lukki - Thanks for the compliment. I actually do like the front of the house. I just think it needs a boost, and I wish the front entrance were emphasized. The whole project started by me wanting nicer garage doors and to fix the step to the front entry which is too high. That morphed into wondering about painting trim and windows, and if you're going to add a step then why not improve the walkway, etc etc. I really don't want to get too crazy, just want it pulled together. Point well taken about the landscaping though. I agree getting that right will help a lot. That is not my forte; I just don't have a green thumb.

It's essentially a neo-Eclectic contemporary house, and it's not easy to turn it into anything else.

I know this goes into another direction and veers away from what you were originally asking but you did say your taste veers toward modern, simple clean lines, and not stark.

Anything Craftsman at all is not really modern or clean lined. I think the double hung windows look wrong on the house, they really should be casement. I redid the windows on the front façade, added one over the garage, squared up the arched portico beam and replaced the Doric column with a square post. I don't know if the newer front door is your addition or not, but it's not particularly "correct" for the house, either, and not clean lined, sorry. I also narrowed the existing driveway and put a planting strip in between the two sets of doors.

Beverly, thanks for your input. The reason I went from Clopay to Amarr (after getting quote from Hormann - too pricey), is that the windows on the Amarr are bigger. The Classica is in three sections not 4, so the windows are a third rather than fourth of the door. See the arched windows I posted above from Amarr. Do you like either of them? I toyed with faux wood for a long time but, in photos on my house, just didn't care for it. Yes it goes with the front door. I like the taupey gray that pulls the roof color. I think the faux wood doors look great on houses with siding or other brown tones though, but don't see it on mine.

Regarding a pergola/trellis, it's a look I love on garages with siding but can't find many examples on houses like mine with all brick. It could add a lot though and would certainly break up the expanse above the garage. I found one photo:

as an afterthought, if you are not liking all the brick, you could add some vinyl siding on a section and/or over the garage for interest (no green thumb here either) ;c)

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palimpsest - I really appreciate your photoshopping skills and time. It is what it is. I greatly prefer casement windows actually. My worry about them is how they look when open -- we are windows open people whenever possible. So they'll stick out - won't obstruct anything per se, but maybe won't look nice either. Also screams "unsecured house!" lol.

The front door was indeed an addition by me but it was a number of years ago an I just went with what I liked without thinking of what fit. I'm not at all opposed to changing it out.

You did all the changes with cream trim for contrast…what if it's all darker like the garage door color I started with? Will it look too monotone/boring?

I just captured the trim color from the eaves and used that. I think you could change the trim color to something dark, if you wanted. It won't highlight the entrance though.

Here are pictures of wall pergolas on brick buildings. Design of element should not be overly heavy. The nice thing about Clopay doors is that if you need a replacement panel for a door you purchased 25 years ago, Clopay can supply it. That is not the situation with the other door makers.

After what I saw the landscapers do to our yard last year, I do believe anything is possible.

The grass strip down the middle does look nice! It could also be hardy plants, like Stella d'oro daylilies or the like; whatever, be sure and put a little walkway up at the top where the car door would be, where that driver would always be stepping.

Here's a layout I saw similar to what I was thinking. I can't find any decent photos I like, though, so maybe it's not a popular Idea...

This isn't to make recommendations. It's just to give you an idea how landscaping will soften the house lines, how pulling the eye forward with landscaping gives depth to an otherwise flat facade, how darkening the driveway makes it recede, and maybe repeating the arches with the garage doors might look nice (although I still like the ones you chose).

I would recommend removing the tree in front of your pretty arched window. When leafed out, the tree just hides a nice feature. Maybe frame that section of your house with a climbing hydrangea or some kind of climbing greenery. I think the tree needs to go out somewhere in the front yard away from the house to pull the landscape forward. Also, the exterior lights need more size or contrast or sparkle.

Wasn't sure if the sidewalk would be part of your driveway treatment, so I left it alone.

awm…fabulous! thank you so much! That helps an awful lot. I agree that the tree in front of the window will go. I was on the fence about putting another tree in front but now see how much it draws the eye forward. Re-doing the walkway involves lengthening it and I think it will have the effect that you created. I wasn't sure about darkening the driveway, since then it stands out against the concrete street and sidewalk, but in your rendering looks nice. Wow, awesome! I'm excited!

