Changing a front entrance from first to second floor

8 years ago

We are considering buying a home with a first floor front entry but changing it to a second floor front entry as shown in these (very elaborate) photos. However, we would like to render it in a more contemporary style on a painted brick exterior. I have been unable to find photo examples in a more contemporary style. I am asking for photos and advice. Thanks!

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Vith

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Perhaps you could incorporate metal railings/posts and/or stained wood. Also possibly, glass panels instead of railings. Glass panels and stained wood sounds like modern farmhouse to me.

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Comments (9)

brendapaw
Original Author
8 years ago
Another photo of what I mean. We actually like this more sheltered stairway. However, every example I find is very trimmed out/gingerbread-y, gracious Southern, low country. We want something like the style called Modern Farmhouse here on Houzz.
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Ok! With the added information that there is a beach nearby and a baby in the works I highly recommend you plan this space with the idea it is going to a beautiful space to dump things out of your hands as soon as possible when you walk through that door, including the baby! You are going to be coming through that door with baby, stroller, umbrella, diaper bags, toys, towels, flip flops sand on your feet. You are not going to want to bring one bit of that upstairs, except the baby (with sand cleaned off). Fortunately it appears you have the garage right there off-loading umbrellas and such (will you have a washer-dryer there?) but I think you will still want to keep essential items like the stroller in that room, along with a place to stow baby necessities, all out of sight. (You are not going to want to walk back upstairs to get things you need you accidentally forgot) I wouldn't rule out investing in a beautiful old armoire for just that purpose, because it can be cheaper than new cabinets and you can paint it whatever you like. Some of these huge old armoires and wardrobes are incredibly cheap because most people have no space for them anymore. This one is $1500 (in California, alas). You don't need anything this big, but you can find something wonderful -- modern or coastal, whatever you prefer -- that doesn't say "mudroom" or something more coastal that would look great with a coat of favorite color paint And of course you will want a safe place to seat the baby and yourselves,
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Susan
8 years ago
What Vith said.

The design you like can be tricked out as contemporary by using glass panels and cables instead of the gingerbread stuff.

Painted brick is a favorite of mine, but I never thought of using it in a contemporary design-- i'll have to go look at some.

Interesting that a metal roof is already in use in the examples, as I was going to suggest one also.
brendapaw thanked Susan
Susan
8 years ago
This incorporates painted bricks and columns, you would have to play with the column proportions on your design to get something like it maybe.

I like the colour scheme a lot too.

http://interiordesignlighting.com/exterior-house-painting-ideas/exterior-house-painting-ideas-brick-house/
brendapaw thanked Susan
brendapaw
Original Author
8 years ago
Love that! Thanks Suz and Vith. I'd put up a photo of the house we would change but we don't own it yet, making an offer. Built into the side of a hill so it has a two story elevation on the front and one story on the back facing a pool.

Changed my mind, here's the listing http://www.georgiamls.com/1416-Grandma-Branch-Rd/SF/7449708# we'll see if Houzz allows links.

The current "front" door enters into the casual family area/game/viewing room. My vision is to create an entrance on what appears to be the second floor from the front and open up the back of the house with huge windows so you see the view immediately when you walk in.
MongoCT
8 years ago
I'm not sure what you're planning on doing with the existing fist-floor entry, but if you plan on abandoning it, I'd go to your local code officials and talk to them first to clear any possible issues with code-compliant egress.

The houses you show photos of are pier construction in some sort of flood plain. The "first floor" of those houses appears to be storage space and not technically living space.
brendapaw thanked MongoCT
Fori
8 years ago
Those houses are lovely in spite of having to have their living level above the garage, not because of it. Without the justification of storm surge (or total lack of parking, SF style), it wouldn't make much sense. However, check out the homes on Galveston Island for some inspiration.

Get a really good modern architect for this one!
brendapaw thanked Fori
lauren_doran
6 years ago
Curious if you went through with this renovation idea. How does it look? How well does it function?
Texasfrances
last year
Hi! I'm curious as to where you got the photo that has the stairs going to the front door that are sheltered by the upper deck/porch. And also interested in what you ended up doing. I'm looking at moving the front entrance to my home and it has to be on the upper level because my home is split level and built into a mountain. TIA!

Changing a front entrance from first to second floor

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Changing a front entrance from first to second floor

Vith

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