the color of the siding but thats just me.

If it were me, I'd also consider adding a covered entryway. Just a thought to dress things up a bit and provide some cover. I don't have one and when we remodel we're going to put in a full front porch.

Im not sure what you guys need, its a nice house, but could use a few things to dress up the front.
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I wouldn't replace the bay window for what will be a fairly small difference in appearance, unless it is otherwise defective. It won't be that noticeable if the trim is painted a less obtrusive color, and when there is landscaping in place so that there is something else to look at. It only stands out now because of the trim and lack of landscaping. It's expensive to replace a large window and that money would be put to better use on other changes.
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Jon1270
15 years ago
Had to move the pic I posted above to a different host...
busybme
15 years ago
That's good photoshopping, jon.

To my eyes, that particular door looks a bit 'craftsman' for your colonial house. Maybe with the plain glass, the shaker-type vibe would go away, though. It is a beautiful door.

You have nice wide trim around your windows currently. You could add header trim to those to help them look finished off.

Also, I would double the size of your front porch lights. Go for big impact. Perhaps a larger trim header for the door area, as well. No half-moons...something simple but larger in scale than what is there now.

Maybe you could use the taller header trim on the door to post your house numbers on, even.

If budget allows, adding an architectural element such as a gabled roof over the porch would go a long way.

Maybe a few window boxes filled with colorful plants and greenery. Not on all the windows, but just enough to break it up a bit.

What colors are you attracted to?

Maybe that nice jon will visit here again and work his photoshop magic for us?

Sandy
giffney
15 years ago
I agree with busybme, unless you gabled the entry and added some craftsman looking architectural details, which could end up odd looking, I think you should stick with the colonial/federal style of your house. I know it's hard. I am trying to do the same thing with my house right now. I have a similar post here.

I was going to say adding shutters would help but there are so many windows and not much space between them that I am not sure that would even work. And again, style doesn't fit your house. You have a very pretty house. I think I would spend my money doing a bit of landscaping to soften the front of your house. Two nice crepe myrtle or cherry trees along a front walk? Just a thought. Good luck!
msjay2u
15 years ago
I think all federal houses are crying for a portico. What do you think of these looks?

{{!gwi}}

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Here is a link that might be useful: wonder if you can find these in the US?

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