I think you need an additional landing for your entrance that is as wide as the first landing. At least five feet deep. It would bring the entrance forward. I think you would benefit from doing away with the current path to the door.You will be changing the step so I suggest a total redo. The current landscaping is not doing you a lot of good. There is the matter of silly wavy borders. Then there are the rocks. I like boxwood but it seems as if some are planted too close to the house. I hope your designer has included landscape lighting.

One thing no one has mentioned is the possibility of replacing your current column with a brick column. I am neither for or against the idea. I just think you should consider everything.

When I first saw that craftsman column I was surprised. It seemed so out of place. Then Beverly came by mentioning that it was a good idea. If she and your architect both think it is a good fit then I now I reconsider. Maybe you could ask your architect why he thinks it would be an improvement.

There is one thing that I really dislike in the plan. I do not like the planter box as he positioned it. I believe it could interfere with the view of the entrance.

You have a lovely home

emmarene - thank you. Agree with adding more depth to the entrance. I was not sure about the need to re-do the whole walkway so your opinion is helpful. I never cared for the maintenance aspect of mulch but it looks much better than rocks (maybe a mixture is ok?)

The architect went with craftsman-style improvements just to do something cohesive. He saw my front door and asked if I like this style and went with it. I also do not like the planter box stuck out in the middle of the yard how he did it. I wanted a stone (brick?) base on a new column, and then have it extend forward in sort of a low garden wall lining that side of the walk for 4 or 5'. But he said that the current concrete entrance may not support the weight of a stone base. But I think you could use a veneer product. Don't know if the low wall idea makes sense. I visualize sitting on it and watching folks walking through the neighborhood (it's an active place). I do like the long shadow planter he spec'd.

For Beverly and others that suggested wood-look doors, here are samples:

This stain for this door is too dark, and selections like this are best made in concert with all the rest of the items to be selected. Frames around windows should be painted bronze if you decide to go in this direction.

I really like what amw has done... changes with landscaping and garage doors, trim and walkway would do so much to improve the exterior!

having had stained real wood garage doors on a previous house, I wouldn't recommend them unless you're the type of person who can't enough of home maintenance projects! I think a grayish color with a similar trim color as shown would look very nice!

I would significantly increase the size of the garage lights...

i wouldn't add a strip in driveway... you would have to irrigate it or regularly water it... and it would limit parking options on your driveway if people are visiting, etc and people are bound to be driving over it through the years... I have learned through the yrs some people have real challenges just backing up in a straight line!!

I would keep current door and sidelights/transom but would probably paint the front door to a deeper and/or brighter color....

I love AWM's garage doors. I would not worry about the stamped driveway, that would blow your budget and having that strip cut out would look nice but would not be a happy planter and you would probably find that you wished you could put the concrete back with in a year.

I would look to add to the landing of the entry door way, paint the ceiling in a light color to reflect some light back on your pretty door. Move the arch forward (I would probably add a second post to give it some drama. And then add a second step on the way to the walk. I love some of the landscape ideas and think they would work well. I also "painted" the brick a with a wash to make the door stand out. but that might not bee needed once the ceiling and landing changed.

Sorry about the quickie PS job, I have to get going this morning

Beverly- I agree it's too dark. Everything does need to be chosen to work together. Making those choices is my problem!

busybee and kippy - I agree about the center grass strip. I think it would not end up with full lush grass, or plantings, without a lot of help. With our climate (midwest) it would be unhappy and there is no good way to irrigate it except by hand. I agree that real wood doors are a no-go, again partially due to our harsh seasonal climate.

I wouldn't stamp the driveway, but rather stain it darker. The landscaper says he can do this and it's not too costly. Again, will see his proposal on Tuesday.

The roof over the front door area is already white. Moving the arch forward and extending that roof area I bet will be costly but I like the idea. I know we'll extend the landing. I like another column (prefer a square one rather than the colonial round). Will discuss with the designer.

What does everything think of a more contemporary looking pergola like this one? Is a pergola too cottage-y for the style of house? I like the sort of industrial looking brackets.

keeping with the arch motif - how about these lights? They are one step bigger than the current ones. Arroyo Craftsman Evergreen EB12. Pricey at 514 each x 5, but I might be able to find something similar for less.

Agree with Pal and others who suggested clean, modern lines and staying away from Craftsman additions which really don't work with the house. I think the walkway should follow that idea as well.

I personally wouldn't go with a pergola above your garage..... I think I would go 2 sizes larger for the garage lights...

Busybee - Current lights are about 13" high x 8" d x 8 wide. Next step larger in Arroyo brand is 15.13" x 14 d x 12 w. Two steps bigger is 19.5 x 19.5 x 16 wide. I will have to measure the space outside and visualize the biggest ones...

Would also do an engaged column opposite the single porch column. (Engaged, as up against the brick, less width than the existing column----how much less you'd either have to play with or get an architect to spec it according to the height, width, and proximity to the other one, as well as the mass of the brick wall it would engage.)

Are your windows vinyl or wood trim on the exterior? Can they be painted? I would make sure they can, before moving ahead with your plans for darker trim and garage doors. The darker garage doors with windows will look great, but you may need to stick with light trim if the windows have to stay white.

I am not a fan of adding craftsman details or lighting to your house. I think your house is is more neo-Georgian, but it sounds like you want to take it in a more simple, straight line, transitional direction.

I like the ideas of extending out the front entry steps; replacing the round column with a larger, square column; staining the driveway; bringing the sidewalk forward and extending it to the road; adding landscaping and low brick walls.

I think the front gable with the double garage would look nice with a window, but since that's not practical, what about a simple, large, tall decorative gable vent to replace the little oval one?

http://www.gable-vents.com/vertical-louver-w-trim-25-x-37-x-2.html

jlc712 - the windows are vinyl. A painter I've used several times and who does quality work says they can be painted and it holds up fine. Of course, I can't just paint the front ones, they need to be painted all around the house. For me if comes down to whether it's worth it to paint them or incur the significant cost of just replacing them (to casements or double hung). Don't think my budget can absorb that at this time.

Could you give me an example of a light you would suggest that goes with the house?

Vent is a good idea. I hate the idea of another fake / nonfunctional thing up there, but it does seem plain otherwise. Scale would be better with a bigger one.

Progress Lighting P5999-31 1-Light Large Lantern 11" with Water Patterned Glass · More Info

Artcraft Lighting Hampton Transitional Outdoor Hanging Light X-KB5778CA · More Info

Dunnmore Wall Lantern (5-3453-BK) · More Info

I like the last one the most.

What about refacing the center gable wall with a stone - white would push it forward visually.

jlc - thanks for the light samples.

Thanks Marti for your photoshopping. I like the stone accents. Maybe instead of that whole section, could I use that stone to frame/highlight the windows? And then maybe add it to the base of the sections in between the garage doors? Would that look silly? And maybe incorporate it into the new front entrance area/low wall that I want to do on the left side. Could you photoshop something like that?

Hmmmm .... keeping the budget low

I agree that you can't shove it into "craftsman": when it's midwestern semi-colonial transitional something. But using bits of craftsman styling because they reflect the shape of an arch is OK.

Your "curb appeal" should start at the curb ...

1 - Make the entry way more prominent with a short brick wall with
lighted posts, a brick post and wood rail fence, or some evergreen hedging to
create a small courtyard effect.

Make the courtyard all the way out to the place where the little lights are, and straight over to the driveway ... making the entry look more important will balance the massive garage wall-o-doors.

Your foundation planting needs to be much larger and start much closer to the curb - the green meatballs are not doing anything for the house. . Again, adding visual weight to the left side.

DELETED about tree, because you say it's going. A couple of small trees (whatever blooms in spring, has good fall foliage and can survive - magnolia? Japanese maples? anything but that danged Bradford pear) outside the courtyard would look good.

Landscape the courtyard to look good from the front door and front window well as the street ...

2 - the garage doors with the arched windows, but lighter. As a quick fix, faux wood stain or just paint and faux windows ...

3 - darker trim. The skinny stripe of white along the eaves is strange.

4 - Bigger lights - the black squares

5 - A faux window above the garage door to make it look like part of the house?

===========

Rough hack ... red is the extent of the new entry area

Can someone mock up some plain decorative gable trim? The space above the garage is screaming for something and I think adding the pergola is beautiful but it may just accentuate the blank space above it.

Here are some ideas: [https://www.houzz.com/photos/gable-trim-phbr0lbl-bl~l_40109[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/gable-trim-phbr0lbl-bl~l_40109)

Hi MetroEast. I just popped in for a moment before I have to leave. I'll try for a mock up when I get back. Could you find a picture with the kind of wall you want? I do think the more you do to the garage, the more prominent it will look.

I agree that your driveway is a huge distraction. Here are two different treatments, both visually pleasing.

Palm Beach Estate · More Info

Another example. I've seen this treatment in a magazine, I think, but the scale was much larger, 12-15" diagonal squares. It was beautiful!

Kettelkamp & Kettelkamp Landscape Architecture · More Info

This photo reminds me of hair transplant plugs☺

LOL, yes, it is growing on me too. I didn't think I'd like it but I do. Also, on the way to town today, I noticed a house with wide trim around their windows and thought of you.

This is what I meant when I was talking about another landing and one path to the sidewalk and another to the driveway. As opposed to what many of us have, a mish mash of concrete because it was not done all at the same time. I think a path to the door, even if it rarely gets used, will draw the eye to the garden side of your yard and away from massive driveway. Here is another pic

Forgive my lack of skill. It is just to show you how I think an additional landing would make this area more important. The green is used to indicate planting area, thats all.I did not intend for the landing to extend that far down.

Emma- I get your idea. My neighbor did something like this and it does look good. Agree with the additional landing - that's definitely going to happen. I'm going to snap a photo of what my neighbor did and post.

bpath - glad you like the stone. It's a definite possibility. I also found a product called Decoramould, decorative pieces that look like cast concrete which can be used to frame windows and doors. There are all kinds of shapes and even can be made to match the radius of any arc. Trying to post a sample photo but computer's not cooperating.

To me I think the stone around the garage portion of the house looks like the driveway is creeping up onto the house, or that it's exposed foundation. I know it's very popular to do a high water pants band of stone around the bottom of the house, particularly starting in the period that this house was built, but I think the house is kind of lucky to have escaped it the first time. Random stone put here and there as a decorative applique of sorts has no real "structural" basis, so it doesn't make a lot of sense if you think about it. It's actually completely appropriate to your style of house since so many people do it, but there is really nothing wrong or boring with a house made of one primary material. Plus, stone at the foundation area doesn't really address a bigger issue of the garage which is that large expanse brick in the gable end above the doors. I think you would get a much bigger bang for your buck sorting out the landscaping and trying to reduce the impact of the giant driveway, and leaving the house pretty much as is.

I agree completely with pal. I've been following this thread wondering why the need to correct anything besides the driveway and landscaping. Yes, lights could be bigger and garage doors could be changed. But extra brickwork, pergolas, a new door--I just don't see what the problem is that all that will supposedly solve. Seems you want to throw away $20-30,000 because you'd rather be in a different house. Most people would love to have your home.

May - Believe me, no desire to toss away hard (hard) earned funds. I just want to do it right (the current landscaping was done by us when we moved in and you can see it's…well, not right.) I love my neighborhood, love the location, and the interior works just great for us. I just want to add some character and curb appeal and yes I have a longstanding complex involving wishing for side-load garage doors.

Landscaping/gardening's never been my thing. I consult with so called experts (like the architect) and pay for their time but always seem to be disappointed by their advice. That bums me out! I ultimately get better ideas with my own exhaustive houzz/pinterest searches, and by posting here.

I think it has plenty of character and curb appeal--that's my point. You can't remove the garage, but by trying to compensate for it, you're adding more "stuff" to the house itself when you say you prefer clean, simple lines. I would redo the driveway and the walkway as I think you'll get the most bang there. You could even keep the current beds--the shape looks fine to my eye--and change out the plants for a few hundred dollars. I'll be interested in what the landscaper suggests.

A good landscaping design can minimize or draw your eye away from many problem areas. I would get a good designer to draw up a plan and implement it before I changed anything else. A good landscape designer should also be able to do hardscaping or have someone who does, if that is needed. After that, you may have a very different feel for the direction you want to pursue.

The way to deal with front facing garages is to allocate a budget for garage doors that is proportional to their mass compared to the overall front facade. Garage door tend to be an afterthought when people build a house.

We replaced the generic doors on our front garages with custom doors from the company below. As soon as they went up we had people stop their cars and comment on how that "small" change made such a difference to the overall look of the house. We also removed the large asphalt drive and replaced it with pavers. The site has lots of photos that might give you some ideas.

http://www.ranchhousedoors.com/Default.aspx